RICHLAND JAIL, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: outgoing prisoner of war cover to Eugene R. Payne, Tonawanda, Erie, Co[unty] N.Y., with "Old Point Comfort, Va." cds and Due 3 handstamp, with manuscript "Exam, R.D. Senn, Capt. Guard" examiner at left and “Prisoner of War letter By Flag of Truce from Richmond Care Genl Winder at Richmond” at top; cover slightly reduced at the top, a rare use from Richland Jail, with ONLY 39 COVERS RECORDED IN HARRISON. Sent by Lewis S. Payne who was asserted as the “CIVIL WAR’S MOST FAMOUS SCOUT.” Article in the 3Q 2018 issue of Kelleher’s Stamp Collectors Quarterly. $2,500.

Lewis S. Payne (1819-1898) Payne answered the patriotic call when the Civil War broke out President Lincoln immediately put out a call for 75,000 volunteers. At his own expense, Payne raised an infantry company of volunteers from around the county. With Payne as its captain, the 100th New York Volunteer Infantry, Second Regiment, Eagle Brigade, Third Buffalo Regiment, saw action beginning in 1862. Unfortunately, within three months, the company had suffered disastrous losses. Eventually Payne found himself and his remaining regiment assigned to an observation corps near Charleston. It was at that point that his career as one of the war’s most successful scouts. Using knowledge gained from his years spent in Western New York along the Niagara River and Erie Canal, Payne’s understanding of the nature of waterways and their associated terrain was vital to his reconnaissance expeditions. Behind enemy lines, his patrols quickly established a reputation for fast and accurate reports on the lay of the land, enemy numbers, and positions. On August 3, 1863, Payne and several of his men were captured by Confederate forces while on patrol. Wounded by a musket ball to the head during the engagement, he was sent to Queen Street Hospital in Charleston and, upon recovery, was imprisoned in Richland Jail at Columbia, SC.  During his imprisonment, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. When captured in 1863, newspaper articles on both sides of the conflict recognized his capture as the loss of an admired and valuable asset to the Union.

POW-3