American author and Unitarian clergyman (1822-1909) remembered for his short story 'The Man Without a Country.' Civil War-dated LS signed “Edw. E. Hale,” three pages on two sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, June 3, 1864. Letter reporting on conditions at the infamous Libby Prison and the health of Lt. George Peters, a Union officer held prisoner there. In part: "I have the pleasure of informing you that Lt. George Peters, 9th N. Texas Volunteers, now a prisoner in the Libby Prison at Richmond, Virginia, was well on Saturday morning last. I have this from Major Mulford, who has charge of the Flag of Truce boat…and from Dr. Ferguson and Capt. Brittan, prisoners just released from the Libby Prison…At Major Mulford's request I farther write to say, that although the Rebel Government or by the Sanitary Commission, the gentlemen who have them in charge, have promised to deliver any private boxes directed to individuals which their friends may forward…
I write to tell you of this opportunity & to add the following injunctions which I have received from these Officers. 1st. By all means send food, which is more needed than any clothing or any delicacies. A shirt or two if you choose may be a luxury added to the rest, but the great necessity is food—and they advise that you send Beef stock in cans, or salt pork, put up in tin cases, sugar & coffee. A little pepper would be acceptable, Boston crackers are also.
2nd. I beg you to conceal no writing in the box. You can let your friends know from whom it comes, by choosing a box or cans or something else familiar to him. If any writing were discovered you would ruin the prospect of all the prisoners this Summer, for obtaining this addition to their diet.
3rd. You can write an open letter to be sent separately, under cover to Major Mulford, Flag of Truce boat, Fort Monroe, if you wish to write to your friend…
The Libby is not crowded now. There were but sixty nine Officers there on Saturday. The rooms are comfortably clean, but the ration is only beans or rice boiled, without salty or pepper, with 1/4 ration corn bread and 1/4 ration Indian meal. Our friends are very hungry."
In a postscript, he cautions: "It is all important that no mention of this arrangement be made in the Newspapers. That would defeat it for the Summer. The less said of it therefore, the better." In fine condition.
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