Estate / Collection: The Property of a New England Family

[CIVIL WAR - PRISONS]
GOSS, WARREN LEE. The Soldier's Story of his Captivity at Andersonville, Belle Isle, and Other Rebel Prisons. Boston: Lee and Shepard, 1867. Likely a presentation copy or deluxe issue in contemporary three-quarters morocco over marbled boards and with an inserted full page original albumen portrait signed in ink by the author opposite the title. 7 3/8 x 4 1/2 inches (19 x 12 cm); 274 pp., 4 wood engraved plates after Thomas Nast. Slightly cocked, the binding extremities rubbed, short closed tear to title at margin, the front hinge cracked, foxing to verso of photograph, stray stains throughout.

Goss' agonizing memoir of Confederate prisons, first issued to subscribers in 1866 and in this larger edition of 1867. This is likely a deluxe or presentation issue with a signed portrait of the author. The plates are by Thomas Nast who toured the South covering the war for Harper's Weekly. Warren Lee Goss was a volunteer in the 2nd Massachusetts who, once captured, spent significant time at Libby Prison, Andersonville and Belle Isle. His memoir contains "much useful data on the daily life and officials at such prisons as Charleston and Florence; very bitter against Confederates" - Nevins I, p.192; Sabin 28057.