2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Rare War-Date Prisoner of State Autograph Letter Signed, “Chas. C. Lacy” 1p. folio, Alton, Illinois Military Prison, September 12, 1862, and reads in part: “...I write to inform you that I have been transfered from Gratiot Street Military Prison to this place. I arrived here night before last and I can say that I like it much better than Gratiot Street as we have plenty room for exercise and better fare. I found none of the boys here. Bro. Pete has gone off on the exchange. Tell Coz Hannah and Aunt Harriet to be easy about the boys as they have gone. I left John, Daniel at St. Louis. I am in very good health at present and hope it may continue...There are a great many boys I know here. Eddie Murphy & Ed. Rizer are both here. Bob says if it did not trouble you all too much he would like to have a pair of pans, a shirt and a pr. of socks. If you send them up you can put me in 1/2 doz collars and a couple of blankets or comforts one for me and one for Bob. They will have to be sent by Express and you might as well send all at once...Tell Uncle Jim I would like for him to ascertain what the charges are against me and let me know. I have never had a trial. I rec’d the money & c just as I was leaving...Tell Soph. Tide has gone...” Reinforced folds, VG. Gratiot Street Military Prison in St. Louis was originally McDowell Medical College. It was appropriated by the Federal military authorities at the beginning of the war for use as a military prison, and to it were committed from time to time captured Confederate soldiers, Southern sympathizers, and those charged with being ‘bushwhackers’ spies, and others.
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