2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Albumen photograph, 6-1/2”x9”, of a drawing entitled “LIBBY PRISON - As it appeared Aug. 23, 1863.” Tents for guards in foreground, soldiers on parade in rear, group posed in front (possibly Gen. Winder) , Confederate flag on roof. Mounted to heavy stock. Fine. Libby Prison was a Confederate Prison at Richmond, Virginia, during the American Civil War. It gained an infamous reputation for the harsh conditions under which prisoners from the Union Army were kept. The prison was located in a three-story brick warehouse on Tobacco Row. Prior to use as a jail, the warehouse had been leased by Capt. Luther Libby and his son George W. Libby. They operated a ship's chandlery and grocery business. Libby Prison, used only for Union officers, opened in 1861. It contained eight rooms, each 103 by 42 feet (31.4 by 12.5 metres). Lack of sanitation and overcrowding caused the death of many prisoners between 1863 and 1864. Because of the high death toll, Libby Prison is generally regarded as second in notoriety only to Andersonville Prison in Georgia. In 1864, the Union prisoners were moved to Macon, Georgia, and Libby Prison was then used for Confederate military criminals.
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