Libby Prison Inmate Letter, 1864
Item — item: 1
Scope and Contents note
This anonymous letter, written December 18, 1864, by an inmate of Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia and addressed to United States Senator William Wright of New Jersey, is an urgent plea for the senator’s intercession in obtaining the inmate’s exchange for a Confederate officer imprisoned for an unknown offence in West Virginia and for whom he himself is being held hostage, and his release from prison. The writer describes his failing health after several months as a general prisoner of war followed by the deprivations of close confinement, and his fears that without release he will not survive; he closes ‘With Great Respect,’ but his signature is missing from the torn lower edge of the page.
Dates
- 1864
Restrictions on Access
This material is open for research.
Conditions Governing Access
Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.1 Linear Feet (1 letter)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Unknown (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas Repository
Contact:
Fondren Library MS-44, Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston Texas 77005 USA
woodson@rice.edu
Fondren Library MS-44, Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston Texas 77005 USA
woodson@rice.edu