Letter Written by Capt. Wallace Fitz Randolph (who later became a Major General) while confined in Libby Prison. HE SMUGGLED THE LETTER OUT IN A BUTTON… AND THE BUTTON IS MOUNTED ON THIS EARLY FRAMED PIECE
We have seen several letters from Libby that were smuggled out in buttons… but never have we seen a button that was used.
Our letter and button is an early framed piece measuring 8 ½ x 7 ½ inches. Framing looks to be in the 1920’s or 30’s. On the back of the frame is a wonderful tag identifying this relic. The letter is written in ink and of course folded many times to fit in the button. The left side of the letter is missing some paper but we believe that it wasn’t complete when originally written. Here is the content:
Libby Prison
November 12, 1863
(Dear) Major,
I write a few lines in great haste as I have learned that the surgeons now confined here are to go tonight & as this scrawl is to be concealed in a “staff button,” you will pardon its want of length. I answered your last some time since & have written six in all to you, but have received them I think. We are getting along tolerably well considering, but if we had not rec’d boxes from home, we would have starved long ere this. Our ration of beef has been used up for 2 days & a few poor sweet potatoes issued instead; the men are suffering beyond all power of description and die at the rate of 7 or 8 daily. They are without shoes or blankets many of them & when Gen. Dow visited Belle Isle a few days ago, they cried “give us food for God’s sake”. Poor fellows! I wish I could do something to alleviate their sufferings but I fear the wish is in vain. With my kindest regards to the dutiful, believe me
Sincerely yours,
W. F. Randolph
Write frequently. Your letters are always most welcome.
Old note written on back of frame: “This letter was written by my cousin Capt. Randolph to Geo. Burton’s Uncle Gen’l. Fry, then Major & was hidden in the button at the top of this frame.” Signed Margaret Jenks Trudy Burton.
Wallace F. Randolph was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 5th U.S. Light Artillery. He was captured in Winchester, Virginia on June 15th, 1863 and confined in Macon, Georgia. He was then moved to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia, where he smuggled out our letter. HE ESCAPED LIBBY PRISON ON FEBRUARY 9TH, 1864! His grave can be visited in Arlington National Cemetery. An extreme rarity and museum piece.
#L11-12-63 – Price $4,500
