Lot Details
March United States Postal History
Featuring The Leonard Piszkiewicz Collection of Chicago Postal History, The Van Koppersmith Collection of Philadelphia Postal History and The Tony Dewey Collection of Hartford Postal History
Connecticut Postal History
double circle datestamp duplexed with target ties 1861 3c Rose (65) to cover to "Chester H. Riley O.S., Co. A, 7th Reg. Conn. Volunteers, Prisoner of War at Belle Island, Virginia", endorsed "By Flag of Truce Boat to Richmond" and "Care of Gen. Meredith, Fortress Monroe", light wear including fold through stamp, very fine appearance, one of just eight covers recorded by Harrison to or from Belle Island Prison, ex-Walske
Belle Island Prison was open from June 1862 through October 1864. Whereas Richmond's Libby Prison was intended for officers, Belle Island held noncommissioned officers and privates. Sergeant Chester H. Riley was captured July 11, 1863 in the attack on Fort Wagner, South Carolina and died as a prisoner on February 29, 1864 in Richmond.