Autograph letter signed by John W. Brett, Co. I, 5th Battalion Florida Cavalry. Military Prison, Ward No. 31, Elmira, New York, 29 November 1864. 1 page, 7 3/4 x 3 7/8 in. With original yellow envelope with Elmira postal stamp, prison examination stamp, and red 3-cent postage stamp.

A very rare letter penned by a Confederate prisoner of war from Florida, John W. Brett. He writes to William Gibbs Porter (1799-1877), a prominent Philadelphia businessman who had financial and personal ties to the Florida panhandle and Apalachicola. Brett is brief in his request: "I am here a prisoner of war and in a very destitute condition. I write to ask of you the favor of sending me - say twenty (20) dollars in money care of Maj. Colt, commanding prisoners. The amount shall be promptly refunded as soon as circumstances will admit."

John W. Brett enlisted on 9 January 1864 in Henry County, Alabama and was taken prisoner on 23 September 1864 at Eucheeanna, Florida by Union troops under Brigadier General Asboth. Brett had traveled to New Orleans, Ship Island, and to New York City, before finally arriving at Elmira POW camp on 19 November 1864.

Brett took the Oath of Allegiance and was released on 19 June 1865 and returned to Alabama.

Rare letter written by a Florida prisoner-of-war while confined in a Union prison.


[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Manuscripts, Letters, Documents, Ephemera, POW, Prisoner of War]