Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
Confederate Sympathizer Old Capitol Prison Letter Lincoln's Assistant Secretary of War Peter H. Watson allows visitors to see a Confederate sympathizer in Old Capitol Prison. A rare war-date Lincoln administration letter, 1p. 8vo., on "War Department, Washington City" stationery November 14, 1862, reading, in full: "Dr. Daniel B. Clark has permission with Rev. W. F. Clark to visit Richard H. Clark now confined in the Old Capitol Prison. By order of the Secretary of War, P. H. Watson, asst. Sec. of War". In November 1862, Washington D. C. resident Richard H. Clark was arrested and accused of spying and passing letters between Confederate officials while living in the nation’s capital. We don't know the true outcome of this case, but it seems that the charges were indeed valid, since Raphael Semmes wrote from Richmond on Feb. 28, 1861, to the Confederate Secretary of War Leroy Walker, that "any communications addressed to me at Washington City, to the care of Richard H. Clarke, esq., will be promptly forwarded to me by this gentleman". A fascinating piece of American history and worthy of further research. Light toning, else VG
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.