Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
Before the war, Dr. Alfred Hughes (1824-1880) was a well respected physician practicing in Wheeling, Virginia. When the war broke out, he began writing seditious letters against Lincoln's administration as correspondent for the Baltimore Exchange. The Federal government was not amused and labeled him a traitor. They imprisoned him for eight months at Camp Chase in 1862. While in prison he did his best to fill the many tedious moments of prison life by crafting many useful household objects and various other personal items typically found in a lady's toilet. Many of these items can be now found in museum collections today. Hardly reconciled he remained a captive until Dec. 25, 1862 when he was exchanged for the soldier brother of a Philadelphia physician. After his release, he moved farther south to Richmond, Virginia. His family's arrival there helped give rise to the belief that he was a peace commissioner sent to the Confederacy's capitol in order to help end the war. At that time, he was lionized by many in the south and was even elected to the Virginia legislature. He advocated enlistment of slaves into Confederate military service. Among his many patients who he saw both during and after the war was the wife of Robert E. Lee. This letter, 4pp. 4to., written to his wife, clearly shows that Hughes was not tempered by imprisonment. He sends her a newspaper clipping which no doubt did not favor Lincoln's administration. Also, he made it no secret that he was numbering this letter "No. 61" so that he could be certain she received it. The letter reads, in very small part: "Camp Chase, [Columbus, Ohio], Prison 2, Sept. 9, 1862. Dear Wife…first…the request that you would send Delia and Aldie…up to Mr. Wykes' and have their pictures taken. Have two pictures taken…one with them standing together…and one of each taken…put them in frames…and there keep them until I come home…when freed from this prison…I have received no more papers since last I told you…the last you told me you sent I have never got & never expect to now…send no more now unless I tell you. It is [?] throwing money away for nothing & giving others the benefit of it. I enclose you a slip of editorial from the "Ohio State Journal" printed at Columbus & which I hope will be permitted to pass this conversational contraband. Though, I have not much doubt myself on the subject. The journal is a stance Administration paper & always has been. Be particular…in letting me know the receipt of my letters by number…your ever true & faithful husband, Alfred Hughes." Also included is the original stamped transmittal cover manuscript inscribed: "Examined C. W. B. Allison, Col." Col. Charles William Brandon Allison (1820-1876) colonel 85th Ohio and post commander of Camp Chase prison camp. Ironically, Allison became a resident of Hughes' hometown, Wheeling, West Virginia, after the war. He died there in 1876 and is buried at that city's Greenwood Cemetery. A bit light, but very readable, else VG to near fine.
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