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Lot 216
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1862 Journal of Alfred Ely, A Prisoner of War in Richmond Edited by Charles Lanman w/ Prisoner Appendix Illustrated FIRST EDITION
1862 Journal of Alfred Ely, A Prisoner of War in Richmond Edited by Charles Lanman w/ Prisoner Appendix Illustrated FIRST EDITION
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New York: D. Appleton and Company. Unlike typical military prisoners, Alfred Ely was a sitting Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing New York's 29th congressional district. In July 1861, Ely—along with several other politicians, journalists, and civilians—traveled from Washington D.C. to the Virginia countryside to spectate the First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas). Expectations of a swift Union victory quickly collapsed into a chaotic retreat. During the panic, Confederate forces captured Ely on the battlefield. Because of his political status, Ely was a highly prized captive. He was sent directly to Richmond, Virginia, where he was imprisoned for nearly six months. He spent much of his confinement at Liggon’s Tobacco Warehouse Prison, an overcrowded forerunner to the notorious Libby Prison. Detailed observations on the extreme lack of food, clean clothing, proper medical care, and structural sanitation. Accounts of daily interactions, mental health struggles, and the resilient behavior of fellow captive Union soldiers. Insights into the political climate of the Confederate capital, the behavior of guards, and the harsh punishments used to deter escape attempts. Ely was finally released in December 1861 through a high-profile prisoner exchange for Confederate Minister Charles J. Faulkner. Upon returning north, his diaries were rapidly prepared for publication by Charles Lanman to satisfy a public eager for insider news regarding Southern captivity. A crucial feature for genealogists and historians is the book's comprehensive appendix, which spans roughly 75 pages and lists the names of Union prisoners held by the Confederacy during the first year of the war. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request

  • Dimensions: 5.5" x 8"
  • Condition: Good Condition with no missing pages. The back cover is detached. There is water staining on the lower half of pages

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by One Source Auctions
July 27, 2026 5:00 PM EDT
177 S. Main St.
Canandaigua, NY, US 14424

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