(Old Point Comfort to Baltimore Route 4973) Richland Jail, Columbia S.C., cover with "Old Point Comfort Va. Jan 21" cds and "Due 6" in circle handstamp to Hannover Pa., carried by Route 4973 from Old Point Comfort to Baltimore, manuscript "Examined R.D. Senn Capt. Gd." examiner's marking at left, endorsed "For Flag of Truce" at top, with original letter datelined "Richland Prison, Columbia S.C. Dec. 13, 1863"; cover with few light creases, Fine, Harrison records 39 covers for Richland Jail. Estimate  $1,000 - 1,500. Letter was from Lt. Charles L. Bittinger from Company D of the 76th Pennsylvania Infantry. Bittinger was wounded and captured at Gettysburg and sent to Richland Jail in Columbia, S.C. He mentions, "Our Gov. has sent to that to that place some ten thousand suits, for the clothing of our destitute soldiers in confinement there. We have heard that the Rev. H. Clay Trumbull, Champlain of the 10th Conn. Regt. has reached his home in Hartford, Conn.; and that the letters we entrusted to his care have been forwarded by him to their respective destinations… Do not forget to enclose a dime for postage through the Confederacy…". $0 (Image)

(Old Point Comfort to Baltimore Route 4973) Richland Jail, Columbia S.C., with "Old Point Comfort Va Oct 3" cds and matching "Due 6" circled rating handstamp on wallpaper cover with floral design in pale bluish gray, addressed to a Col. Otis in Manchester Ct., manuscript examiner's mark and endorsed "Prisoner of War's Letter" at top, original Sept. 7, 1863 datelined enclosure from Chaplain H.C. Trumbull; flap opened for display, Very Fine and choice, Harrison records 39 covers for Richland Jail. Estimate  $5,000 - 7,500. AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE SOUTHERN PRISON WALLPAPER USE CARRIED ALONG STEAMBOAT ROUTE 4973 TO BALTIMORE. Letters from Union officers imprisoned at Richland County Jail in Columbus S.C. were taken through the lines under "Flag of Truce" agreements to be carried north from Old Point Comfort on Route 4973 operated by the Baltimore Steam Packet Co.Letter concerns recount of Chaplain Trumbull's capture at Fort Wagner and reads, "Doubtless you were surprised to learn of our capture when you returned to, or heard from, your command. We can assure you it greatly surprised us. On Sunday, July 19th, just before noon at the suggestion of Maj. Greely and with the approbation of Lt. Col. Leggett, I went out into the field before Wagner to aid the wounded who were then being removed…." He goes on to state only ten minutes later they were held for 7 hours of consultation and then sent to South Carolina. $0 (Image)