NORFOLK VA.  1861, usual blurry blue cds with matching encircled PAID 5C handstamp (CSA type C) on prisoner flag-of-truce cover to George W. Kenney prisoner of war Richmond Va Care of Genl Winder Commanding, and “by flag of truce Fortress Monroe” written at left end. Magenta censor marking at far right. THIS SCARCE ROUTE WAS ONLY IN PLACE FOR A FEW MONTHS.  $1,100.

Lt. George W. Kenney (1841-1862) served in Company H, 1st California Regiment (71st Pennsylvania Infantry). He was taken prisoner while being treated at the White Oak Swamp Hospital on June 30, 1862. He died there of his wounds on July 2, 1862, while in Confederate hands. Son of a prominent Methodist family in Philadelphia, Kenney was just 19 years old when he enlisted and was commissioned a second lieutenant in Baker’s California Regiment on July 11, 1861. The regiment had been raised under U.S. government auspices as the brainchild of Oregon Senator Edward Baker with the idea of gaining support and recruits from west coast men resident in the east, but Pennsylvania later took over the regiment as its 71st Infantry. It was organized with a large structure of fifteen companies and Kenney was in one of the later companies recruited in Philadelphia, designated Company P. This company joined the regiment at Fort Monroe on July 18, 1861.  Kenney was captured at Balls Bluff when he remained on the Virginia side of the river with his wounded. He was imprisoned but exchanged, returned to duty, and promoted to first lieutenant of Company N. On day six of the Seven Days Battles, during heavy fighting at Glendale (AKA Nelson's Farm, Frayser’s Farm, and other names), Kenny was shot through the body when he stood to rally his men. It was a mortal wound.