Raleigh, N.C. 5¢ red 68XU1 handstamped provisional with blue Aug 27, 1861, town cancel on pristine entire envelope to Dr. J. F. Shaffner, Salem, N.C., top back flap missing, docketing re contents on back flaps, SCV $500. $450.

Dr. John Francis Shaffner (1838–1908) served as a Confederate surgeon during the Civil War and later became a prominent civic, business, and medical leader in Salem, NC. His private medical practice was interrupted in 1861 when he volunteered as a private in Company A (later Company D), under Captain A. H. Belo, Twenty-first Regiment, North Carolina Troops. For a time, he was an assistant surgeon with the 7th, 21st, and 23rd regiments. Promoted to surgeon in the Confederate army in March 1862, he served in the field with the 4th and 33rd regiments and as brigade surgeon of Lawrence O'B. Branch's and Stephen D. Ramseur's brigades until Lee’s surrender. After the war, he continued his medical practice in Salem. He also led civic activities, serving as mayor of Salem, president of the Salem Water Supply Company, and vice-president of the Winston-Salem Building and Loan.