The autograph book of Carrie C. Morfit, Baltimore, Maryland
This small, 6″ by 3.75″, 82-page book, contains the autographs and annotations of approximately 157 Confederate company grade officers held prisoner at Point Lookout, Maryland. Many of the names are those of officers captured at Cheshire, Ohio while serving in General John Hunt Morgan’s division. During this fruitless “raid”, which occurred July 2 – 26th, 1863, most of Morgan’s force was captured, killed or reported missing. There are also the names of officers who were captured at Shiloh in 1862, as well as Gettysburg, Spotsylvania Court House, Petersburg and places in between.
In spite of the miserable conditions they were subjected to, the remarkable spirit of these men shines through in their short messages:
W. Kendall, 1st Lieut., Co.A, 3rd Ky Cav. From Pilot Point, Denton County, Texas had a wife and 3 children “…from whom I have not heard since the 18th of Jan 1863: but am content knowing that they are in the hands of Him by whose aid we expect eventually to succeed in the present struggle for independence…”
Benj. J. Lancaster, Lieut., Co. K, 8th Ky Cav. From Lebanon, Kentucky:
“…When the war is o’er
And not before
Will I go home
Base cowards shrink
Fools stop to think
Till Freedom is gone”
John D. Boyan, 1st Lieut., Co. A, 6th Regt. Ky Cav. From Danville, Boyle Co. Ky. “…I am twenty six years at age unmarried, but hope soon to see the independence of my country recognized, peace established when I can ask some fair one to accompany me along the remaining portion of life’s journey”.
Francis A Boyle, 1st Lt & Adjt, 32 N.C. I. From Plymouth, N.C. “There are three things that I desire with an exceeding longing – a Sword, a Wife, and my Freedom”
There is even a note that may clear up how Miss Morfit, a lady living in Baltimore, came to be in possession of this wonderful little book.
Lieutenant Bills of the 32nd Miss. Vol. Regt. Wrote: “…was captured near Lafayette, Ga on the 10th of Sept / ’63 while on picket – Have been a beneficiary of the generous kindness of the many lady friends of Confed. [sic] Prisoners and feel truly grateful”.
Many, on both sides, regarded Baltimore as a Southern city and there were many living there who sympathized with the Confederate cause. Perhaps Miss Carrie C. Morfit was one of them.
Estimated Year: 1862
Price: $9,500
SKU MH5-10
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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