Richmond: William Ritchie, State printer, 1863. Doc. No. XXI, 7pp. Condition: very lightly yellowed round the edges, small half-inch water stain lower right corner.

Governor Letcher's letter pertained to the exchange of and treatment of prisoner of war; it received no response from the Lincoln administration. The gist of the message is contained in the following passage:

"And I deem it a duty I owe to the cause of humanity and civilization, to hold the residue of the prisoners I now have in custody, as well as all who may hereafter come into the possession of this state, as hostage for the good treatment of unoffending citizens of Virginia, who have been incarcerated for no other cause than being loyal to their own state and the government of their choice."

Excellent imprint, highly collectible. Comes in fine mylar sleeve.