Confederate Use - Arnold

This is a rare example of an across-the-lines usage of a Christian Commission cover by a Confederate Prisoner of War while wounded in the hospital.  It shows the US Postage Stamp along with a "Due 10" marking for the Confederate Postal System.  While the cover shows Private William Arnold, Company I, 31st North Carolina Infantry to his wife, the enclosed letter is written on his behalf by Edward J Williams, First Lieutenant, notifying his wife that he was wounded at Fort Harrison on September 30, 1864 in the attempt to retake the fort.


Usage Date: October 22, 1864 and November 15, 1864
Usage Location: Old Point Comfort, VA and Richmond, VA

Recipient: Mrs. Ann M. Arnold (Ann Margaret Thomas Arnold)

Ann and William were married in 1858 (b. January 12, 1837).  They had four children - John J Arnold (1860–1933), Martha Frances Arnold Brown (1866–1938), Evelin Eugenia Arnold Harrington (1870–1939) and Lamar Davis Arnold (1878–1935).

WIlliam and Ann Arnold

Author: Edmund J Williams, First Lieutenant, Co. I, 31st NCI

Edmund Jones Williams (1841-1926) was a soldier in the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry and the 31st North Carolina Regiment. Williams was born at Linden, Cumberland County, N.C. He received his medical doctorate from Washington Medical College, Baltimore, Md.

USCC Endorsement - Pt Wm Arnold Co. I 31st Regt NCI, Clingmans Brigade Wilke Division, Prisoner of War, Soldiers Letter, Wounded in Hospital, Please Forward
Fort Harrison, where William was wounded.

 

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Letter/Contents

Chaffins Bluff, Va
October 2, 1864

Mrs Wm Arnold,

Madam:

I am requested to write to you that your husband Wm Arnold was captured by the enemy on the 30th of Sep 1864 in an attempt to retake Fort Harrison at this place. A large number of the Brigade was captured at the same time. I trust that he may be treated well by them.

Very Respectfully

Ed. J. Williams Lieut

Co I 31st NCI


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