Libby Prison Letter from Jacob S. Devine, Company H, 71st Pennsylvania Infantry CAPTURED AT GETTYSBURG IN PICKETT’S CHARGE JULY 3rd, 1863 – Includes Excellent POW Cover!
This one-page letter in ink is written to Jacob’s brother includes an extensive list of what Jacob would like his brother to send.
In the letter Jacob mentions, “we had some fun here in the shape, a minstrel troupe performed in the evening” (This is the same Libby Prison Minstrel’s that we occasionally see broadsides advertising).
Lieut. Jacob S. Devine is mentioned extensively in the regimental book, The History of Edward Baker’s California Regiment. The 71st was known as the California regiment because a number of its men volunteered from California. The regiments Colonel, Edward Baker, was killed at the battle of Balls Bluff. The 71st went on to be one of the most famous Union regiments and was instrumental in repulsing Picket’s Charge. Devine following his experience at Libby was transferred to Macon and finally Camp Sorgum in Columbia, South Carolina. Devine escaped from Columbia Prison but was recaptured. Finally, on February 13th, 1865, Devine again attempted to escaped and this time was successful!
The cover has an “Old Point Comfort Dec. 10” postmark with “Due 3”.
A very interesting letter with full I.D. at its closing.
#L11-27-63PA – Price $995
