Items for Sale - Prisoner of War & Civilian Flag of Truce - Section One - Item#19902
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Item# 19902

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: US 65, 3¢ rose tied target cancel with matching Point Lookout Aug 21 ‘64 double-circle cancel, neat clear type IIb octagonal examined marking on cover to “Mrs. Virginia Keeling Care of Maj. Gates or the Commanding Officer at Bernard’s Mill near Suffolk, Va.” signed “J.S. Gates, Maj. 20th NY“ with significant amount of interesting penned content both front and back to addressee. At far left is penned “Head Quarters, Bowers Hill Va. Sept 19/64” and then “Capt. Ford, Please send this letter to Mr. Riddick at Suffolk, J. S. Gates, Maj. 20th NYT” and finally, in different hand, “Pass this outside … F. Ford, Col. Commandg Outpost.” He tells “Cousin Jennie” that “The letters were open when they got here,” talks about “the Yanks,” and is signed “Effa.” A most interesting use from a prisoner to a Union-held area of Virginia. Ex Benson. $400.

Jacob S. Gates was 25 when he enlisted August 3, 1863, at Sacketts Harbor, NY, as a captain. He was commissioned into Company D, New York 20th Cavalry, Norfolk & Portsmouth Brigade, District of Eastern Virginia, Army of the James. By April 1, 1865, he held the rank of Lt. Col. He mustered out July 31, 1865, at Manchester, Va.

Price: $400