LIBBY PRISON, RICHMOND, VA: immaculate cover with manuscript "By Flag of Truce" and "Prisoner's Letter" notations at top to John A. Rockwell, Norwich, Conn., postmarked OLD POINT COMFORT VA NOV 14 (1863) double-circle with Due 3 straightline handstamp, Very Fine. The cover was sent from Lt. Rockwell to his mother in Connecticut with the original printed enclosure "The Libby Prison Minstrels" playbill showing the lighter side of prison life. The playbill is dated Christmas Eve, "Thursday Evening, December 24th, 1863" and sender appears on playbill for a Violin and Flute Duet. (Lt. Rockwell). Very showy offering on award-winning exhibit page of Galen Harrison. LL $1,600.

Joseph Perkins Rockwell (1843-1885) was 19 years old when he enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 18, 1862, as a sergeant major from Norwich, Ct. He was variously promoted to 1st lieut., 2nd lieut., and captain. He was taken prisoner at Winchester, Va., on June 15, 1863, and confined at Macon, Ga. Records show him wounded June 6, 1864 but paroled December 10, 1864 from Macon, which seems to be inaccurate or a piece of info missing. He served in Field & Staff on the 18th Connecticut Infantry.