Rare Civil War–dated DS, one page, 8.5 x 11, March 10, 1865. Confederate furlough document issued as Special Orders 166 by Lt. Gen. R. S. Ewell from the Department of Richmond, granting “J. F. Hilton, Co D 45th Va Infty” a ‘leave of indulgence.’ In part: “In obedience to instructions from the Secretary of War, the following named men (paroled prisoners) are granted leaves of indulgence for 30 days (unless sooner exchanged).” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, overall toning, and scattered dampstaining and soiling. Hilton had been captured at the Battle of Piedmont on June 5, 1864, and sent to Camp Morton, where he spent most of the next year. Between March 10 and March 13, 1865, Private Hilton was one of over three thousand paroled prisoners delivered by Col. John E. Mulford to Agent of Exchange W. W. Hatch. Hilton was sent from City Point, Virginia, to Camp Lee, where he was immediately freed by this document; he never had to return to the camp, as the war had essentially come to an end by the time his leave was over.
