Autograph letter signed by Jacob S. Devine, Company H, 71st Pennsylvania Infantry. Libby Prison, Richmond, Virginia, 27 November 1863. 1 page, 4to. With original resealed cover with “Old Point Comfort” cancel and “Due 3” stamp. Modern pencil annotations on cover to verso. 

Written by Lieutenant Jacob S. Devine, this letter depicts the life of a prisoner of war at Libby Prison. Devine writes to his brother asking for supplies, such as “5lb Butter also one piece dried beef,” “2lb of Coffee, 2lb B. Tea, 10lb Sugar, 4lb Candles, 1 Pack Cards, some of Mrs Hess Fresh Baking, Can Oysters & other stuff.” He also writes about watching a minstrel troupe perform at the prison. 

Jacob S. Devine mustered into Company H in the 71st Pennsylvania Infantry on 9 August 1861. As part of the 71st Pennsylvania, Devine participated in the Battles of Fair Oaks, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. He was captured on 3 July 1863 during the Battle of Gettysburg and confined in Libby Prison on 8 July. He was also confined in Macon, Georgia, and Columbia, South Carolina, before eventually mustering out on 21 March 1865. 

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