POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (CAMP HOFFMAN): US 65, 3¢ rose, tied bold cork cancel, Old Point Comfort, Va. Apr 28 dcds on small cover front to H.R. Roberts, Prisoners Camp Care of Maj. Bradley, Point Lookout, Md.; red contents docketing “Feb 5, 1865, From Elizabeth Roberts, Antioch PO, So. Ca.” origin and ms. censor marking with “Va.” $65.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (CAMP HOFFMAN): US 65, 3¢ rose, tied cork cancel, Old Point Comfort, Va. Apr 4 dcds on cover front to Rufus C. Jenkins, Camp Point Lookout, Md; red contents docketing “Feb 6, 1865, From M.E. Perkins Va” origin and ms. censor marking and “By Flag of Truce,” edge faults across top. $50.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (CAMP HOFFMAN): US 65, 3¢ rose, tied cork cancel, Old Point Comfort, Va June 5 dcds on cover front to Richard P. Watkins, Point Lookout, Maryland; red contents docketing “June 2, 1865, Margaret Watkins.” $60.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (CAMP HOFFMAN): US 65, 3¢ rose, tied cork cancel, Old Point Comfort, Va June 15 dcds on cover front to Roswald S. Majit (also seen as Majett), Point Lookout, Maryland, with directive “Please forward,” red contents docketing “June 11, 1865, H.A. Parker, Va.” $60.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (CAMP HOFFMAN): US 65, 3¢ rose, tied grid cancel with indistinct double-circle postmark on cover front to James B. Thomas, Care Major A.G. Brady, Point Lookout, Md; red contents docketing “April 24/65 From his mother, Berkeley County, Va., censor ms. “G”. Thomas served in 18th Virginia Cavalry Regiment. $60.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (CAMP HOFFMAN): US 65, 3¢ rose, cork canceled and tied post-war Richmond Va. June 19 cds on small cover front (no back) to Joseph W. Pinan, Co. A 2nd Division, Prison Camp, Point Lookout, Maryland; docketed with “Released” and red contents docketing “June 13, from ‘Addie Richd, Va.’” Old Point Comfort Va Sept 14 dcds. Yours to research. $60.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (CAMP HOFFMAN): US 65, 3¢ rose, cork canceled on cover front (no back) to Mr. Timothy Rives, Prisoner of War, Point Lookout, Md Care of Provost Marshal, docketed with “taken the Oath” and red contents docketing “Sept 5, 1864, from his daughter Laura, Va.” Old Point Comfort Va Sept 14 dcds. An article on this item is in the 3Q 2022 La Posta. $75. 

Hon. Timothy Rives bio on linked page.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (CAMP HOFFMAN): CSA 11, 10¢ blue tied by RICHMOND / Va. // JUL / 27 plus a US 3¢ rose tied by a WASHINGTON / D.C. // DEC / 18 (1863) CDS and target on a tiny cover from CSA Private Noah Deaton to his father Mr. William Deaton, Esq, Caledonia, Moore County, N.C. with manuscript endorsement, Prisoner's letter By flag of Truce; light strike of large oval examiner's handstamp APPROVED/J N Patterson/Capt & Provost Marshal/Point Lookout, Md. (PWH-16); canceled at Washington instead of Point Lookout because, from August to December of 1863, prisoner mail was forwarded to Washington, D.C., for posting. Ex Frank Hart, Randy Neil. Great looking use franked with postage of both sides (illegal). $950.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (CAMP HOFFMAN): US 65, 3¢ rose, tied by target cancel with matching POINT LOOKOUT / MD // NOV / 10 (1864) CDS with January 16 (1864) RICHMOND / Va. DUE 10 applied when it crossed the lines to Alexander white, Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia. Mandated endorsement of “S White, Co C 2nd Va Cava” and “By flag of truce.” Usual light strike of CSA catalog type PHW-7, type B octagonal censor’s examined handstamp, tiny sealed tear at top edge, otherwise Very Fine. Ex Benson. $550.

Samuel White served in Co A, 9th Virginia infantry, Virginia Salem Flying Light Artillery, and Co C, 2nd Virginia Cavalry. More info on linked page.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: US 65, 3¢ rose tied target with matching Sandusky, O. Feb 24 double circle, RICHMOND / Va. DUE 10 applied when it crossed the lines to John W. Stovall Esq., Sassafras Fork, Granville County, No. Ca.; ms. “Via Fortress Monroe/Flag of Truce” with endorsement of Wilken Stovall, Lt. 55th Regt No. Ca. Troops. Manuscript Censor's initials "Ex FWR" (Pvt. Frank W. Rittman), top back flap missing, Wonderful postal use of both sides. Ex Benson. $750.

Wilkins (or Wilkens) Stovall served in Co D 12th NC Infantry and Co. K, 55th N.C. More info on linked page.

CAMP CHASE / COLUMBUS, OHIO: US 65, 3¢ rose canceled “prison bar grid” and tied with matching cancel of COLUMBUS / O. // OCT / 4 (1862) with manuscript Camp Chase Prisoner-of-War Camp examined markings “Exmd / Peter Zinn / Maj Com Post” on cover to “Mrs. Dr. Alfred Hughes, Wheeling (West) Va.” Handstamped censor makings were not used from Camp Chase until 1863; small scuff at top edge of cover. Ex Benson. $250.

Homœopathy was introduced in 1848 in Wheeling by Dr. Alfred Hughes and his sister, Eliza Hughes, one of the first female physicians. Much more info on linked page.

ELMIRA, NEW YORK: US 65, 3¢ rose tied neat Elmira, NY Feb 4, 1862, CDS on neat small commercially-made laid-paper cover to “Geo G. Kimball, Esq, Q.M. Genl’s Office, Washington, D.C.” where it was redirected in red ink to “Portsmouth, New Hampshire” with no extra charge. Prisoner’s Letter Elmira examined oval, CSA catalog PWH-19, type A; neat embossed flowers on tip of fully intact back flaps. Ex Benson. $375.

CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE: US 65, 3¢ rose tied with Washington, D.C., duplex, also Confederate soldier’s (DUE) 10 with light Richmond Va. Sep 16 CDS on fresh cover to Mrs. Col. White, Pittsylvania Court House, Va., ms. “Pr ‘Flag of Truce” up left end, few tiny edge tears; nice use ofpostage on both sides, Ex Benson. $425.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: US 65, 3¢ rose tied target cancel with matching Point Lookout Aug 21 ‘64 double-circle cancel, neat clear type IIb octagonal examined marking on cover to “Mrs. Virginia Keeling Care of Maj. Gates or the Commanding Officer at Bernard’s Mill near Suffolk, Va.” signed “J.S. Gates, Maj. 20th NY“ with significant amount of interesting penned content both front and back to addressee. At far left is penned “Head Quarters, Bowers Hill Va. Sept 19/64” and then “Capt. Ford, Please send this letter to Mr. Riddick at Suffolk, J. S. Gates, Maj. 20th NYT” and finally, in different hand, “Pass this outside … F. Ford, Col. Commandg Outpost.” He tells “Cousin Jennie” that “The letters were open when they got here,” talks about “the Yanks,” and is signed “Effa.” A most interesting use from a prisoner to a Union-held area of Virginia. Ex Benson. $400.

Jacob S. Gates was 25 when he enlisted August 3, 1863, at Sacketts Harbor, NY, as a captain. He was commissioned into Company D, New York 20th Cavalry, Norfolk & Portsmouth Brigade, District of Eastern Virginia, Army of the James. By April 1, 1865, he held the rank of Lt. Col. He mustered out July 31, 1865, at Manchester, Va.

“SALISBURY PRISON N.C. July 24th 1862” headed prisoner-of-war lettter signed by Art[hur] T. Wilcox saying, in part, that “Our surgeons & chaplains are under orders for home & expect to start tonight for City Point. By one of them I send a line. We are told that a general exchange has been arranged & that as soon as transportation can be procured we are all to be sent home. The prospect would be fair if it were not for the remembrance of our past experience. As we shall probably be among the last sent, it will be something strangely fortunate if nothing intervenes to break the matter off before our turn comes, expending the final result as shall of course be somewhat anxious. At any rate we cannot start before sometime next week & perhaps not for two weeks or more.“  No cover accompanies but military records do. Wilcox enlisted at age 26 on 4-23-61 as a 2nd Lieut. in Co. E. 7th Ohio Infantry. He was subsequently transferred to the 177th Ohio Infantry as full colonel. He was taken prisoner at Cross Lanes, West Virginia on 8-26-61 and finally exchanged at Aiken’s Landing, Va on 9-21-62, so his concerns about release were obviously well founded. He was mustered out 6/24/1865 at Greensboro, NC. Arthur Tappan Wilcox contracted yellow fever while working as a civil engineer on bridges in Central America. He died of the disease at Port Limon, Costa Rica, on October 24, 1902. Detailed period bio and photos included. Wonderful scarce prisoner of war letter. Ex Benson. $600.

CIVILIAN FLAG-OF-TRUCE: Kinston N.C. Inner flag-of-truce cover from a GALVANIZED YANKEE (former soldier who fought for both sides during the war) at Norfolk Va. to John W. Staley, Marleys Mills, N.C.; manuscript examiner's mark of CSA censor “E.P. White, Lt. & A.A.D.C.” with postage paid by CSA 12a, 10¢ milky blue with large margins all around (tiny hole at right center), tied by KINSTON / N.C. // Jan / 9 (1865) CDS, exchanged through New Bern and Kinston N.C.; cover slightly reduced at left, Very Fine. CIVILIAN MAIL SENT BY EXCHANGE POINTS OTHER THAN THOSE IN SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA ARE VERY SCARCE. Kinston was closer to New Bern than Goldsborough and was used by the CSA as a flag-of-truce exchange point when it was not threatened by Federal troops. This cover was sent by Pvt. Marshall S. Rains, a Galvanized Yankee who had been a Confederate soldier in the 22nd N.C. He was captured at Gettysburg, took the oath of allegiance, and joined the U.S. 1st Volunteer Infantry in 1864. Illustrated and correspondence discussed in the.  Confederate Philatelist (No. 240, Nov. 1987), ex Walske. $950.

CIVILIAN FLAG-OF-TRUCE: US 65, 3¢ rose tied by quartered-cork cancel over PAPER AND MUCILAGE USED TO AFFIX 3¢ COIN on inner South-to-North flag-of-truce cover to Rev. George W. Simpson D.D., Washington D.C., OLD POINT COMFORT / VA. // NOV / 26 double-circle datestamp struck at exchange point where outer cover with CSA postage was discarded, as mandated, manuscript "Ex E.B.B." censor's marking, ms. “Cora in Penn” across left side, light horizontal crease thru stamp, small cover edge tear at right, very fresh cover, ex "Summit." GOOD-LOOKING USE DEMONSTRATING THE CUSTOM OF AFFIXING A COIN TO PAY POSTAGE. $350.

JOHNSONS ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: US 65, 3¢ rose (faults) tied by segmented cork cancel, OLD POINT COMFORT / VA. // MAY / 10 / (1864) DCDS, addressed to Lt. James I. Metts, 3rd NCT (No Carolina Troops), Johnson's Island, Ohio, Care Gen. B.F. Butler, Fortress Monroe, ms. "Ex R" examiner's marking, blue crayon obliterating Gen. (Benjamin) Butler and Fortress Monroe, typical soiling including water damage, adversity cover fashioned from lined writing paper, Scarce, with accompanying detailed military records showing James Isaac Metts (1842-1921) wounded and taken prisoner at Gettysburg – includes postwar photo of him. Censor only listed by Harrison for a couple days in 1864, so this cover expands that record. $250.

CIVILIAN FLAG-OF-TRUCE: inner cover from Goldsborough, N.C., to Greenville, S.C., with ORIGINAL 3-page LETTER OF HISTORIC CALIFORNIA CONTENT, datelined "San Francisco April 18th 1862," sent to Nathan H. Davis, Esq., Greenville, South Carolina in the care of U.S. military governor of North Carolina, Edward Stanly, who hand-carried it to Union-controlled New Bern. The 3-page letter (PAGE 1, PAGES 2-3) on neat, lined notepaper, states "I avail myself of the kindness of your old friend Edward Stanly, recently appointed Military Governor of North Carolina." The letter goes on to describe “a most disastrous winter…the Sacramento Valley has been deluged to an extent never before dreamed of possible. The loss of property is incalculable. Farms and gardens and orchards destroyed, houses, fences, etc. etc. almost entirely swept away. (Sacramento’s) prospects as the future Capital of the State greatly damaged.” Manuscript "Examined Asst. Adjt. General" examiner's marking, entered Confederate mails with GOLDSBOROUGH / N.C. // JUN / 2 (1862) CDS with matching PAID, Very Fine, A RARE FLAG-OF-TRUCE LETTER ORIGINATING IN CALIFORNIA AND SENT THROUGH NEW BERN AND GOLDSBOROUGH N.C.  Civilian mail is very scarce sent by exchange points other than those in southeastern Virginia; illustrated in Special Routes book (p. 94), ex Walske. $3,000.

CIVILIAN FLAG-OF-TRUCE: CSA 12c, 10¢ bluish green (4 huge margins) tied neat WILMINGTON N.C. circular datestamp on long 2-page folded letter written in German (PAGE 1, PAGE 2) and datelined Wilmington N.C. Oct. 7, 1863, to Mrs. Oskar Aichel, Anderson C.H., via Columbia, S.C. from her husband as he was awaiting departure aboard the "Blockade Runner... Margaretha & Jessie" to be transported to Nassau and Havana. Scattered readable words in English regarding passage: Nassau, Havana, Captain Lockwood, Care Dr. Medway, Caulfield, Charleston, Dry Goods, Walhalla. Pencil letter series docketing “No. 16.” Please note that the first page of letter digitally cropped as would not fully fit on my scanner bed – the entire letter is in good condition and all there. Extremely Fine. Ex Walske with Brian Green penciled description on verso. $1,800.

CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE: CSA 12a, 10¢ milky blue, beautiful shade from first printing, tied by blue PETERSBURG / VA. // JUL / 5 (1863) CDS on cover addressed to Julien C. Ruffin, Esqr, Garysville post office,  Prince George County, Virginia; franked with instructions at top in the hand of Capt. P. P. Oldershaw, Assistant Adjutant-General to Major General Thomas L. Crittenden, commander of the 21st Army Corps in the Department of the Cumberland, "Maj. Genl. Crittenden requests that the Pro Marshal will forward this the first opportunity. Oldershaw AAG." The back is endorsed "Approved, Office Prov Marshal Gen. Dept Cumberland, Wm. L. King Clk." (U.S. Provost Marshal's censor marking) and "Examined H.A.C." (CSA censor marking), the Confederate examiner also wrote "Chg Box 589 HAC" on the front and the post office applied the 10¢ stamp, small piece out of flap and glue smears where sealed after censorship, Very fine. Ex Walske. $3,500.

Aiken's Landing Va. (near Petersburg) was the regular exchange point for flag-of-truce mail from May to September 1862, when U.S. authorities stopped prisoners' mail exchange. Because Petersburg was the entry post office for flag-of-truce mail for only a few months, COVERS CARRIED ON THIS ROUTE ARE RARE. Much more important information on linked page plus bio on Julian Calx Ruffin.

CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE: US 65, 3¢ rose affixed over Charleston, S.C., PAID 5 in circle and tied by Old Point Comfort / Va. // Mar / 14 double-circle datestamp with manuscript directive at lower left "Via Flag of Truce Norfolk.” On cover to Mrs. Carson, 6 East 120th Street, New York, from Willington, S.C. Entered the Confederate mails with Charleston, S.C., Feb. 24, 186-" (1862) CDS and PAID 5; exchanged via Norfolk and Fortress Monroe, manuscript docketing at top, accompanied by photocopy of original letter, which is in the South Carolina Historical Society archives, from James Petigru Carson to his mother with interesting content saying he is staying in Willington for the moment trying not to offend either party so after the war he will be a liberty to go either place. Stamp with small edge nick at right, cover missing bottom flap, slightly reduced at bottom, still Very Fine and scarce cover with postage of both sides. This was possible only between November 1861 and April 1862, a very short time. Ex Karrer with penciled dealer initials Wm. G. Bogg and Brian M. Green note. $1,500.

Civilian Flag of Truce: CSA 12, 10¢ blue (4 margins) tied RICHMOND / Va. cds on cover to Jo Daviess Hamilton Care of Dr. McTyine, Montgomery, Ala. Ex Roger Ballard. $450.

CHESAPEAKE HOSPITAL VA: Unsealed prisoner-of-war cover addressed to William Alexander Fewell at Chesapeake Hospital, Fortress Monroe, Va., a South-to-North use sent thru Fortress Monroe and Old Point Comfort. Mixed franking with Confederate postage paid by CSA 4, 5¢ blue, and U.S. postage paid by demonetized 3¢ dull red (26), both tied by OLD POINT COMFORT / VA. // JUL / 2 / [1862] cds. The address and other directives on the cover have been mostly erased and some of them re-written in non-contemporary pencil, the 5¢ stamp with toned spots. Despite the difficulty in deciphering what was originally written on the cover, extensive research by Galen Harrison and Jerry Palazolo offers conclusive evidence that this is a genuine South-to-North mixed-franking prisoner cover, accompanied by a UNION PATRIOTIC with a # 65 and the same Old Point Comfort circular datestamp (showing that this style was used during the period in question, cover heavily toned) and by several letters detailing the expertizing process as well as descriptions of the recipient, who served in the 1st Palmetto Sharpshooters, was wounded at Seven Pines and died at Chesapeake Hospital before this cover was received, with 2004 CSA certificate and extensive background information, Ex Schopp. LL  $1,800.

CIVILIAN FLAG-OF-TRUCE: 3¢ rose (65) tied by OLD POINT COMFORT / VA. / ? 15 dcds on cover to Mrs. Jane C. Adams, Claverack, Columbia County, New York Via Norfolk / Flag of Truce. Manuscript "Enclosed is the postage fee from Norfolk Va." and "I.S.M.D. H." examiner's marking. The 10¢ Confederate stamp was removed from the cover at top right at the exchange point; a replacement small faults) is hinged in place. Cover edge nicks, otherwise Fine and unusual civilian use exchanged through Norfolk and Old Point Comfort, with the specific notation that U.S. postage was enclosed, Ex Myerson and Schopp. $1,200.

CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE: US 65, 3¢ rose (small sealed tear at bottom) tied cork with OLD POINT COMFORT/ VA. // JUL / 24 double circle cancel on commercially-made envelope to Miss Emma F. Tuthill, East Otto, New York, with manuscript “For ‘Flag of Truce.’” $200.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: US 65, 3¢ rose tied SANDUSKY / O // JUN / ? / ’64 duplex on cover to Miss Lucie A. Smith, No. 88, Second Street Corner of Chippewa, New Orleans, La., with manuscript censor “Ex R” which Harrison lists as used June 25-28, 1864. Interesting original prisoner’s letter with heading and signature clipped off. He hastens to assure Miss Lucie that he is still “a denizen of this ice-girt isle” and how different is this winter than the last when “Negro Minstrels, Theatricals & Co. were popular amusements” and “If it were not for the various rumors of exchange which are in constant circulations and the disciplines they give rise to, I’m sure most of us would die of inanition.” (defined as exhaustion resulting from lack of food, mental, social, or spiritual weakness or lassitude) Sealed tears at top right of cover. $220.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: US 65, 3¢ rose (tiny sealed tear in left margin) tied blue SANDUSKY / O // MAY / 12 / ’65 duplex on cover to Miss Sallie E. Andrews, Columbia, Tennessee, with magenta manuscript “Examined ???” The only examined marking listed in Harrison during this time period is JCB (p. 188) and this does not look like those initials to me. The latest date of censor markings is listed as June 20, 1865 (p. 191). Bit edge worn but a nice late use. $250.

LIBBY PRISON, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: US 3¢ rose #65 tied cork with matching OLD POINT COMFORT / VA // DEC / 9 [1863] double circle postmark on inner cover addressed to Hiram Marshall, Jeffersonville, Indiana from 1st Sgt. William S. Marshall with contents docketing of Nov 28, 1863 up left side. William S. Marshall was Adjutant of the 51st Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry.He was a prisoner of war continuously from May 3, 1863 to February 14, 1865 except when trying to make good his escape from prison camp near Columbia SC in November 1864. This is the subject of one of my monthly columns “The Confederate Post” in The American Stamp Dealer & Collector. Ex Walske and Hedin. All Southern prisons uses are scarcer than Northern. $950.

William S. Marshall was Adjutant of the 51st Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry.

Much more information on linked page.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: 3¢ rose #65 (small faults and scuff on cover to right of stamp) tied by a light SANDUSKY / O // XX ‘64 with a clear black target to the right.  Manuscript examiner’s marking at upper right.  An example of the infrequently seen mail FROM A POW IN ONE PRISON TO A POW IN ANOTHER PRISON. This letter was sent to Capt. Ben N. Cocke, CSA Officers Camp Point Lookout MD. 2014 CSA Certificate. $600.

Benjamin N. Cocke, Captain, acting Capt. B. N. Cocke's Company of Independent Cavalry*

Much more information on linked page.

THE IMMORTAL 600, MORRIS ISLAND, CHARLESTON HARBOR S.C.  This was an island held by the Union forces, where all but forty (who had been sent to Beaufort Hospital because they were so ill) of the 600 Confederate Officers, “THE IMMORTAL 600”, were sent to be placed under fire of their own guns where they were held until 24 October 1864 when they were moved to Fort Pulaski near Savannah.  Endorsed from “Lt S D Bland, Co. A. 18th Va. Cav.” (he had previously served in the 1st Regt Va. Partisan Rangers, subsequently the 62nd Regt VA Infantry) and sent to Miss Kate Paul,  Bridge Water Augusta County Virginia. Manuscript routing  “By flag of Truce via Charleston S.C.” CHARLESTON / S.C // OCT / 6 [1864] cds with a manuscript “due”  and large handstamp “10”.  The Immortal Six Hundred by Maj. J. Ogden Murray, CSA on page 327 shows that Lt. S. D. Bland, Co. A. 18th Virginia Cavalry was captured in Pendleton County, West Va, in January 1863. He was first held at Fort Delaware and then moved to Morris Island from 7 September to 23 October 1864.  On 24 October 1864 he was with the contingent moved to Fort Pulaski.  Lt. Stewart Dolly Bland (1839-1918)survived the war, married Virginia Harper (1842-1927) and had seven children. Bland is also listed at http://www.csa-dixie.com/csa/prisoners/t56.htm from the list in the Southern Historical Society Papers. Many of his military records are shown at http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=10348000 . THERE ARE 24 COVERS RECORDED FOR THIS POW STOCKADE. See my article on the subject   $3,000.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: 3¢ rose#65 tied target with matching SANDUSKY / O // OCT / 21 / ’64 double circle cancel as well as RICHMOND / VA // JAN / 24 [1865] cds and DUE 10 on POW cover to Mrs Sarah F. Jones, Spring Garden P.O., Pittsylvania County, Virginia.  Johnsons Island O. Prisoner’s Letter examined handstamp with replaceable initials (Harrison Type I) (CSA Catalog type PWH-25 A).  The initials of this examiner, “F.W.R.” were those of Pvt. Frank W. Rittman 128th O.V.I.  His oval handstamp was recorded as used Oct.-Dec. 1864. Mandated endorsement of Geo. W. Jones Lt., Co I. 18th Va Regt. Manuscript routing “By Flag of Truce  Care of the Commd Officer Fortress Monroe via Aikins Landing.”  Wonderful use of postage of both Union and Confederacy. Military records included. $850.

George Washington Jones (1832-1910) enlisted as a sergeant on 4/24/1861 at Pittsylvania County, VA and mustered into Co I. 18th Va Regt.

Much more information on linked page.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (Camp Hoffman): U.S. 3¢ rose #65 tied target with matching POINT LOOKOUT / MD. // APR / 13 cds as well as CSA 12a, 10¢ milky blue (called “opaline” by old-time students) tied by RICHMOND / VA // MAY / 6 [1864] cds on POW cover to Mrs. Martha J. Parrish, Pittsylvania C.H., Virginia and ms Via Flag Truce with scarce large oval J. N. Patterson  approved Examiner’s handstamp (Harrison Type 1) (CSA Catalog type PWH-16 A). Prior owner asserts this is the next to last known use of this examiner’s handstamp. Ex Powell. A real “looker” – scarce use with both Union and Confederate adhesives. Although it needs verification and further research, it appears that this could have been from Abraham N. Parrish of both the 6th VA Cavalry and 21st VA Infantry. Some online records indicate he was married to Martha Parrish. $1,800.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (Camp Hoffman): U.S. 3¢ rose #65 (tiny faults) tied RICHMOND / VA // MAR / 10 [1864] cds on POW cover to Mrs. R. W. Steger, Care of Jno O Steger P Master, City of Richmond, Virginia; clear black CDS Point Lookout MD MAR 2 [1864] at left and Confederate DUE 10, thus postage paid on both sides. Full strike of the desirable large oval J. N. Patterson  approved Examiner’s handstamp (Harrison Type 1) (CSA Catalog type PWH-16 A). In as much as it was Richmond to Richmond, this is an OVERPAID DROP use; ms “Per Flag Truce Boat” up left side. The letter was sent to his wife care of his father by Roger Williams Steger, VMI class of 1854, who was captured as a POW near Fredericksburg Virginia on 1 OCT 1863. Captain Steger was named Assistant Quarter Master officer for General J.E.B. Stuart’s first cavalry brigade in 1861. Slightly reduced at top and bit of edge wear but a nice use of both sides. $950.

FLAG OF TRUCE: CSA 12, 10¢ blue approaching milky shade with partial imprint at bottom, tied RICHMOND / VA // AUG / 16 cds on narrow commercially made cover to Oliver H. Middleton, Esq, Columbia, South Carolina with “per Flag of Truce” endorsement at lower left. $450.

Oliver Hering Middleton (1798-1892) was born at Clifton, Gloucestershire, England; educated at South Carolina College; entered U. S. Naval Academy but resigned and retired to his estates and the life of an opulent planter on Edisto Island, Charleston. His son was part of the Charleston Light Dragoons and mortally wounded at Cold Harbor May 30, 1864.

PRISONER / FLAG OF TRUCE: CSA #12, 10¢ blue tied RICHMOND / VA // FEB / 11 cds on POW cover addressed to Mrs. Mary A. Shuliberinger, Miranda, Rowan Co, NC with “Flag of Truce” manuscript routing at lower left corner, small cover stains. Mary had two sons who were POWs at the time.  $300.

John L. Shulibaringer (his spelling – 18 years old when enlisted 1862) Co. C, 57th N.C. Infantry and also in Co. G, 42nd NC Infantry, was captured 6 Feb 1865 at Petersburg and incarcerated at Point Lookout.  He was released on oath June 20, 1865.

William S. Shuliberringer (his spelling – 19 year old farmer when enlisted 1861) Co. G, 6th N.C. Infantry was wounded at Sharpsburg and captured at Winchester July 20, 1864.  He was sent to Camp Chase until exchanged in March 1865. Full military records included on both.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, OHIO: U.S. 3¢ rose #65 (small crease) tied target with matching Sandusky, Ohio Feb 8 ’65 double circle cancel and Richmond, Va DUE 10 paying postage of both sides on cover to “Mr. A. E. Mitchell, Glennville Barbour Co, Ala.” with neat oval examined marking and mandated endorsement of “J. B. Mitchell Lt. 34th Ala Inf[an]t[ry].” Military records show no more than endorsement and do not mention him being taken prisoner. Military records are notoriously incomplete. Regimental records show many captured at Missionary Ridge and this could have been his fate. One online source shows record of letters from James B. Mitchell in Company F of the 34th Alabama. Mitchell was in Manigault's Brigade, Hindman's / Anderson's/ D.H. Hill’s Division, 2nd Corps Army of Tennessee. $900.

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: U.S. 65, 3¢ rose used with target cancel (upper right corner rounded) and matching Point Lookout double circle cancel, light strike of octagonal examined marking, addressed to “John T. Hipp, Esq., Norfolk, Va Care of Mr. Peter H. Whitehurst”, some tiny edge tears at left otherwise Fine $350.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY ISLAND, OHIO: Flag of Truce Mail: North to South use with U.S. stamp removed, possibly while in transit - with Sandusky Dec 19 ‘ 65 double circle cancel remains. Confederate DUE 10 straightline with RICHMOND / VA / JAN / 17 cds on POW cover endorsed “Wilkens Stovall, Lt 55th NC Regt, Prisoner of War” to “Miss Lucie W. Stovall, Care of Jno W. Stovall Esqr, Sassafras Fork, Granville, County, N. Carolina” with interesting manuscript routing “For Flag of Truce boat Fortress Monroe Via City Point or Charleston Care of General Comdg Dept of Va. & N.C.” with Johnson’s Island oval examined marking. This cover is illustrated in a March-April 1975 Confederate Philatelist article re such routings (copy enclosed as well as Stovall’s military record). Stovall was a 25 year old farmer when he enlisted as a private (promoted to 1st Lieut) into Co D 12th NC Infantry – he later transferred to Co K 55th NC. He was wounded at Gettysburg and taken prisoner at Falling Waters, MD. He was first confined to Old Capitol Prison in D.C. and transferred to Johnson’s Island a few weeks later where he remained for almost two years. Most interesting cover in wonderful condition but for the missing stamp. $750.

POINT LOOKOUT, MD: RICHMOND / Va. / FEB / 11 (Powell type 5f) cds with matching straightline DUE 10 and POINT LOOKOUT JAN 2X cds, all bold strikes. Mandated endorsement of H. S. McDade Co G 11c Vol. Reg. (NC Infantry – Bethel Regiment). Military record included shows that Henry (Lee) McDade (b. 5 Sep 1838 - d. 6 Jul 1913) was 24 years old at enlistment as a sergeant from Orange County, NC; he surrendered at Appomattox – part of the Army of Northern Virginia, A.P. Hill’s Division. He was taken prisoner at Martinsburg West Va 7-23-63; confined to Fort McHenry, MD; transferred to Point Lookout on 11-1-63 and paroled 2-14-65 when he was transferred to Cox’s Landing, James River and exchanged the following day. Small tear at top and top and left flaps missing.  $400

JOHNSON’S ISLAND: U.S. 65, 3¢ rose used with Sandusky, Ohio cds and target plus Richmond, Va. Feb 10 (1864) cds and matching straightline DUE 10 on north to south POW cover with Prisoner’s Letter Examined G.S.B. oval of Johnson’s Island (Corpl George S. Brown of 128th Ohio Volunteer Infantry according to Harrison). Endorsed at upper left “R. Ferguson Adjt 18th Va Prisoner of War” with manuscript “Per Flag of Truce” at lower left and addressed to “Miss Pattie Ferguson, New Plymouth PO, Lunenburg Co, Virginia”. A bit of foxing but a lovely use of both sides with great military history behind it.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND: U.S. 65, 3¢ rose tied by Sandusky, O Aug 2 double circle  as well as Richmond Aug 13 cds and handstamped DUE 10 Confederate rate; “Ex(amined) B” to “Mr. A. C. Mitchell, Glennville Bonbour Co, Ala”  with routing “For Flag of Truce Via Old Point Comfort, Va.” and solider endorsement of “J. B. Mitchell Co B 34th Ala. Inf.”, small cover tear at bottom otherwise Fine. Sketchy military info online just indicating that he was a 1st Lieut. in Manigault’s Brigade. Colonel - Julius C.B. Mitchell of Montgomery; detached. The Papers of Jefferson Davis indicate that Mitchell was away from his regiment half to 2/3 of the time which gave cause for officers and privates to talk. Clearly, there is an interesting story to research on this officer! He also served in the 13th Alabama. Ex-Gunter

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose) tied target with matching Sandusky, O. Oct 27 ‘64 double circle with neat bold oval "Prisoner's Letter/Examined/F.W.R./Johnson's Island, O." handstamp on cover addressed to “Miss Kate Williams, College Hill, Hamilton County, Ohio” with docketing at lower left “Prisoner’s Letter/Johnson’s Island. Fine.

JOHNSON’S ISLAND, SANDUSKY, OHIO: U.S. #65, 3¢ rose canceled by grid with matching NEW YORK / OCT / 15 cds and manuscript examiner’s marking "Ex O W" (probably Oscar F. White, 128th O.V.I.) on yellow cover to "Captain C.R. Rhodes, Prisoner of War, Johnson's Island, Ohio, Care of Col. C.W. Hill, near Sandusky, Ohio". The addressee was a member of the 8th Alabama Cavalry, Co. G, and captured at Roger's Gap, Tenn., on Aug. 31, 1862, In the “oops” department, in a report headed June 30, 1864 by Col. Charles P. Ball, Commanding the Brigade, he writes of his regiments attack on La Fayette, Ga. that, “My officers and men acted with great gallantry and coolness, with some exceptions. Among the latter I am compelled to mention Capt. E. C. Rhodes… “. 

POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND (CAMP HOFFMAN): Confederate POW cover with both Union and Confederate markings franked with US 3¢ rose (tiny faults) tied target and matching POINT LOOKOUT MD MAR 4 CDS on cover to Mr. Robert K. Dunlap, Box No. 7, Lexington, Rockbridge Co. Va. with routing “By Flag of Truce” and Confederate postage paid by well-struck DUE 10, RICHMOND VA. MAR 10 CDS; scarcer large fancy Patterson Point Lookout examined oval at left (CSA catalog type PWH-16, type A); endorsement of P.K. Dunlap, Co. I, 4^th Va. Inft. up left end. Ex Paul Benson and John Vagnetti. $800.

CAMP HOFFMAN, POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: US 65, 3¢ rose (tiny faults) tied by target of POINT LOOKOUT MD FEB 29 (1864) and straightline DUE 10 for Confederate postage with RICHMOND VA. MAR 9 CDS. Bold oval type A Point Lookout J.N. Patterson examined handstamp, the scarcest and showiest of the Point Lookout censor markings with ONLY 44 RECORDED by Harrison. CSA Catalog PWH-16. Addressed to Miss M.J. Waller, Henry Co. Ho. Va. Care of Geo Waller. Manuscript directive at top Via Flag of Truce boat Fort Monroe & City Point. RARE LEAP YEAR DATE. Ex Harrison. $600.

CAMP HOFFMAN, POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND and FORT DELAWARE - prisoner to prisoner: US 65, 3¢ rose tied by POINT LOOKOUT MD duplex JUN 14 64. Addressed to Mitchel (sic) Poling Prisoner of War Ft. Delaware Del In Care of Capt. Ahl (in charge of prisoners), also noted 8th Division. On back flap in pencil “From T. Lear Point Lookout MD.”  One of the fewer than 50 prisoner to prisoner covers. Ex Harrison. $350.

Mitchell F. Poling served in Co. K, Virginia 13th Infantry (a guerilla unit). Thomas Lear served in both 41st Virginia Cavalry and 18th Virginia Cavalry. Military bios on linked page.

CAMP HOFFMAN, POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: US 65, 3¢ rose (tiny faults) tied by target of POINT LOOKOUT MD DEC 10 ’64 duplex from R.W. Steger, Co. A, 3rd Division, a POW at Point Lookout, to his wife "Care of John O. Steger," his half-brother and postmaster of Richmond; 3nice strike of the prison's octagonal examined handstamp (PWH-17); APPARENTLY HANDED DIRECTLY TO STEGER BY A POSTAL CLERK, AS NO CONFEDERATE POSTAGE WAS CHARGED; top flap missing and lower right corner slightly clipped, top back flap missing, Ex Arnold Rosenberg, Peter Powell, and Galen Harrison. $425.

Roger Williams Steger bio on linked page. 

CAMP HOFFMAN, POINT LOOKOUT, MARYLAND: US 65, 3¢ rose (small faults) tied by target of POINT LOOKOUT MD MAY 16 ’64 duplex to J.A. McCade, Cedar Grove, Orange Co(unty) N.C. from prisoner Henry McDade. Sent in error to Orange NJ where manuscript “Missent to” and postmarked with ORANGE NJ MAY 20 double-circle datestamp and forwarded though the lines where enter the CSA mail at RICHMOND VA JUN 3 where rated DUE 10 soldier’s use. Also manuscript directive “by flag of truce” at lower left, slightly reduced at right into right side stamp perfs. Most unusual use. Ex Harrison. $500.

Henry Lee McDade served in Co. G, North Carolina 11th infantry. John Alphonse McDade - bios of both men on linked page.

CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE: US 65, 3¢ rose tied fancy cork cancel with partial strike of OLD POINT COMFORT JAN 25 (1864) CDS (determined from docketing on verso). “Flag of Truce” manuscript at upper left; addressed to Mrs. Mary F. Hunter Care of Dr. French, Alexandria, Virginia. This is the inside envelope from a South to north civilian flag of truce cover transferred through old point comfort. No indication from where in the confederacy the governor originated, as is usually the case. The Alexandria address is in Union-occupied territory. The addressee, Mary Frances Hunter, was the wife of Major Bushrod Washington Hunter (1807-1888) of the prominent Virginia Hunter family from Alexandria. Major Hunter served as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant during the Mexican war and was a Major in Heavy Artillery on the staff of General huger during the Civil War. Mary and Bushrod had a son, Alexander, who had service in the 17th Virginia Infantry and the 4th Virginia Cavalry. Private Alexander Hunter had an extremely colorful military career, having been captured as a prisoner several times. He escaped from Point Lookout only to be recaptured the next day. He spent time in at least seven different prisons. After his exchange in 1864, he was wounded twice later that year. Fascinating back story. Ex John Vagnetti.  $500.

CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE: SOUTH TO NORTH cover from Dr. Joshua Barker Whitridge of Greenville, S.C to his wife in Boston, where she endured the war years. The cover is addressed to Daniel Hammond Esq. For Mrs. Whitridge, Boston, Mass.,with manuscript "Flag of Truce," franked with US 65 3¢ rose tied by segmented cork cancel and postmarked OLD POINT COMFORT VA MAR 28 (1865), Very Fine. The cover may have been his last to his wife since Whitridge died in April of 1865.  The original letter from this cover is housed at the South Carolina Historical Society. $300.

Dr. Joshua Barker Whitridge family bio on linked page.

CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE: SOUTH TO NORTH cover from Dr. Joshua Barker Whitridge of Greenville, S.C to his wife in Boston, where she endured the war years. The cover is addressed to Daniel Hammond Esq. For Mrs. Whitridge, Boston, Mass., and is franked with a US 65 3¢ rose tied by segmented cork cancel and postmarked OLD POINT COMFORT VA FEB 9 (1864) double circle on a manufactured adversity cover (legal document), with a note inside the back flap from him: "This envelope was not made by me, but is such as is manufactured up and sold at a higher price." The original letter from this cover is housed at the South Carolina Historical Society. Ex Galen Harrison. $350.

Dr. Joshua Barker Whitridge and family bio on linked page.

CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE via Fortress Monroe: RICHMOND VA. APR 1 1863 with matching "Due 10" straightline, manuscript "Exd" censor marking on stampless cover to John Marshall McCue Esqr, Mt. Solon, Augusta Co Va., Very Fine beauty, ex Walske. The addressee was a prominent Virginia attorney and politician who had three sons in the confederate army. Even though the cover lacks a soldier's endorsement and appears to be civilian in origin, it was still processed through the Richmond post office after transfer and delivered as postage due. $500.

South to North Civilian Flag of Truce cover originating from Texas: "Examined & Forwarded by Ig. Szymanski, AAG Asst. Agt. of Exchange, C.S.A." manuscript endorsement on back of cover to A. Weldon Fancy Farm Ky., manuscript Per Flag of Truce at upper left, franked with US 65 3¢ rose tied by target cancel, additionally tied by NEW ORLEANS, LA. DEC. 17, '64 double-circle postmark, slightly reduced at left & minor damage on reverse. ONLY KNOWN CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE BY THIS ROUTE. This cover is sent by Capt. Vachel Weldon, 25th Texas Cavalry, to a family member in Kentucky, Ignatius Szymanski was Colonel of the Chalmette Regt. Louisiana Militia. Ex Galen Harrison. $850.

CAMP SORGHUM, COLUMBIA, S.C.:  POW cover to Mrs. George R. Lodge, Ottawa, Ill. with OLD POINT COMFORT, VA. DEC 14 (1864) double-circle postmark and DUE 6 handstamp, sent by Lt. George R. Lodge, 53rd Ill Inf., a prisoner of war at Camp Sorghum from Oct. through Dec. 12/64, light pencil censor's "Ex", additional manuscript censor on back flap "2 Lt E.S. Williams, 32 Ga.," light staining. Ex Harrison, who records 28 COVERS KNOWN. $650.

CAMP SORGHUM, COLUMBIA, S.C.: manuscript "Prisoner's Letter" and "Via Flag of Truce, Charleston, S.C." on adversity cover made from printed shipping invoice addressed to Milton Austin, Clarksville, Ohio; manuscript "Ex" Confederate censor mark, postmarked "Old Point Comfort, Va. Jan. 18" (1865) double circle with matching "Due 6" in circle handstamp, Very Fine, Ex Harrison who records 28 COVERS KNOWN. $700.

Lt. John W. Austin, Co. K, 5th Iowa Infantry, was in Camp Sorghum until 12/12/64 and moved to Camp Asylum; the timeline suggests he was there when this was mailed.

MARINE HOSPITAL, CHARLESTON, S.C., UNION 600: cover to Wm H. Durfee, Newport, R.I. from Wm. McDurfee, Lt., Co. A, 5th R.I. Art., Prisoner of War, Charleston, R.I. at upper left; entered U.S. mails with PORT ROYAL, S.C. OCT. 6, 1864 double-circle postmark and Due 3 handstamp; manuscript endorsement Stewart L. Woodford, Lt. Col. & Agent for Exchange at left with manuscript censor "Exd" (by Hugh Hamilton Rogers) and additional light pencil notation "Ex" at right, receiving "Newport, R.I. Oct. 17, '64" double circle postmark, slightly reduced at right, Very Fine and rare, ex Walske and Harrison. THIS IS ONE OFONLY 3 COVERS ARE RECORDED by prior owner Galen Harrison. AN OUTSTANDING PRISON OF WAR COVER FROM THIS SMALL HOSPITAL USED BRIEFLY TO HOUSE FEDERAL OFFICERS. Many of Union officers held here, made up in part the famous "Charleston 600" held under fire of their own guns on Morris Island. $2,000.

RICHLAND JAIL, COLUMBIA, S.C.: inner cover addressed to William H. Hill Manchester, N.H., postmarked OLD POINT COMFORT VA JSN 17 (1865) CDS with matching DUE 6 handstamp, endorsed manuscript censor "Exd" (by Lt. Geo. C. Hill, Post Guard), cover sent by Capt. Varnum Hill to his father, Very Fine and choice. Ex Galen Harrison who records only 39 COVERS in his book. $700.

ROPER HOSPITAL, CHARLESTON, S.C., UNION 600: adversity prisoner-of-war cover, made from a printed doctor's bill, postmarked PORT ROYAL S.C. SEP 5, 1864 double-circle and Due 3 straightline, manuscript Via Flag of Truce and Exd. H.H.R. (Confederate censor Lt. Hugh H. Rogers); written by John W. Austin, 5th Iowa Inf., a prisoner at Roper Hospital, ONLY 28 KNOWN. Pictured in Galen Harrison's book, Prisoners Mail From The American Civil War, on page 49, Ex Harrison. ONE OF THE UNION 600 HELD UNDER FIRE OF THEIR OWN GUNS. $1,700.