Civil War-dated ALS signed “H. C. Elson,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7 x 9.25, February 10, 1863. Elson writes home from "Camp H. 199th Reg. Parole Camp, Near Annapolis Maryland." He recounts his experiences in the Battle of Murfreesboro and as a prisoner. In part: "I was taken prisoner at the battle of Murfreesborough on Friday the 2nd of Feb. that was about the close of the fight our Regt. was in the heaviest of the fighting on Wednesday the 31st of Dec, and again on Friday the 2nd of Jan. in which our division had to fall back across Stone River. There is where we suffered the most. There is where I was taken prisoner. There was about 25 of our Reg. taken we fought till we was entirely surrounded I did not hear the command to fall back and when I turned to fall back the Regt. was crossing the crick and the Rebels had come in on the flank and was between me and the crick and I was a goner. I did not get wounded only got 4 bullet holes through my clothes…
I have no paper or money to buy I had to beg this sheet all the prisoner taken at Murfreesborough is here we was at first going to be taken to Vicksburg the rebels put us in open cars and we started for Chattanooga we was all day and all night getting there…We was at Richmond three weeks in the Libby Prison we was raged and dirty lousy cold and hungry all the time we was there…Since we came here there is about 10,000 paroled…I do not know whether we will have to stay here until we are exchanged or whether we will get to go to each of our states." In very good condition, with overall creasing, and light toning and soiling. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, as well as a complete typed transcript.
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