Union Prisoner of War Describes His Capture at Bull Run

Publication Date: 1861

About this Item

Fine content A.L.S., 4pp. 4to., Richmond, Nov. 12, 1861, from Union soldier Albert L. Graves to his mother and sibling. He writes as a prisoner of war and describes the circumstances of his capture during the First Battle of Bull Run, in small part: ". In your last letter you asked me to give what particulars I knew in regards to corporal Rice. While we were engaged in the action he was shot through one leg just above the ankle by a round musket ball which broke one of the bones and lodged in the other ankle. He turned around and started to go over the hill our of the range of the balls which were then hissing through the air as thick as hail. Streeter saw him staggering along making but very poor progress and went to his assistance. By this time he had got too weak to walk and I happened to look around and saw his situation and immediately started to help Streeter. we picked him up and carried him a mile and a half to Sudley's Church which was used for a hospital where we were joined by Fife and Wheeler. Fife picked the ball out of his leg with my Bowie knife. I went and got several blankets and made him a good bed and then we went out to follow the retreating army which had passed us on the way but had only got into the yard when several 'sesesh' cavalry rode up and ordered us to throw down our arms and surrender to Jeff Davis. It was impossible to do anything else so we gave ourselves up." He goes on to describe letters he has received from family, and adds a post-script at the end instructing that his mail be directed to Richmond through Gen. Winder at Fort Monroe. Although it is not stated in the text, his status as a prisoner of war held in Richmond at this early date in the war indicates that he was held at the infamous Libby Prison. Shows original mailing folds with a minor split thereto at the left edge, with minor spots of soiling, else very good. Seller Inventory # 203836055698

Bibliographic Details

Title: Union Prisoner of War Describes His Capture ...

Publication Date: 1861

Binding: No Binding

Condition: Very Good