The Southern Prisons of the U.S. Officers

The Southern Prisons of the U.S. Officers - Inventory Number: PRI 138 

Rare lithograph presenting twelve images of prison life in the Confederacy. The central image is a view of the Asylum Camp, Columbia, S.C., with two buildings and many tents each with its own small fireplace. Men are standing around outside chopping wood, hanging wet clothing, carrying water, and preparing food. Two other images of the Asylum Camp are included: one a view of men "drawing wood" and the other a view of the Sutler Tent where two wagons have arrived with provisions. A great number of men are moving into the tent. An image of Camp Sorghum, Columbia, S.C., is shown above the central image and consists of tents and cabins on a newly cleared field. Soldiers stand guard in the foreground. Another view of Camp Sorghum shows Hospital Camp Sorghum with wounded men standing outside their tents. Other prisons shown are Camp Exchange, Charlotte, N.C.; Camp Oglethorpe, Macon, Ga.; Jail and Workhouse, Charleston, S.C.; and Jail, Columbia, S.C. Activities shown are Chandler's String Band, delivering the mail, and passing the lines where men stand lined up passing clothing along a line at a depot where a train has arrived. OCLC/WorldCat lists only the copies at the Boston Athenaeum (for whose description we are grateful) and the Library of Michigan. Lithograph with 12 images. 50.4x82 cm. (19¾x32¼") on sheet 60x91 cm. (23½x35¼"). 

The only example we can document on the private market sold in 2013 for $1,800. 

Inventory Number: PRI 138