(Leatherwood, Va.) “Mrs. Matilda F. Gravely Dec 2nd 1864” (Benjamin F. Gravely was postmaster at Leatherwood and owner of large tobacco farm) to frequent correspondent “C.Y. Thomas Esq, Martinsville Henry Co Va”. Either this is a handcarried envelope from Postmaster Gravely or an illegal use is was known with these correspondents; used on turned unused green embossed cameo corner card of “Allegheny Springs Virginia Booth Calhoun & Co Proprietors.” Ex Tobias.

Impression from the original Archer & Daly steel plate. The cracked steel plate was in the possession of August Dietz and this impression was included as the centerpiece of the deluxe version of his 1929 opus,The Postal Service of The Confederate States of America.  The soft piece of steel shows an intaglio of Archer & Daly’s 10¢ and appears to have served as a matrix for trial impressions of the 20¢ transfer roll as well as parts of a 20¢ note of the Planters Insurance Trust and Loan Company. Archer & Daly produced a number of Southern banknotes. There is a faint bend at one end of the impression. A wonderfully collectible showpiece. CCV $175.

Also listed in the CSA 11, CSA 13 and Proof sections

Baltimore Section and Columbus Section of Ten Cent Altered plate – proof of each on opposite sides of paper. The altered plates, the 2¢ and the 10¢, were shipped through the blockade to Richmond. De La Rue did not print any stamps from these plates. When the plates arrived in the Confederacy, they were never used by the Confederacy. The subsequent history is speculation. One theory is that they were were captured by the North during battle. Supposedly, a federal soldier took the 10¢ altered plate and cut it into sections to give as Rebel souvenirs to friends. According to August Dietz. Frank Baptist - who printed the 5-cent stamps for Archer & Daly in 1863 - positively identified the plates. He superintended the souvenir printings of the Altered Plate. The "Columbus Section" was so called because it was moved to the Ohio State Museum in Columbus. Through the years, there have been many printings from various sections of the original plate. The Columbus Section is one of the most well known and common, the Baltimore section much more scarce. CCV $125. $125.

Also listed in the CSA 6 and Proof sections

U.S. 3¢ Star Die entire #U26 -  American Letter Express Co. southbound to Mann S. Valentine in Richmond Va., sender's routing "Via Nashville, Tenn.", manuscript "Collect Chgs 55¢ Due Winston & Johnston" and "Pd 2/- Ch" (two bits, or 25¢ express fee), This originated in Europe, based on the two enclosures: an envelope addressed to "Mrs. E. A. V. Gray, Care of M. S. Valentine, Richmond, Va., America" and slip of paper with notation "Pay postage 30¢, Express charge 25 [Total] 55. John P. Winston". Very Fine. An outstanding Southbound thru-the lines express cover that originated in Europe and was carried by the American Letter Express Company from Louisville to Nashville . Based on the "Pay postage 30¢" notation on the enclosure, it is surmised that the original letter was mailed from Europe to the United States. It was directed to Winston & Johnston, who are listed in the 1861 Williams' Cincinnati directory ("WINSTON & JOHNSTON, John P. W. & AVm. B.J., Wholesale Dry Goods, 113 W. Pearl"). John P. Winston apparently arranged to have the American Letter Express Company carry the letter across the lines to Nashville, where it entered the C.S.A. mails for Richmond. The addressee, Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Valentine Gray, was the daughter of Mann S. Valentine and the wife of William Gray. Later in the war, letters were sent by blockade runners from Europe to Mann S. Valentine, Elizabeth A. V. Gray and William Gray.Special Routes Census No. S-AX-26. Ex Walske. $2,500.

Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard carte-de-visite ¾ pose in full uniform (pre-war U.S.), arms crossed, couple little chips at edges otherwise Fine $50

Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard was a Louisiana-born author, civil servant, politician, inventor, and first prominent general for the Confederacy.  Beauregard was trained as a civil engineer at the United States Military Academy and served with distinction as an engineer in the Mexican-American War.  Following an extremely brief tenure as the superintendent of the Military Academy in 1861, he became the first Confederate brigadier general and commanded the defenses of Charleston, South Carolina, for the start of the Civil War at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861.  Three months later he was the victor at the First Battle of Bull Run. However, his influence over Confederate strategy was marred by his poor relationships with President Jefferson Davis and other generals.

Gen. G[eorge] B. McClellan & Wife CDV  $110.

George Brinton McClellan is often remembered as the great organizer of the Union Army of the Potomac.  Nicknamed "Young Napoleon," "Little Mac" was immensely popular with the men who served under his command.  His military command style, however, put him at odds with President Abraham Lincoln who ultimately upset his political ambitions, defeating him in the 1864 presidential election.

CSA General: “Sincerely Yours,  Joseph Wheeler” signed clipped card. Fightin’ Joe Wheeler” commanded the entire cavalry of the Army of Tennessee, was wounded 3 times and it is said 16 horses shot out from under him and with 36 of his staff officers killed.  $90.

Post Office Receipt for letters from Woodlawn to Augusta, Ga dated Jan 2, 1863 with printed name of James M. Smythe, P.M. and blue handstamped B. F. Hall, P.M.; shows amount paid for stamps and money on that date, usual spindle hole and crease at center as well as edge faults.  [GA] $30.

DANIEL RUGGLES: Major General in Confederate army, small one-page ALS (autograph letter signed) "Daniel Ruggles" from Grenada and dated June 15 [1862], addressed to General Beauregard at Tupelo Miss., contents reads "Telegram received & continue to press the evacuation of Grenada. On reaching Jackson request permission to go to Richmond. Please answer.", Very Fine. On orders of President Davis, Genl Pierre G. T. Beauregard was replaced with Gen. Bragg on June 20, 1862. $425.

EDMUND KIRBY SMITH: one-page ALS (autograph letter signed) "E. Kirby Smith" and datelined "Sewanee Nov. 23, 1891", few file folds, Very Fine, Smith was the oldest surviving full general of the Confederacy. $425.

Edmund Kirby Smith was born in St. Augustine Florida and attended the U.S. Military Academy, where he graduated in 1845. After graduation, he served in the Mexican-American War with distinction. After the war, he was a Professor of Mathematics at West Point before being sent west to participate in the Indian Campaigns. Smith was in Texas with the 2nd Cavalry when war broke out in 1861. At first Smith refused to surrender to Texas militia, but his loyalties changed once Florida seceded. Smith resigned from the U.S. Army and entered the Confederate army with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He  was quickly commissioned as a brigadier general within the Confederate army.

ROBERT BARNWELL RHETT ALS. Ardent secessionist and fire-eater who advocated secession as early as 1850, editor of Charleston Mercury, one-page autograph letter signed (ALS), dated Feb. 6, 1874, gives basic summary of when he was elected to House of Representatives, fresh and Very Fine, desirable piece from this ardent secessionist and critic of Jefferson Davis. Lightly cleaned. $300.

1862 CIVIL WAR LETTER written by an Englishman residing in Jersey Shore, PA to his cousin in England. Amazing articulate content regarding the war. Letter only, full transcription (no cover). Important to note that this long 4-page letter has been laminated to preserve it. $500.

Letter, page 2     Letter, page 3     Letter, Page 4    
Transcription 1     Transcription 2     Transcription 3

This letter was written by James Wilson (1801-1878), a native of England, who was residing in Jersey Shore, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, when he penned this letter to a cousin residing in Skipton, Yorkshire County, England. James was married twice. His first marriage was in 1827 at Jersey Shore to Mary Ann Appleton (1810-1828). With her he had one child -- James Appleton Wilson (1828-1902). His second was Catherine R. Babb (1810-1895). With her he had at least seven children: Fountain Wilson (1838-1903), Harry Wilson (1841-1871), Mary Wilson (b. 1842), Francis T. Wilson (1844-1908), William Babb Wilson (1849-1880), Helen Wilson (b. 1852), and James T. Wilson (1855-1879).
 

James Wilson emigrated to the United States in 1824 aboard the ship Robert Edwards. He was 23 years old. It is presumed that he came from the vicinity of Skipton, Yorkshire County -- some 25 miles northwest of Leeds. From the letter we learn that James had a sister living in the United States as well. Her name was Isabella (Wilson) Morrison (1798-1860), the wife of William Morrison (1786-1850). Their children were James Fountain Morrison (died before 1862), Benjamin W. Morrison (1819-bef1862), William Wilson Morrison (1821-1885), Charles Stewart Morrison (1822-1881), Isabella Morrison (1831-1893), and L. Mayes Morrison (1839-1898). At least three of James' sons served in the Civil War. Lt. Fountain Wilson, who served in Co. A., 34th Pennsylvania Infantry, is mentioned in this letter; Pvt. Harry Wilson and Capt. Francis Wilson served later in the war.

CONFEDERATE NAVY: TALLAHASSEE / FLA // SEP / 25 cds with matching PAID 10 (rate in manuscript – CC Type A) on cover to Sergeant N. W. Eppes, Howel[l] Guards Capt. [Richard] Parkhill, Hon S. R. Mallory, Sec’ry Navy, Richmond, Virginia. Slightly reduced at left. Scarce use to a member of Howell Guards, a Florida Infantry unit. Military records of Eppes and Parkhill and brief bio of Mallory included. Ex Monroe and Myerson. $600.

Nicholas Ware Eppes (1843-1904) was 19 years old when he was mustered in to Co. M, Florida 2nd Infantry, Rain’s Brigade, Army of Peninsula, as a Sergeant. He also served in Co. C, Florida 5th Infantry, Longstreet’s Division, ANV, and Co. H, Florida 1st Cavalry, ATN. He rose in the ranks to 2nd Lieutenant. He was described a 6’ with florid complexion, dark eyes and hair.

Richard C. Parkhill was 23 years old when he enlisted at Tallahassee as a 3rd Lieut and was commissioned into Co. M, Florida 2nd Infantry. He resigned due to disability on 1-13-63. He was severely wounded in the shoulder 6-30-62 at Frazier’s Farm, VA, shortly after his promotion to Captain. Stephen R. Mallory (1812-1873) was the Secretary of the Navy of the Confederate States of America. More information linked herewith.

CONFEDERATE NAVY: CSA 11a, 10¢ milky blue, 3 huge margins including bottom sheet margin, stuck to cover with red sealing wafer, tied by beautifully struck neat MONTGOMERY / ALA. // AUG /23 cds on adversity COVER MADE FROM PRINTED U.S. NAVY YARD FORM PENSACOLA FLORIDA, addressed to Mrs. V. C. Kilpatrick, Chocktaw (sic) Corner, Clarke County, Alabama; some toning at bottom, Scarce use. This navy yard surrendered to the Confederacy January 12, 1861, and was reoccupied by Federal forces on May 10, 1862, thus this form was probably carried around for some time before doing duty as a cover. Ex Monroe and Myerson. $550.

Confederate Texas document, dated San Antonio, February 1, 1865, approximately 8” x 19” written on blue paper, includes text on both sides of paper. Front message written twice on both ends of page: “Headquarters Con. Sert. 1st Con. Dict. Texas S. Antonio Feb 1st / 1865 Capt. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication of January 19th with three hundred and thirty (330) copies of form No. 1, twenty five (25) copies of form No 2 and three hundred (300) copies of form No.-“ This exact statement is repeated at bottom of page. Additional pencil notes regarding supplies paid for and reference to ratio of Confederate money to specie. Reverse is headed index and on the left from top to bottom a listing of categories including Aliens, Conscript Appeals, Detailed Men, Enrollments, Reserve Corps and the like. On the right side appear to be the names of various men and dates and military unit references. Entire page is interlined with additional notes in brownish ink. At the very base is a nearly indistinguishable pencil notation that includes a reference to Cibolo. Overall condition is sound with folds, stains and edge wear. $200.

CONFEDERATE STATES CONGRESSIONAL ACT FOR CASES OF SLAVES ABDUCTED OR HARBORED BY THE ENEMY, original one-page original printed document headed "An Act, To Perpetuate Testimony in Cases of Slaves Abducted or Harbored by the Enemy, and of other Property Seized, Wasted, or Destroyed by them. No. 270." enacted by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, approved August 30, 1861. Scarce and desirable. $400.

CSA 1, 5¢ green (rounded corner upper right) tied AIKEN / S.C. // MAR / 7 [1862] cds on small ladies cover to “Dr. Richard F. Sams, Beaufort V. Artillery, Hardeeville, S.C.” with excellent 3-page ORIGINAL LETTER headed “Aiken, March 6th 62” from his wife, Carrie. In it she says, in part, “Why did you take so much of your letter to convince me of the utility of your volunteering? I am not opposed to it and am glad you have done so if the President thinks it best now. I once thought we might be annihilated but never subjugated but now do not look on the latter as impossible. When we see 12,000 men surrendering as prisoners of war, towns and cities surrendering shamefully and the men in the very seat of secession submitting to a dishonorable draft, I cannot feel that this is a people that can never be subjugated.” $250.

Dr. Richard Fuller Sams served in Co. A, SC 11th Infantry (AKA 9th Regt SC Infantry) and is also shown in SC Beaufort Light Artillery, Co. C; he was a Hospital Steward at McPhersonville 20 March 1863. Much more information on linked page.

WINCHESTER [VA] NOV 5 1864 headed UNION SOLDIER’S LETTER to brother to sister (can’t read his signature, perhaps Albert but no last name) saying, in part, “We left Cedar Creek Near Strasburg where the late Battle was fought to escort Genl Sheridan down to Martinsburg. We passed Winchester and got about 10 miles beyond and Sheridan was taken sick and we fell back to Winchester. They had to send for an ambulance to carry him a part of the way. They say his sickness was cause by eating some cheese that was given him at a house a little North of here…[Winchester] must have been a very pretty town before the war…Wallace was killed about a mile from here.” First person account of General Sheridan falling ill. $80.  
 

US Major General Philip Sheridan was noted for his rapid rise to major general and close association with General-in-chief Ulysses S. Grant. He was one of the first to use the “scorched earth” tactics in war. In 1865, his cavalry pursed General Robert E. Lee and was instrumental in forcing his surrender at Appomattox. Much more information on linked page.

SOUTHERN EXPRESS CO. / MACON / GA. // OCT / 11 bold double circle (CSA catalog type C, CCV $2,500) to Miss Helen Barnwell, Care Capt. Geo. P. Elliott, Grahamville, S.C.  Manuscript “Paid $1.00.” and “Va $100” indicating a money letter which was exempt from CSA postage. Reduced slightly at top, sealed tear at left, top back flap missing. Ex Brown collection. $1,200.

George P. Elliott had service in Confederate General & Staff and is noted as being a commander of the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery (Stuart’s Battery). Much more information on linked page.

Civil War dated sailor’s letter headed “Calcutta 20th Sept 1861” signed “Your Afft (affectionate) Father, D. Jamsin.” Letter measures 10 ½” x 8 ½” then folded in half to make 4-page letter to Etta. He speaks of accounts of Bull Run (Manassas) in which he states, “the later accts from the U. States seem to contradict the horrible massacres at Bull Run, they have got the whole number of killed down to 150 which is certainly a very small number, compared to the hosts engaged, say from 100 to 150 thousand men the accts all go to prove that the Federal Army proved recreant & cowardly, a fact which spread a gloom over every true American, and is a disgrace to the North.” Today, First Bull Run casualties for the North are estimated at about 3,000 and for the South at about 1,750. The letter continues and is fascinating throughout. He makes mention that war news,  “has a sad effect on trade, particularly on Am. ships as the officer will not take a risk at any rate, particularly to China. Consequently, I am hung up for I don’t know how long…I hope the Yankees will pluck up the courage and not let those Southerners overrun the Country…You know my fate when I come home; consequently, my only way is to keep away as long as possible. Were I there now, I suppose they would think me too old for either the Army or Navy—or Merchant service—at any rate I could get employment South in privateering and I dare say the Boston merchants would drive me to that extremity.” Jamsin may have been an employee of the Indian Rubber Company or working on a ship delivering goods for them. He makes (self?) mention of “Quarter Master Jamsin.” And he says, “I am far more comfortable on board than ashore.” Thin writing paper with expected wrinkling and minor edge damage. It could be that he is serving on the vessel Calcutta or that he is aboard another vessel in Calcutta, India. One of the most interesting letters I’ve read in a long time. $300.

“Strother [SC] P 5 Aug 14 ‘61” (not so listed in CSA Catalog, “P 5” instead of listed “Pd 5) all in manuscript on 4-page folded letter to Honorable F. W. Pickens, Governor of South Carolina Columbia from William Strother Lyle who is confined at home with a spinal disease and spends most of the letter speculating on the subject of guns and arms in great detail, a very interesting read. The letter is one sheet folded to make four pages. It has a large Eagle watermark. Each of the four pages are 7.75” by 9.75 inches” and folded as mailed is 4.625” x 3.125.”  $350.

Governor Francis Wilkinson Pickens was governor during first part of Civil War. William Strother Lyles was a doctor and surgeon in Fairfield County, SC. Much more information on linked page.

Listed in both  Miscellaneous and S. Carolina

John Quincy Marr Document Signed (DS), bank draft (usual official “canceled” bank cuts) dated “Warrenton, Fauq[uier County] Va, Jany 21st 1859” to Cashier of Farmers Bank and signed John Q Marr – the  FIRST CONFEDERATE SOLDIER (and officer) KILLED IN ACTION during the Civil War. VERY RARE AUTOGRAPH. From the John A. Washington files. Extensive documentation on Marr accompanies. $900. 

John Quincy Marr was a graduate and former faculty member of the Virginia Military Institute, Marr had been sent to the field with the Warrenton Rifles, which he had raised after John Brown's raid. Col. Richard S. Ewell stationed Marr's company at the Fairfax Court House, and on June 1, 1861, Company B, 2nd U.S. Cavalry passed through the town, firing a few random shots. After a defense was prepared and the Union forces driven off, it was noticed that Marr was missing. He was later found dead from a wound in the chest. Much more information on linked page.

Small note written on front and back by Confederate Dr. William Davis Ewing (4” x 1 ½”) asking that some clothes and a trunk (if it can be locked) be sent to him by express office and to be sure to get a receipt, should they be lost. Instructs it be directed to W. D. Ewing, [Lynchburg] Wayside Hospital, Care of Dr. Bass, Surgeon in Charge. He is afraid of his clothes being stolen, as that is a common problem in the camps. Heavily detailed and interesting bio included. Subject of one of my columns for January 2019. $100.   

William Davis Ewing and Wayside Hospitals - Much detailed information on linked page. Subject of one of my forthcoming columns.

BROWNSVILLE / TEX // JAN / 20 [1865] rimless cds on CROSS-BORDER folded letter to Jno. Twohigg, Esqr., San Antonio, Texas, from Richard Nugent, headed “Matamoros, January 16, 1865” saying “Your reference is asked to the accompanying circular and doubt not you will be pleased to hear I am well satisfied which tho’ not making me a partner (which I did not desire) will I think afford me sufficient means to support my family comfortably, and educate my children but not in Yankee land.” Some internal tear and faults not affecting content. ORIGINAL PRINTED CIRCULAR headed “Matamoros, January 10, 1865.” from “Hanson & Co., Corner Matamoros and Montezuma Sts.” explaining that they have “made arrangements for receiving and shipping or selling Cotton, as well as filling all orders for general merchandise and Plantation supplies. Mr. Richard Nugent, formerly of New Orleans, has charge of the Cotton department.” On the back of the circular is written a letter highly recommending J. W. Hanson, who is well known and respected in Maryland. Nice TRANS-RIO GRANDE USE carried from Mexico. $1,100.

CHARLESTON PENNY POST: NINETY SIX / S.C. // JUL / 23 [1861] light blue cds with matching PAID 5 handstamp on cover to “Mrs. Mary C. Gayes, Charlotte St. two doors from Meeting St. Charleston, S.C.” Sender's directive "Care of Penny Post" at lower left, few tiny edge and larger flap tear. Very Fine and Scarce CHARLESTON PENNY POST use during Confederate period. Ex Nielsen and Calhoun. ONLY 5 CHARLESTON CARRIERS ARE LISTED IN THE SIEGEL CENSUS. CSA Catalog #CS-01, CV $3,500.  $2,200.

“Richland Sta[tion] Ten July 9 / Paid 10 [1861]” on cover to “Edward Stratton, Lexington, Missouri” with blue crayon “Lafayette Co[unty, Missouri].” at lower left and up the side “Opened by order of Col. Comdg. Ironton Mo.” Subject of a Kaufmann article in the July 2019 American Stamp Dealer & Collector. The cover was part of captured mail (no federal or Missouri postal markings), Richland Station was in Sumner County, Tennessee, the 10¢ rate was for a distance farther than 500 miles. The year of use must be 1861, since this area was in federal hands by July 1862 and the rest of the war. Ex Gallagher, Persson and Littlejohn. Extremely RARE ACROSS-THE-LINES EARLY USE FROM CONFEDERATE TENNESSEE TO UNION-HELD MISSOURI. $4,000.

John H. Reagan post-war cut signature (4 ⅛” x 1 ⅛”) with typed Very respectfully, above it. John Henninger Reagan (1818-1905), from the State of Texas, was Confederate Postmaster General during the Civil War. He had a long and illustrious political career before and after the Civil War.   $200. 

PRIZE COURT MAIL presented as evidence of a legal seizure of a blockade-runner. ANDERSON / S.C. // AUG / 26 [1861] with matching handstamped PAID 5, magenta manuscript court docket of “A No 7 / HHE” (Henry H. Elliot), the NEW YORK PRIZE COURT commissioner who initialed it as evidence in the case. This was one of the early prize court cases of the Civil War. Addressed to Emilio Puig, Esqr., Care of Spanish Consul, Charleston S.C. Puig was a Spanish citizen and prominent Catalán businessman who lived in Charleston and was involved in Prize Court cases both in 1861 and 1863. He more than once smuggled mail and important dispatches from Charleston to Cuba aboard blockade vessels.  Under the back flap (flap reinforced with archival document tape) is a note in Spanish to Puig signed “Malga” translating, “Emilio, If Mr. Hall is in Charleston, deliver the enclosed letter to him immediately and if he is not, send it without any delay to Aiken, as it is an important letter.”  Victor Malga was a cousin of Emilio Puig. V. Malga & Co. of Havana was in the import / export business and was connected with the W. P. Hall Co. Malga was a brother-in-law of Hall. Their companies were involved in shipping, maritime trade and blockade running in and out of Charleston during the Civil War. William Peroy Hall was born in Cuba in 1835 (1880 census).  Highlighted in an article in La Posta https://www.trishkaufmann.com/files/1QLaPostaCW4.pdf and a longer article in the American Philatelist https://www.trishkaufmann.com/files/FINAL-April-Section-05-KAUFMANN-sm.pdf  $4,000.

LETTER: CSA 1, 5¢ green, tied peacock blue ink with manuscript postmark of Waynesville G[a] 4 Mch 1862 on folded letter to Miss Gaetnes (?) Mumford, Kingston, Cass Co[unty] Georgia with manuscript directive at lower left Spring Bank. Long 3-page  letter from father to daughter headed Waynesville 1st Mar 62 Sat night saying, in part: The military are on every side me - Capt. A.S.H. at the Tank - Capt. Nichols in the Streets old field & Hopkins is daily receiving large accessions, so that Campbell will soon have a company of his own & of this I am glad for he is a young man the most efficient officer I know. Henry Piles has joined & so has Geor & Daniel Scarlett and some others. L.W.H. & Jas F Th have joined Capt. Lang’s Cavalry Company stationed at present down on the Satilla. Gen[era[l Mercer has gone to Savah (Savannah) & ? now controls everything between the Island and St. Marys…Mr. Atkinson I fear is gradually declining peace meal, our misfortunes of late have distressed him exceedingly and they tell immensely upon us all. But the tide will soon be arrested the next battle at the west will turn in our favor, and yet the losses are to be incalculable & in respect to men irreparable for we shall have none so have to take their places…I had a great talk with all the little negroes about you yesterday. And more. On the outside is written, “This is a ‘Confederate’ stamp and may be some (1491) of value as a souvenir.” I believe the “1491” was erroneously transposed from 1941, as there is an accompanying more modern envelope on which is written in the same hand: One of Precious Father’s letter to me - written in 1862- by his own trembling hand - It has a Jefferson Davis stamps upon it which an old Confederate Veteran tells me is now very valuable. G. M. December 1941. The daughter was well up in years herself by 1941. $675. LL See linked page for links to letter content. Listed in both Miscellaneous-1 and CSA 1 Covers, Section 1

CSA 4, 5¢ dark blue (4 margins, tiniest edge faults) tied killer with matching SELMA / ALA // MAY / 27 [1862] cds on cover to Mrs. Dr. Thom. Rutherford, Newberry C.H., So Ca Care of Burr Ramage Esq. with long 4-page letter headed Selma May 25th, 1862, to Aunt Elvira in which he says, in part: I have been intending to write for several weeks but the excitement has been so great among the people here, at the prospect of a visit from the “Yankees“ that I too have felt very unsettled though by no means alarmed, for I cannot bring myself to believe they will —— be no fault of theirs as we have 60 of their officers here as prisoners, army through general… Ed has been guarding them now for 24 hours, relieved every two hours. Knows he is mad enough, as last night was very dark and raining a good deal. He went on at nine yesterday morning and is to be off at the same hour this morning. I feel this morning as if I were between two fires. Sampson now is in the fourth regiment Alabama volunteers and they are now within 5 miles of Richmond. Dispatches were received here yesterday that there was heavy skirmishing within 7 miles of Richmond and it is supposed to battle will come off today. Samp is so very thin that he cannot stand the fatigue that he did last summer besides they had very hard times for five weeks. Samp broke down in the March to Yorktown. Some of his friends lent him a horse. And one has just come in as hungry as a wolf. Has not eaten a mouthful since he has been on guard, he is dreadfully trained but has no idea of not going to war. Have just gotten a letter from Samp, he is pretty well and seems to think McClellan will be obliged to fight them soon. Thanks there is no doubt but that we will whip them. (“Samp” was killed in October 1863, per another letter in this same correspondence) The fourth Regiment was not engaged in the battle at Williamsburg. There were three of our Selma boys were wounded and taken prisoner there. They belong to the eighth regiment. Mrs. Calvin Norris‘s son died soon after he was taken prisoner. Mr. Louis Moore‘s son Isaac and Mr. Griffin‘s nephew Sam these are reported dead, though I have not been able to learn positively. Dispatches were received yesterday that there was skirmishing at Corinth and that we had lost one man. It is thought the big fight will come off today. I hope we will be able to hear something of Regt soon.  He has been at Corinth more than two months. I have never heard whether he was in the last battle or not. All we know is that he joined the first Arkansas regiment but that regiment was very…William has just come in to change his coat. He has to stand guard/camp/ till tomorrow morning. You know he will curse, and he thinks this is a fit occasion to make use of an oath. He says he wishes he could see aunt Elvira. He wants to give her one good squeeze. Colonel has just announced to the seventh regiment that orders have come for them to go to Corinth next Saturday. I hope it may be countermanded for it is the greenest set you ever saw, most of them from the upper countries, there have been 10 or 12 cadets from Tuscaloosa here drilling them besides as many from Virginia yet there is a great deal to be done there have been over 100  sometimes in the hospital besides 30 detailed to guard Coosa bridges and the same number to guard the prisoners so they have stood a bad chance of being drilled. Mr. Shepherd was killed at Corinth. This is a partial transcription of less than half the very long and interesting letter. $775. LL  Listed in both Miscellaneous-1 and CSA 4 Covers

Dr. Thomas Brooks Rutherford (1801-1865) of Newberry, S.C., was a physician for 15 years. In 1856-57 he was a member of the State legislature. In 1828, he married Laura Adams (or Atwood - I found conflicting attributions) and together they had five children, one of whom was said to have died in the war October 13, 1864, which is the date of the Battle of Darbytown Road. In the 1860 census slave schedules, Dr. Rutherford was shown as owning 80 slaves. A Rutherford family slave interview is transcribed at http://www.rutherfordgenealogy.org/slavesindentures.html I feel there is much to the story that is missing and ripe for research for someone willing to follow the breadcrumbs and sort the accurate from inaccurate information. Elvira Rutherford died at age 75 per Newberry Observer 2-21-1889. The Rutherford men and friends seem to mostly be serving in both Alabama and South Carolina regiments.

1822 Slave Hire Receipt: Wm Scott May 5th 1822 signed receipt for the hire of slaves Tom, Beck and Israel, hired and received from Joseph G. King at the rate of fifty cents per day. Verso dated 19th August 1822 and signed by King to deliver to Capt. Wm. Scott the within numbered slaves and this shall be your receipt for the same. $250. LL

1813-1817 Slave Hire Receipt: The Heirs of William Blyth decd (deceased) To Joseph Barnett. Barnett was an attorney for the Heirs of William Blythe. The receipt enumerates monies due for attending to various suits and to hiring out the slaves for the years 1813, 14, 15, 16, 17 and collecting the money for the same 6 per cent, as well as travel to Galatin (sic) Tennessee. $250.  LL

JOSIAH GORGAS: Two Gorgas items. 1) Manuscript Letter Signed on CSA War Department, Ordnance Office, Richmond, August 2nd 1861 dated imprinted letterhead to Gen’l Ira R. Foster, Quartermaster Gen’l State of Geo[rgia] Atlanta. Richmond, Va., July 21, 1861. (7.5” x 10”) in which Gorgas requests a lot of artillery haversacks, cap pouches and port-fin cases to be made for his troops. Letter, in the hand of a clerk, is signed “J. Gorgas” as Major & Chief of Ord[nance]. In 1864, he was promoted to Brigadier General. 2) Southern Telegraph Companies telegram (4 ¼” x 8”) dated Richmond, Va., December 26, 1864, from Brig. Genl. J. Gorgas to Gen. G. T. Beauregard in which he requests ammunition be supplied Wilmington until he can replace same. Both Gorgas items came from the collection of the late Judge Harry J. Lemley. A wonderful and scarce Gorgas duo. $1,200.

Josiah Gorgas was Jefferson Davis's Chief of Ordnance. Detailed information on linked page as well as front/back images of the telegram. Listed in both Miscellaneous-1 and Imprints, Section 2 LL

TASCO EDUCATIONAL BOOKLET published by Tatham Stamp & Coin Company, Springfield, Mass., with COMPLETE SET OF SPRINGFIELD FACSIMILES, produced in 1934. See Springfield Facsimiles of Confederate Postage Stamps by Steven M. Roth, Francis J. Crown, Jr., Patricia A. Kaufmann. $60.  

“John H. Reagan / Palestine / Texas” autograph on 3” x 5” slip of paper. John Henninger Reagan (1818-1905), a US Representative from Texas 1857-1861, had opposed secession, but resigned from the U.S. Congress when Texas left the Union. He became Postmaster General of the Confederacy, making his Department the first fully functional, and most successful, of any. Very Fine, clean example. $225.

Magnus songsheet, The Nation Mourns - Black-bordered Lincoln mourning songsheet; a popular design.  $150.  LL

Enigma No. 1 March 5th, 1863 dated coded enigma (7 ½” x 7”) written by Sgt Richard Whitfield Jones to his mother, strong pen. Beautiful script. Coded enigma that indicated phrases he would use in letters by a series of code numbers, i.e., 3.12, 20.8.28.24.8.2.31 “is a small boat,” other codes for non-military phrases. Quite unusual and possibly devised to convey information that, if captured, would be of no use to the enemy. RARE. Wonderful Civil War artifact. $300.

Richard Whitfield Jones served in the 3rd Company Howitzers, Virginia Light Artillery Battery, Army of Northern Virginia as a private. Much more information on the link page. LL

The Case of the Confederate Prize Ship. Intriguing manuscript entitled, “Capture of Ship Marathon, May 1861,” apparently a draft legal statement of this noted episode - likely prepared during and for the Alabama Claims, circa 1885. In contemporary hand of ship’s trustee, the brother of the late Henry S. Tyler, one of the vessel’s owners, referring to having read testimony of the ship’s captain. On lined pale blue lettersheet, 8” x 10 ½”, 3 ½  pp. Some pen and pencil underlining; curious replacement of words “Confederate States” with “captors.” It took over twenty years, but in 1885 the Marathon’s original owners sued, in the Court known as Alabama Claims, for losses when their ship was captured on the high seas by the Confederate cruiser Music, and towed to New Orleans. “On arrival at New Orleans, Capt. Chauncey Tyler (one of the owners) made a simulate(d) sale or transfer to Anna Heaton, a British subject, for the purpose if possible of releasing his Ship from the Confederate States [crossed out and replaced with ‘Captors’]. The sale was not a bona fide transaction...done merely to prevent the condemnation as a prize of War, and for the purpose of misleading the Confederate Authorities, and obtain the escape of the vessel, and was not intended to divest the title of the real owners...and as the Ship’s Trustee(?) I continued to pay her bills & expenses, the same as before the pretended transfer...After the arrival of the Vessel at Liverpool in Aug. 1861 until she was sold in New York in Mar. 1862, she was a loss to the owners...and the complicated condition of the title was very embarrassing...” Listing owners of the ship, in sixteenth interests, including Chauncey, Horace, Christopher, and Selden Tyler, Richard Pratt, Wm. Palmer, Gideon Parker, Hezekiah Scovil, et al. In describing the members of his Tyler family, the writer continues, “There is no real difference...so any money received from Ship Marathon would go to the same parties...” Moderate foxing, handling, and edge wear, -a  fascinating artifact of this saga, just weeks after Fort Sumter. The legal aspects of the case were unique and fascinating. From the beginning, the story became inordinately complicated. The litigants not only were exhaustive in their pursuit, but must have been exhausted themselves; in the end, the Court awarded no damages. Ironically, the success of the Alabama Claims Commission was due in large part to another Tyler - the former Confederate Treasury Secretary - whose postwar assistance was rewarded with a judgeship. Alabama Claims manuscript material has largely vanished from the market. With modern research. LL $450.

Lincoln Portrait sunken die proof in black with facsimile signature, heavy black “mourning” border. Imprint of J.M. Whittemore & Co., Publishers, Boston. This portrait is known both beardless and later bearded for patriotic use. Weiss AL-69 design. 6 ½’ x 8 ¼” Very Fine. LL $300.

“Amount of Hire of Negroes & Sales of property belonging to Lewis Burwell’s estate in Franklin 25th Jany 1802.”  Long list of hires, e.g., “William Clay…Boy Charles, Richard Gogings…Man Emanuel,” etc., as well as sale details of livestock and grains. Click here to see docketing on other side.  LL $250.

Executive Department, Tallahassee, Florida imprinted cover used with Tallahassee CDS in 1866, as docketed at left side, tiny remnant of U.S. 2¢ Blackjack under CDS, drop use to Henry Wells, Tallahassee. Rare imprint used the year after the war ended. Henry Wells (1837-1905) served in the Confederate Army during the war, both 2st Florida Cavalry and 4th Florida Infantry. Ex Briggs. IMPT-1/MISC-1 $75. 

SOLDIER’S LETTER, headed Camp Security, Darien Ga, February 12th 1862. Most likely from Augustus H. Harrell, 29th Georgia Regiment AKA Thomasville Guards. Cross-writing, as was common to save paper, but easy to read. Full transcript on linked page. LL $400. 

Dead Letter Office P.O. Dept. (DLO) bold strike of oval datestamp (CSA Catalog UDL-01, Type A, CV $2,500) with DUE 6 cts. straightline on diminutive cover from Maria Bostick in Robertville, S.C., to her mother, Mrs Smith-Mott, Hamilton, Madison Co[unty], N. York. It is an attempted flag-of-truce use, although it was not accepted as such and was sent to the Dead Letter Office. Original 2-page letter with family news, datelined from Robertville March 27, 1863, with a receipt docketing of June 17. Second page of letter There is no apparent attempt at paying either Confederate or U.S. postage, so this might have been an inner letter sent under cover with other letters. $950.

Mott-Bostick correspondence is explaned on the linked page.

UNION COVER WITH SOLDIER’S LETTER: US 65, two singles 3¢ rose tied targets and SPRINGFIELD / ILL // APR / 11 / ’64 double-circle datestamps on cover to Miss Fannie Williams, Henry Marshal County, Ills. Along left edge is an unexplained note, “P.M. Please don’t stamp here.” We don’t know the reason why. INTERESTING 4-PAGE LETTER headed Springfield Apr 8, 1864, from Sam. A. Wilson noting he is a camp but not sure for how long and, “I guess there is no use of thinking about going West now, though I believe there is more money to be made in the Army than in California if a fellow is lucky & manages right…Bro Horne told me this eve that the Rebs had surrounded Memphis…” and more. Letter pages 1 and 4. Letter pages 2-3. $75.

CONFEDERATE SOLDIER’S LETTER headed March 4th/62 to William Nance, whom he addresses as cousin. Full typed transcription included which interprets the signature as “Your Devoted cousin Nile.” From his handwriting, I interpret that as “Nite” as in “Goodnight,” not Nile. EXCELLENT content with “inventive” spelling in which he describes being whipped at Fort Donilson (sic). “Nashville was surrendered and we have been in a stir ever since. There is about sixty thousand Yankies in Nashville and still comeing every day…it is very doubtful wheather you get this or not…all communication is stopped. Our army has retreated and burnt all of the bridges, both railroad and pike…what few men we have left with us are unarmed.” Pencil note at end “2 Reg. Tenn Volunteers, Care of Capt. J. F. Tysee” which seems to be how he wants mail directed, but I did not find such a person. Needs more research. Very nice military letter in bold pen. See pages 2 & 3 by clicking here. $300.

TASCO EDUCATIONAL BOOKLET published by Tatham Stamp & Coin Company, Springfield, Mass., with COMPLETE SET OF SPRINGFIELD FACSIMILES, produced in 1934. See Springfield Facsimiles of Confederate Postage Stamps by Steven M. Roth, Francis J. Crown, Jr., Patricia A. Kaufmann. $60.  

US 26, 3¢ dull red on 3¢ star-die entire U27 tied together by light strike of Adams Ex. Co. * Louisville Ky. * Aug. 6, 1861, CDS to Lewis Thompson, Hokel, Bertie Co(unty) N.C. (Woodville), docketing “From W. H. Wiggins, Jr. NYK” at lower left, blue Nashville Ten. Aug. 8, 1861 CDS with matching PAID on fresh entire, manuscript "4/-" RARE double express rate (four bits, or 50¢) across-the-lines express use, Special Routes census no. S-AD-50, ex Knapp, MacBride and Boshwit. $2,000.

US 26, 3c Dull Red, Ty. III (26) tied by SAN FRANCISCO / Cal. // JUN / 5 (1861) CDS on cover to Raphael Pumpelly, Esq, Santa Rita Mining Co, Tubac, Arizona. Red docketing “San Francisco June 4, 1861…To dear Pumpelly, From Louis Janin.” Probably carried on the steamer Panama, which sailed south to Mazatlan on June 6, taken by stage from San Diego to Tucson, then by Lathrop's Buckboard Mail to Tubac, Very Fine and RARE USE TO SECEDED ARIZONA TERRITORY. Ex Birkinbine. $2,750.

Raphael Pumpelly and Louis Janin biographies found on the linked page.

J. M. Barksdale's Arkansas Express (CSA catalog type TMW-12, CV $3,500) with blue manuscript "Paid $1.00" express rate, matching endorsement "Soldier's Letter, A. E. Spence, Co. `B' 1st Ark. Regt." on cover to Solomon Spence, Clark County, Arkadelphia Ark., WASHINGTON / Ark. // DEC / 2 circular datestamp and "10" due handstamp, minor soiling and slightly reduced at left where opened roughly. ONE OF ONLY FOUR RECORDED COVERS CARRIED BY ONE OF THE ARKANSAS EXPRESSES ACROSS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. $2,750.

Capt. Alexander E. Spence served in Company B (Clark County Volunteers), 1st Arkansas Infantry. The expressman, J. M. Barksdale, served in Company H, 2nd Arkansas Mounted Rifles. More information on those two and the express service are found on the linked page. Listed in both Miscellaneous-Section 1 and Arkansas Stampless

CSA 12, 10¢ blue tied by SHREVEPORT / LA. // JUL / 16 / 1864 double-circle datestamp on lengthy 4-page folded letter to Mrs. James Lacy, San Cosina, Rusk County, Texas, from T. J. Lacy, 3rd Texas Cavalry (Hood's Brigade) "To Home Folks," datelined "In Camp, Marietta, Georgia, June 21st, 1864" and tiny manuscript "Paid $1.00" next to stamp which indicates the TRANS-MISSISSIPPI COURIER FEE. Excellent soldier’s letter written by Thomas Jefferson Lacy (1838-1910) in bold pencil but very readable, Fascinating, it includes description of casualties with loss of limbs, a prediction that "Johnson is anxious for Sherman to make the attack & I think will force him to do it yet," remorse over Gen. Polk's death (killed June 14), a long commentary on Grant's campaign, "Grant seems to be preparing for another attempt at an 'on to Richmond,'" and the consequences of losing Richmond, mention of cousins Ben and Crockett Lacy who "were prisoners at Fort Pillow when Forrest attacked the place. The enemy forced them to carry ammunition to their men in the ditches. Ben was killed & Crocket wounded." The writer includes a colorful remark about a relative who was made Provost Marshal -- "Not much to do & a plenty of nice Ladies to pass off the time with. He can't afford to take a 'ride' there, but will wait until he can get back to his native state." Very rare use, TRANS-MISSISSIPPI COURIER COVERS RARELY SHOW THE EXPRESS CHARGE or contain such a LENGTHY WAR-CONTENT LETTER; Difficult to scan as is longer than the scanner bed, so you’ll have to take my word for it that the content is wonderful – MOST of the lengthy content is scanned (PAGE 1, PAGE 2, PAGE 3, PAGE 4). Ex Keeling, Littlejohn, and Walske. $2,000.

CSA 11, 10¢ blue (4 ample to huge margins) tied by SHREVEPORT / LA. // FEB / 18 double-circle datestamp on TRANS-MISSISSIPPI COURIER cover to Miss M. Em. Reagan, New Salem, Rusk County, Texas. Manuscript "Soldiers letter 19th La." and "Favor of Mr. Aills," missing part of back flap, Very Fine and SCARCE USE. While this does not have contents identifying the origin or a manuscript indication of Trans-Mississippi carriage, it almost assuredly originated in the East, was carried across the river, and entered the Confederate mails at Shreveport for delivery to Texas. $1,250.

Thomas P. Aills served in the 14th Texas Infantry in General Walker's Division, Trans-Mississippi Department (Reminiscences of the Boys in Gray, 1861-1865). There was also a George W. Aills in the 19th Louisiana Infantry.

CSA 11c, 10¢ greenish blue PAIR (ample to huge margins) tied by light SHREVEPORT / LA. double-circle datestamp by TRANS-MISSISSIPPI COURIER on very interesting 3-page folded letter (PAGE 1, PAGE 2, PAGE 3) from James Thom datelined "Richmond Va., Oct. 13, 1863," to James H. Moody, Fairfield, Freestone County, Texas. Interesting contents with directions for getting mail across the river by Capt. F. J. Lynch and so much more, “He wishes me to put in a large amt of money and let him go by way of Nassau to Matamoros and buy cotton and ship to Europe. I prefer entrusting all my interest in Texas to you.” And “Judge Re(a)gan is the Post Master Genl from Texas and says Capt Lynch is a reliable man & can give me all the information I wish. Capt Lynch says he swam the Mississippi on a mule to bring depatches.” Bit of splitting and nicks along folds as well as small piece missing from third page, ex Clippert. $2,000.

Francis J. Lynch (1815–1897) served as a captain in the Confederate Quartermaster Corps. Much more information on linked page.

CSA 7-R, 5¢ blue block of four with pre-use creases and small faults, manuscript cancels, paying 20¢ of 40¢ Trans-Mississippi Express rate with manuscript "Due 20" on eastbound cover to "Col. W. B. Whitehead, Mossingford, Charlotte County, By the way of Shrievesport (sic), Va." The use of the Richmond print from west of the Mississippi points to an 1863 mailing. VERY RARE FRANKING FOR THE 40¢ TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPRESS RATE, COMBINING A BLOCK OF THE 5¢ RICHMOND PRINT WITH A "DUE 20" MARKING. Unlisted in Krieger. Ex MacBride (expertized in 1948) and Walske with 1997 Brian Green certificate. $2,500.

Southern Express Co. Savannah Ga. Nov. 9 (1862) red double-circle datestamp with day in manuscript and matching "Paid D/-" express rate (code letter "D" -- other covers from Savannah use the code letter "R") and "$30" contents notation on gray and white wallpaper cover to Mrs. Mary Ann Harden, Athens Georgia, a bit worn as usual, still Fine, WALLPAPER COVERS ARE RARELY SEEN WITH EXPRESS MARKINGS, ex Hahn, illustrated in Special Routes book (p. 199, census no. SOU-39.) $1,500.

3¢ star-die entire U27 entire tied MOBILE / ALA // FEB / 20 / 1861 double-circle cancel, CSA Use of U.S. Postage, addressed to Mr. Chas. H. Howland, St. Louis, Mi (Missouri) with RARE bold blue ALICE VIVIAN CONFEDERATE PACKET BOAT (CSA CV $2,000) double-oval handstamp and blurry straightline handstamp which may be St. Louis ADVERTISED or Mobile STEAMBOAT – I could not determine. Nice name of boat packet boat handstamp reads “Regular Saturday Packet / Alice Vivian/ Capt. S.W. Abels / for Demopolis / & / Merriwether’s Landing.” Nov 20, 1855, patent lines inside envelope; small sealed tear at right into star-die, 1972 PF certificate. Alice Vivian operated on the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers and was captured by the Federal blockader De Soto in August 1863 in the Gulf of Mexico, with 580 bales of cotton; her cargo was taken to New York and the ship to New Orleans as a prize (New York Times Aug. 22, 1863) Very seldom seen and coveted inland waterway marking. $2,300.

Charles H. Howland maintained  pro-Union sympathies throughout the war. More details on linked page.

SOUTHERN EXPRESS CO. / NASHVILLE TENN. // Nov / 12 (1861) bold strike of blue CDS on cover to J.W. Thom, Courtland Ala.; blue crayon "Paid 2/-" (two bits, or 25¢) express charge, back flap missing, slightly reduced at top and unobtrusive sealed tear into the marking, the ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE NASHVILLE OFFICE DATESTAMP recorded in the Special Routes census of CSA internal private express covers (census no. SOU-61), Ex Gallagher and Rudy. $1,800.

Southern Express Co. Richmond Va. Jun. 14 (1862) double-circle datestamp on cover to Mrs. E. J. Eldridge, Adam's Station, Lee County, Georgia. Manuscript directive at lower right: South Western Rail Road, manuscript "Paid 8/-" (8 bits, or $1.00), "$100" refers to contents; 3 red wax seals on back flaps, slightly reduced at left with couple tiny edge nicks but still Choice example of a Southern Express Co. money letter with interesting railroad tie-in, from Dr. Erwin J. Eldridge in 16th GA Volunteers, stationed near Richmond, to his wife Emma. Special Routes census no. SOU-70. Signed Brian Green. $1,350.

Dr. Erwin J. Eldridge was a surgeon in the 16th Georgia and then Cobb’s Legion. Much more biographical information on linked page.

Virginia Express Company imprint across top of cover to Capt. Joseph William Mathews, Care of Messrs. Mathews & Miller, Lewisburg West Va., missing part of top flap, Very Fine and RARE. I’ve never seen this imprint before. $850.

Capt. Joseph William Mathews served with his brothers in Gen. Henry A. Wise’s Brigade in the West Virginia Campaign. More info on linked page.

US 26, 3¢ dull red tied FORT SMITH / ARK // FEB / 12 / 1861 double-circle datestamp on fresh cover to Hon. Howell Cobb, President of the Southern Congress, Montgomery, Ala. Restored along the right side to Very Fine appearance. Arkansas did not secede until May, thus this is a Union use to the South but rare nonetheless and with a great address. Ex Doug Baker. $800.

Arkansas Secession and Howell Cobb information on linked page. Listed in both Independent State-2 and Miscellaneous-1

CSA 7, two pairs of 5¢ blue (4 margin), all canceled by matching double pen strokes on cover addressed to Hugh G. Windham, Esqr, Cooksville, Noxubee County, Mississippi. E. H. Cushing Express newsprint label, (CSA Catalog type B without date, Special Routes book type II), affixed to back of cover originating west of the Mississippi River (likely in Texas). Cushing label has small scuffs at center but is intact and in good condition, cover open on three sides for display, slight wear and small mend at corner. Ex Frazier and Walske. ONLY ABOUT 20 EXAMPLES OF ALL VARIETIES ARE BELIEVED TO EXIST. $4,000.

Edward Hopkins Cushing biographical and service info on linked page.

R.E. Lee Genl signed field endorsement on cover to Revd A.W. Miller in Petersburg, Virginia. A bit of soiling but a rare and popular item. University Archives certificate of authenticity signed by John M. Reznikoff in May 2002. Capt. James Monroe’s census in 2001 showed only 15 known Lee-endorsed postally used field covers. The majority were carried outside the mails by military courier, as is this. Ex Ralph Swap. $6,500. 

Rev. Arnold W. Miller justified slavery through Christianity: "Thus, the relation of slavery will ever continue in the world, rendered perpetual by Christianity, because it points to Christ, who took upon Him the form of a slave... The Christianity of the Old Testament did not condemn it, neither does the Christianity of the New." Whew. Not my view.

“Our Flag” / SC (for Southern Congress) patriotic sticker (CSA Catalog type ST-1, CV $2,500 used on cover) by A. Dapremont of New Orleans, rare unused example with original gum, Superb. $500.

CONFEDERATE NAVY: CSA 12a, 10¢ milky blue tied beautifully struck WARRENTON N.C. JUN 24 cds on pristine blue commercially-made laid paper cover addressed to Asst. Surgeon Chas M. Morfit, C.S.N., Care Major Norman Smith, Charleston, S.C. SCARCE CS NAVY use made all the more desirable by the medical connection. Ex Monroe, Myerson and Swap. $700.  

Dr. Charles McLean Morfit and Major Norman Wallace Smith bios on linked page.

CONFEDERATE TRANS-RIO GRANDE ROUTE FROM MEXICO: CSA 7-L, 5¢ blue pair, as usually seen on theses uses, tied EAGLE PASS, TEX / Oct 28 boldly struck cds on outer folded lettersheet (no contents) that ORIGINATED IN MEXICO, and was carried out of the mails across the River to Eagle Pass. Small tape stain sealed tear at top. Addressed to Sr. D. Juan Twohig, San Antonio, Texas, and docketed on reverse "October 23 – 1862 / Don Jesús Silba on / Flour & Wheat", Very Fine. Eagle Pass, Texas, is located on the east bank of the Rio Grande River directly across from Piedras Negras, Mexico. It was adjacent to Fort Duncan, built in 1849. Ratification of Texas secession from the Union took place March 2, 1861, although secession was in motion February 1, 1861. Texas joined the Confederacy March 6, 1861. After that date, the fort was garrisoned by Confederate troops until the end of the war. This cover originated somewhere in Mexico and was carried privately to Piedras Negras in an outer envelope addressed to a Mexican forwarder. From there, it crossed the border to Eagle Pass where the inner envelope was placed in the Confederate mails. This was one of the three major Trans-Rio Grande routes. F. Groos & Co. was the forwarder at Pedras Negras. All recorded Eagle Pass routed covers fall between October 1862 to September 1864. Ex Risvold and Kramer. RARE AND HIGHLY DESIRABLE! Ex Ralph Swap. $5,500.

JOHN TWOHIG bio on linked page.

RIVER PACKET: CSA 1, 5¢ green bottom sheet margin pair (small rub at upper right) tied NEW ORLEANS LA DEC 17 (1861) with pen notation at lower left “Mail” indicating river packet. At upper right “Mess. W&B will please forward this letter.” Addressed to James W. Regan Esqr, Care of Mess S. Weil & Bro., Monroe, La. Long 2-page business letter which is scanned front and back but does not fully fit on scanner bed so side edges digitally trimmed but are completely there, just not showing. Page 1 of letter. Page 2 of letter. Cover a bit reduced at left. Ex Ralph Swap. $700. 

STEAM 7 (CSA Catalog type B, CCV $2,000), perfectly struck attached rate straightline handstamp with NEW ORLEANS LA JUL 8 1861 double-circle datestamp on fresh cover to Messrs Carroll Hoy & Co., New Orleans, Louisiana, with “Mary T.” manuscript vessel name at lower left, couple small top edge restorations, 2002 CSA certificate 04301. Scarce and handsome use. Ex Ralph Swap. $2,000.

John H. Reagan Palestine Anderson County Texas autograph on piece with light blue notation “PM of the Southern Confed(eracy), a man of integrity.” As Postmaster General of the Confederate States, his is a popular autograph to include in Civil War postal history collections. He also served as a U.S. Senator from Texas. $400.

CSA PRESIDENT JEFFERSON DAVIS: CSA 11, 10¢ blue (4 margins) tied neat RICHMOND / VA. // MA- / 27 cds on imprinted Confederate Executive Department semi-official (CSA Catalog type ED-03 with CV of $750 without regard to autograph value) ADDRESSED IN THE DISTINCTIVE HAND OF CSA PRESIDENT JEFFERSON DAVIS to “Col. W. C. P. Breckinridge, 9th Ky Cavalry, Grigsby’s Brigade, [Kelly’s Division, Wheeler’s Corps, Army of Tennessee] Oxford, Ala.” This was undoubtedly official business, as noted in the imprint. Even the president had to pay postage. Only the post office was allowed send official business mail free of charge. Important military address. Breckinridge was a member of one of the most prominent political families in America. He was aligned militarily with Gen. John Hunt Morgan. General John Warren Grigsby was chief of staff of Wheeler’s Cavalry Corps by 1865; his brother was command of the Stonewall Brigade. Top back flap missing and bit of edge wear. While some correspondence from the Executive Department was addressed by clerks, the distinctive characteristics of Davis’ hand are seen most readily in the A, the down strokes of the “y” and “g”, the B and the K. Ex Ralph Swap. $2,300. Listed in both Imprint Covers-1 and Miscellaneous-1

CSA 12f, 10¢ blue officially perforated 12/ ½ tied by MOBILE AL  NOV 28 [1863] double-circle cancel on cover SMUGGLED out of New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama. From there mailed to Joseph Reynès, Care S.M. Darby, Esq., Box 129, Augusta, Ga., 2008 APS Certificate that only addresses the genuineness of the stamp. Rare smuggled cover used with sarce perforated issue. $2,500. Listed in both Miscellaneous-1 and CSA 12 Covers, Section 3.

The Reynès correspondence is well-known among serious students. Smuggling operation explaining on linked page.

“John H. Reagan / Texas” autograph on small card. John Henninger Reagan (1818-1905), a US Representative from Texas 1857-1861, had opposed secession, but resigned from the US Congress when his state left the Union. He became Postmaster General of the Confederacy, making his Department the first fully functional, and most successful, of any.  $270.

Scott County, Virginia $1, Estillbille, August 15, 1862, uncirculated. $40.

1864 CSA $2 banknote, Judah P. Benjamin, engraved by Keatinge & Ball, uncirculated. $130.

CSA 7, 5¢ blue pair tied GUINEYS VA MAR circular datestamp on cover to Miss Rosa I. Glen, 440 King Street, Charleston, So Ca, “Care Penny Post.” CSA Catalog type CS-01, CV $3,500. Listed in both Miscellaneous, section 2, and CSA 7, section 1, covers. $2,000.

Charleston Penny Post Service details on linked page.

PRIZE COURT MAIL: WALHALLA S.C. APR 15 (1862), cds with matching oblong-boxed  PAID and manuscript "5" rate on folded letter to Wm Marscher, 46 State Street, Charleston, S.C., letter datelined 1862, carried privately on a blockade runner; ship was seized by the U.S. Navy and this letter became evidence at the Philadelphia Prize Court, "No. 13., H.L." docketing of Henry Flanders, a prominent lawyer who served as Philadelphia Prize Court Commissioner and red manuscript "88" for the case number; some light edge staining. See articles section for more information on Prize Courts. $800.  

CSA 11, 10¢ blue horizontal strip of three and a single in different shades, small flaws, manuscript canceled and tied by light blue PETERSBURG VA postmarks on cover to Capt. F. P. Leavenworth in Shreveport, La. with manuscript "Via Meridian" manuscript directive, with colorless embossed Collegiate Seminary for Young Ladies, Petersburg, Virginia, Rev. A.J. Leavenworth, Principal corner card (Dietz Type I) at top left. A RARE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPRESS COVER USE ON AN ADVERTISING COVER.  Ex Baum. $1,800. Listed in both Advertising and Miscellaneous, Section 1. 

Captain Frederick Peabody Leavenworth biography on linked page.

BROWNSVILLE TEX JUL 15, transit CDS with matching PAID 10 rate handstamp on folded lettersheet to Messrs Avendaño Bros., New Orleans, La. from Matamoros, Mexico, with manuscript "via Berwick's Bay" early routing endorsement at top and greenish-blue "A. Uhde & Co., Matamoros" oval company sender’s handstamp, with Matamoros, Julio 8, 1861 docketing on inside flap; light corner wear and some toning along file fold, ex Weatherly. THE ONLY KNOWN TRANS-RIO GRANDE MAIL USE BEARING THE "VIA BERWICK'S BAY" ROUTING DIRECTIVE. Listed in both Miscellaneous-1 and Texas sections. $1,600.