14th Illinois Cavalry – Major David Quigg Writes Home from Prison in Charleston, S.C. After His Capture in Athens, Georgia – Includes P.O.W. Envelope
14th Illinois Cavalry – Major David Quigg Writes Home from Prison in Charleston, S.C. After His Capture in Athens, Georgia – Includes P.O.W. EnvelopeThis 1-page letter in ink on blue stationery (they were only allowed 1-page) is headed, “Charleston, S.C. Sept. 30th, 1864”. Quigg was a resident of Bloomington, Illinois and served first in the 4th Illinois Cavalry before becoming Major in the 14th.
The 14th had the distinction in 1863 of perusing the Confederate raider John H. Morgan from July 4th until he was captured, an expedition covering 2,100 miles. It concluded with a battle of Buffington Island in Ohio and in the 6 days pursuit thereafter, resulting in the capture of Morgan. Another great exploit was the killing and capturing of Confederate Colonel Whites Cherokee Indians in North Carolina!
During the Atlanta Campaign, the 14th went on the disastrous Macon raid and was nearly annihilated, but escaped and had the honor of entering the city of Atlanta in the advance forces. Quigg was captured on August 11th, 1864 near Athens, Ga. He was then confined at Charleston, S.C., Macon, Ga., and Columbia, S.C.
The letter is in fine condition. Quigg signs the letter “Your affectionate brother, Dave”. Fortunately, we have the original cover which has up in the left front corner: “Major David Quigg, Prisoner of War Charleston, S.C.” in the bottom left corner is written “Per Flag of Truce”. The envelope is missing the back flap and has other faults… but we would not know who “Dave” was without it! Quigg is writing his sister Martha (From envelope: “Mrs. C. C. Brown, Bloomington, McClean Co. , Illinois”).
David starts out by stating, “I had already heard through Mr. Lewis that you had learned just what fate had befallen me & my whereabouts…”
• “You ask what can be done for me. If not speedily exchanged 8, if my stay as prisoner is a protracted one, I shall need clothing of all kinds & also money, both of which are now allowed to come to us.”
• “I have written to Mr. Shork for a certificate of deposit for $20 in gold & in addition have drawn drafts for S35 in gold more.”
• “So can get along very well for the present. Hereafter. greenbacks will do in lieu of gold sent in small sums.”
• “My health is excellent & my present condition is much better than I ever expected it would be. But I trust no effort will be spared to effect an exchange for me as speedily as possible as there seems to be no hope of a general exchange.”
• “You can write to me as other friends on personal matters only & your address was correct.”
• “Please write often & keep me advis. of all matters of family interest. I shall write as often as circumstances will permit to some one of you. Give my love to all & believe me. Your Affectionate Brother, Dave”
Letters and covers from POW’s in Charleston are especially rare.
#PO110IL.9.30.64 – Price $250
