CSA 12c, 10¢ greenish blue tied by bold, well-struck circular datestamp of HALIFAX C.H. Va AUG 18 on coarse paper cover to William L. Owen Esq Black Walnut Halifax County, Va., bit of back flap damage. $140.

William L. Owen (1809-1881) was a prominent planter, businessman, and politician. He was also a trustee of the Virginia Military Institute and Hampden-Sydney College, as well as a director of the Richmond and Danville Railroad. His extensive business connections in both the North and the South led him to believe the South could not prevail against the North's industrial strength.