At the Battle of Bull Run Congressman Alfred Ely of New York was Captured & Taken Prisoner, being Sent to Richmond. Offered is an Extremely Rare, Postally-Used Cover with the “Free Frank” of Ely. This Cover is Pictured in the Book, Prisoners’ Mail from The American Civil War, by Galen D. Harrison. ALSO, Included is the CDV of Ely Shown in the Book
The Confederate free franked cover measures 2 ¾ x 4 ¾ inches. It is green in color with an “OLD POINT COMFORT, VA. DEC. 13” date. In dark ink in the right-hand corner, Ely signs “Alfred Ely, M.C.” The cover is addressed to Samuel. L Barton. The cover originally included a letter from Lt. B. B. Vassall of the 15th Mass. Vols. Infantry. Interestingly, both Vassall and Samuel Barton were nephews of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross.
The only other Ely free franked cover from Libby that we know of sold at auction for $2,500+.
Included is a photocopy from the book. A nice pair for display.
#PC12-13MA – Price $895
