In the book, Escape from Libby Prison, by James Gindlesperger, we read a description of Captain George H. Starr Company D of the 104th New York infantry:  “Captured at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.  Recaptured after escape attempt from Libby at age 24.  Transferred to Macon, Georgia, May 7, 1864.  He escaped from Macon in July, 1864 but was recaptured and transferred to Columbia, South Carolina.  Eventually escaped again October, 1864.  Was aided in his fight to Union lines by a woman who had two sons in the Confederate army, telling Starr that she hoped someone would do the same for her sons if they were ever captured.  Mustered out January 6, 1865.”

We are offering a collection of 10 letters that Starr wrote from Libby Prison and one letter that he wrote from the Military Prison in Charleston, South Carolina.  Also included is a letter from one of General Butler’s Officers in the Exchange Department who writes George’s father concerning attempts for an exchange and a special order from the War Department stating:

“December 12th, 1864   Captain George H. Starr  104th New York

Volunteers, an escaped Prisoner of War will proceed to join his regiment

for duty, with permission to delay en route thirty days.”

The letters from Libby are fascinating.  The heading of one is “Hotel de Libbie”.  Most are written to either his mother or father with two written to his friend, Carrie, and one to his sister.  Many of them have an address written on the back (i.e. “Mrs. Fred K. Starr, Rochester, New York”), although none have the original envelopes. 

In the book, “Personal Recollections of the War of the Rebellion: Addresses Delivered Before the Commandery of the State of New York, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States” – Reprinted by Broadfoot Publishing Company there is a 40 page paper read by Captain George H. Starr before the Loyal Legion on May 3rd, 1892.  It is entitled, “In and Out of Confederate Prisons”.  We will include a copy of this exciting story that describes Starr’s three attempts… and his success on the last attempt of escaping from Confederate prisons! 

This is truly one of the most amazing stories that any Civil War soldier can tell!  It would be thrilling just to own one letter from this soldier… and we are selling a set of 11!  Each letter (with a story like this) is worth at least $300.

#PO46NY - Price $2,695