Union POW's Archive and Carvings Document Life in Richmond's Libby Prison

First Lieutenant Josephus F. Schuyler, Co. I, 123rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry was captured along with his regiment at Winchester, Virginia on June 15, 1863. Many of the captives, including Schuyler, were sent to Libby Prison, a converted tobacco warehouse in Richmond that was exclusively for officers. While incarcerated, Schuyler set about collecting the autographs of over 250 of his fellow inmates in a handmade book, its cover embellished with Schuyler's highly competent calligraphy and a magnificent hand-drawn American eagle; the collection also includes twenty-four (24) identified CDVs with eighteen officers being from the 123rd Ohio and six (6) images showing soldiers from other regiments. The highlight of the collection are twenty (20) beautifully carved and polished bone implements, variously utilitarian and ornamental. Many of these works were intended for Schuyler's future bride, Miss Sarah Feebles. Included are an openwork pin cushion naming Libby Prison with Schuyler's dates of incarceration (4-1/4 in.); five (5) napkin rings, one naming Libby; three (3) crochet hooks; a barrette; a tiny case for a gem tintype of Schuyler, its front cover naming Sarah and the back cover reading "Libby Prison"; a star; a finger ring; a lapel pin carved "123" for the regiment; three (3) letter openers: one with plain handle, one with Schuyler's name on one side and capture date on the other; and one with Schuyler's name on one side only; and, finally, a fork and knife set, the fork naming Libby Prison with Schuyler's initials below.
The collection is presented in six (6) Riker mounts, the three largest being 14 x 20 in.
Included are two present-day enlargements of entries in Schuyler's album: One names a Brigadier General who was exchanged for one of General Lee's sons, while the other names a Pennsylvania major who was captured at Gettysburg.
Private North Carolina Collection
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

The autograph book and the CDVs have light age toning with some foxing; the bone creations are intact and enjoy a pleasing old surfaces.