An Amazing Little Letter Written in Libby Prison by Samuel L. Gilman, Company F, 3rd Maine Infantry
This letter measuring 3 x 5 inches was written on a page taken out of his diary.
Gilman is writing his brother on October 1st, 1863. This letter would be perfect in a prisoner of war display as Gilman writes that he is “short of money, short of paper, and in fact of everything”.
The letter is written in nice clear pencil and the page out of his diary was dated at the top August 17th, 1863. Here is the content:
Libby Prison
Oct. 1st,1863
Dear Brother,
This is to inform you of my present situation which is anything but desirable. I am still stopping at the Libby as you will see from the heading of this note, short of money, short of paper, and in fact of everything. I have written to Lettie to send me a box. Now I want you to send me some money, about ten dollars in green back. You know that I cannot get any of my pay until I am exchanged (which I hope will be soon) and then I will return it to you. I know that you will send me the amount that I asked of you.
Please send as soon as you receive this. My health is very good at this time. Direct to Lieut. S. L. Gilman, Prisoner of War, Richmond, Va.
P. S. You will do me a great kindness by sending the money.
Yours as ever,
S. L. Gilman
Lieut. Co. F
3rd Regt. Maine Vols.
Samuel L. Gilman, a resident of Skowhegan, Maine, enlisted on June 4th, 1861, as a Sergeant. The 3rd Maine was a hard-fought regiment distinguishing itself in all major battles of the Army of the Potomac. The loss of the 3rd Maine in killed and wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks was nearly 1/3 of the men engaged. Gilman was included in that statistic being wounded.
In the Gettysburg Campaign on June 20th, 1863, Gilman was captured at Aldie, Virginia and taken to Libby Prison. He also was confined at Macon, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina. After the Civil War, he held the office of Post Commander in Walpole, Massachusetts, Post 157.
A wonderful little letter for display. The best use of “hardship” paper we have seen.
#L10-1-63ME – Price $795
