WASHINGTON / N.C. // DEC / 24 / 1861 cds with matching PAID 5 (CSA Catalog Type A, CV $200) on clean cover to Hon. H. Cobb, Richmond, Va. $150.

Thomas Howell Cobb (1815-1868) was a Southern Democrat and prominent politician in both the US and CSA. Cobb was a five-term member of the US House of Representatives and Speaker of the House from 1849 to 1851. He also served as a Secretary of Treasury under President James Buchanan and was the 40th governor of Georgia (1851–1853). He is, however, probably best known as one of the founders of the Confederate States of America, having served as the President of the Provisional Confederate Congress, when delegates of the secessionist states created the Confederacy. Cobb served for two weeks between the foundation of the Confederacy and the election of Jefferson Davis as first President. This made him, as the Speaker of the Congress, provisional Head of State at this time. Cobb subsequently joined the Confederate army and eventually rose to Major General in the Army of Northern Virginia. Much detailed history on him is available online.