BROWNSBURGH / Va // NOV  / 28 [1861] cds with month inverted and ms day, manuscript “Paid 5” on cover to Mrs. Susan Clayton, Deerfield, Va., Very Fine $200.

BROWNSBURG / Va. // JUL / 12 cds with manuscript “Paid 10” rate to “Mrs. Ann E. Finley, Clark[s]ville, Mecklenburg Co., Virginia” on fresh cover possibly from her son George Williamson Finley , slightly reduced at left. Finley enlisted a captain as part of the Army of Northern Virginia. He was taken POW at Gettysburg and confined variously at Fort Delaware, Johnson’s Island, Point Lookout, Hammond Hospital and Hilton Head where he was part of the ”Immortal 600” intentionally put under fire of their Confederate artillery in Charleston Harbor as retaliation for poor treatment of Union POW’s. Finley decided to become a minister while a POW and entered Union Theological Seminary in 1866. Interesting detailed soldier, personal and regimental histories accompany.  Ex Hedin.  $300.

FOREST DEPOT / Va. // OCT / 1 [1861] rimless cds with matching handstamped PAID / 5 CENTS 2-line straightline on amber cover addressed to Dr. Richard N. Hewitt, 42nd Regiment Va. Vols., Care of Col. J.S. Burks, Huntersville, Pocahontas Co [West] Va; small flap faults and minor staining. Detailed bio included from the unpublished biographical register of  physicians who served the Confederacy in a medical capacity, courtesy of Drs. F. T. Hambrecht and J.L. Koste. Triple threat - scarce handstamped paid into West Virginia with excellent medical military address. Ex Kohn and Hambrecht.  $600.

Dr. Richard Newton Hewitt served as a 1st Sergt. In Co D, 42nd Virginia Infantry and possibly as a Surgeon, C.S. Army in the Division of Gen. W.W. Loring, Army of West Virginia. More information on linked page.

Dr. Jesse Spinner Burks was a VMI graduate and member of the Virginia legislature who enlisted as a colonel in 42nd Va. Infantry. More information on linked page.

PETERSBURG  Va. / 5 cts // AUG / 19 (integral rate stamp, date inverted) [1861] blue cds plus matching PAID 5 on clean cover to Mr. John E. Meade [Jr.] Care of Capt Dodson, Petersburg Rifle Company near Norfolk. $450. 

Private John E. Meade served in Co E 4th Battalion VA Infantry. More information on linked page.

PETERSBURG  Va. / 5 cts // AUG / 19 (integral rate stamp) blue cds plus matching PAID 5 on clean cover to Mr. John E. Meade [Jr.] Care of Capt Dodson, Petersburg Riflemen, Norfolk, Va. $325.

Private John E. Meade served in Co E 4th Battalion VA Infantry. More information on linked page.

“Gladesboro Va / Feb 24 [1862]” all in manuscript with matching “5cts. Paid.” on homemade cover to Miss Sue V. Yonce, Wytheville, Va., bit reduced at left otherwise Very Fine. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $160.

“Gladesboro Va / Nov 10th 1862” all in manuscript with matching “10 cts paid” on on adversity cover fashioned from postal form, to Mrs. Allie Yonce, Wytheville, Va., bit reduced at left otherwise Very Fine. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $160.

“Gladesboro Va / August 28th 1863” all in manuscript with matching “paid 10” on turned cover fashioned with inside a cut down larger addressed envelope, addressed to Miss Fannie A. Yonce, Wytheville, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $140.

“Gladesboro Va / April 30th 1863” all in manuscript with matching “paid 10 cts” on adversity cover fashioned from postal form, addressed to Miss Fannie A. Yonce, Wytheville, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $200.

“Gladesboro Va / Oct 14th 1862” all in manuscript with matching “Paid 10 cts” on adversity cover fashioned from postal form, addressed to Miss Fannie A. Yonce, Wytheville, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $200.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA / VA // JUN / 20 / 1861 blue double circle with handstamped PAID (no rate) on clean cover to A. Holland Esq, Halesford, Va.; the listing copy for no rate, very small part of top back flap missing, Ex Thacker.  $350.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA / VA // 25 / 1861 blue double circle with handstamped PAID /5 on cover to Dr. Wm. B. Cochrane, Middleburg, Loudon Co Va.; no month in datestamp Ex Thacker.  $250.

HOWARDSVILLE / VA. // DEC / 8 blue cds with matching handstamped PAID 10 on clean cover to Rev. Paul Whitehead, Green Wood Depot, Albemarle, Va; with J M C at upper left, Quite Scarce markings not seen in years, Ex Thacker. $300.

“Scottsville [Va] Sep 21 [1861] Pd 5” all in manuscript on pristine cover to Messrs Agee Ford & Co., Gravel Hills, Buckingham Va with original enclosure headed Scottsville Sept 19th 1861from M. M. D. Bryan for castings ordered; Quite Scarce, Ex Thacker $200.

“Scottsville [Va] Oct 17 [1861] Pd 5” all in manuscript on clean cover to Messrs Agee Ford & Co., Gravel Hill, Buckingham Va with original enclosure headed Scottsville Oct 17th 1861 from M. M. D. Bryan for castings ordered for the foundry; Quite Scarce, Ex Thayer and Thacker. $200.

SCOTTSVILLE / VA // Jun (ms) / 12 neat cds with matching handstamped PAID / 10 on neat cover to Mr. A. S. Bacon, Lexington, Va.; slightly reduced at right; listing copy for the CSA Catalog, quite scarce. $250.

“Travelers Repose (West) Va. / Feb. 22” manuscript postmark with matching "Paid 5" at right on cover to Mrs. Mary F. Hilbert, Dayton, Rockingham Cty, Va.; tiny corner repair at top right and slightly reduced at left, Scarce West Virginia use. $300.

CARTER’S BRIDGE / VA cds with matching PAID / 5 (ms) [1861] on clean cover to Lieut Col. James L. Hubard, 44th Regiment of Va. Volunteers, Monterey, Highland Co, Virginia with endorsement of “Rev. Richd W McIlwaine, Chaplain 44th Regt V[a] V[ol] and “Carters Bridge Albemarle”. Address crossed out and forwarded back to Carter’s Bridge, Albemarle Co., Va.; small flap faults; Richard McIlwaine was promoted to Chaplain 7-19-62 but resigned 8-15-62 due to ill health thus there was a very narrow opportunity for dating this cover; Ex Kohn, Thayer and Thacker. Will be the subject of “The Confederate Post” column in American Stamp Dealer & Collector.  $350.

James Lenaeus Hubard served in Field & Staff 44th Virginia Infanty, More information on linked page.

Richard McIlwaine was a 2nd Lieut in Co. H, 44th Va. Infantry. More information on linked page.

TUDOR HALL / VA. // OCT / XX cds with matching PAID 5 on cover addressed to Mrs. Mary B. Gordon, Care of James B. Gordon, Esq., Cobham, Albemarle, Va, Very Fine. Tudor Hall was the post office marking for Manassas. $125.

Dr. John Churchill Gordon (was appointed Asst. Surgeon to the 38th Va. Infantry. More information on linked page.

CLARKSVILLE / Va. // JUL /8 [1861] light green cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 and manuscript  initials “B.D.M. 5” at upper right on tiny envelope to Alex. Donnan Esq., Petersburg, Va. with original enclosure headed “Clarksville July 7th 1861” from Lelia T. Taylor ask him to send money. Docketing “Sent $100 July 12th 1861 A. D.”; most of back flap missing and bit of resulting edge damage at top. Rare green color and combination of markings. Fewer than 20 Confederate post offices used a green cancel, Ex Thacker. In recent publications, it has been speculated that some Clarksville covers were handstamped provisionals. 2012 CSA certificate #05759 opining stampless use, with which I agree. $400.

CULPEPER C.H. / Va. // AUG / 9 / 1861 cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 on cover to Mr. W. R. Berry (sic) Esq. York District, Yorkville, So. Ca. before Barry joined the war effort. CSA Catalog type B, CV $200.  $180.

William Randolph Barry was a Confederate soldier from the York District, S.C., who served in the 1st SC Infantry Battalion, AKA the Charleston Battalion and Gaillard's. More information on linked page.

COLLIERSTOWN / Va. beautifully struck bold blue cds with manuscript “Paid 10” on turned cover addressed to “Mr. Jas. D. Davidson, Lexington, Va.” J. D. Davidson was a trustee of Washington & Lee University. Open 3 sides with inside hand-carried use to “Lieut. Wm. W. Davidson, Dublin Depot, Pulaski Co., Va. (care of) Major Dorman”; open 3 sides with flap faults. $200.

"Huntersville [West] Va., Aug 19", manuscript postmark with matching "due 5" rating on cover addressed to Mrs. Susan Ewart, Yellow Branch, Campbell Co., Va.; endorsed "Samuel Ewart, 42 Regmt Va. Vol." at top left; tiny edge tear at top and partial top back flap, Fine.  $450. 

Samuel Ewart enlisted on May 31, 1861 in Company D of the 42nd Virginia Infantry. More information on linked page.

FARMVILLE / VA // OCT / 29 / 1861 neat cds with matching PAID 5, CC type B, on outer folded lettersheet (no contents) to Capt. Wm. A. Perkins of Cumberland Troop, Cavalry Camp below Yorktown, Va with docket at top “Paid J. S. Armistead.” Cover looks far bluer than scanned image.$250.

Captain William A. Perkins was in charge of Co. G, 3rd Virginia Cavalry and served until March 1862 when he resigned due to family hardship: “Wife and eight children left with no support on sudden death of my father.”

BROWNSBURGH / Va // FEB / 25 (ms) cds with matching boxed PAID / 5 (ms), CSA Catalog type A, on small narrow cover to Mrs. P. Carolina Patterson, Patterson, NC, Ex Kohn. $160.

COBHAM / Va. // Sep 30 [1861] cds with date in manuscript on stampless cover with matching PAID 5 (rate in ms), CC type A, addressed to Capt. Alfred I. Rives, Care of J. B. Macnudo, Richmond, Va. with pencil docketing “Papa 30th September 1861.” Correspondence between mover and shaker father and son. $200.

Alfred Landon Rives was one of the two Chiefs of the Corps of Engineers to General Robert E. Lee. More information on linked page.

William Cabell Rives (1793 - 1868) was a U.S. Representative and a Senator from Virginia almost continuously from 1832 until the War. More information on linked page.

TUDOR HALL / VA // SEP / 5 (date slug sideways) [1861] cds with matching curved PAID 5, CSA Catalog type B, on small commercially made cover to Miss E. C. Killian, Killians Mills, No. Carolina; interesting notes on back flaps, apparently made by recipient upon reading contents, to wit, “Trepidation and alarm ignited excruciating.Lacerated volunteer S.C. 5th Regt, Picayune Bur, Attic.” Tudor Hall was the post office for the First Battle of Manassas. $170.

RICHMOND / Va. // JUL / 17 /1861 cds with the very scarce PAID 2 straightline marking (CSA Catalog Type B) that in his Confederate States of America Markings and Postal History of Richmond, Virginia, Peter Powell designates as Type I and states ONLY 26 COVERS ARE RECORDED. This is a wonderful TINY CONFEDERATE DROP RATE COVER which is a little over an inch high and less than three inches long. It is addressed to "Mrs. Maria R. R. Gooch, Richmond." Original 2-page letter accompanies --one side only.  It is datelined July 17th, 1861. It says, in part, "So it seems as if we have had the big fight at last & so much looked & defeated; I will give it all in God's hands and hope he will enable the wise heads of our nation to manage the battles as he willeth & enable his people to say they will be done with perfect resignation & hope our fate will be better than we now expect....but since the Yankees are gaining on us, I think the better plan would be for you to come here and stay a week with me & then I would return with you & spend a week with you."  Signed "Yr friend, J. Watkins." Ex Sam Zimmerman. $900.

19191 RICHMOND / Va. // JUN 13 1862 cds with matching DUE 10 handstamp on soldier's due cover to Mrs. P. C. Everett, Haynesville, Georgia, endorsed J.A. Everett, Co. (K) 11th Ga. Reg. with additional ms. "2" advertised fee charged by the Haynesville postmaster, who then added "12" to indicate a total of 12¢ due from the recipient. Part of back flap missing. Haynesville did not have a local newspaper and would have had to use the paper in Macon, Georgia, (30 miles away) to advertise the envelope; discussed by Jaronski and Briggs in Vol. 47, 2002 issue of the Confederate Philatelist, pp. 133-34, 1973 CSA certificate; Ex Sloane, Bogg, Thacker, Briggs. $500.

J.A. Everett served in Co. K, 11th Regt. Georgia Volunteers. More information on linked page.

PETERSBURG Va. // AUG / 6 [1861] blue cds and matching PAID 10 (type D, CV $300) on folded business LETTER to P.C. Cameron Esq. Company Shops P.O. No Carolina from Jno. Kevan & Bro. regarding cotton and flour order. Ex Kathleen Staples. $250. Paul Carrington Cameron (1808-1891) was a planter, agricultural reformer, railway and road builder. Cameron's treatment of his slaves was firm but benign. "I had nineteen hundred of them once," he is quoted as saying many years after the Emancipation, "and I never was ashamed to look one of them in the face after they were freed." John H. Wheeler says that Cameron would tell with some zest how he had been prevailed upon by a friend to free a family of slaves and to settle them in Liberia under the care of the American Colonization Society, with a gift of a thousand dollars and house and food for twelve months provided, and how at the end of the year they appeared at the door of his mansion and begged him to take them back. Years after the war, many of his former slaves would greet him with respect and affection, and many of them attended his funeral in 1891, at which eight of his old black servants, some of whom had been slaves, bore his coffin to the hearse. The wealthiest man in the state at the beginning of the war, he was still the wealthiest, despite the loss of his slaves, at the end of it. By enterprise and sagacity, he was soon able to reestablish the economy of his plantations and to extend and diversify his business activities on a secure and stable basis. Source: NC Encyclopedia. Cameron Papers are housed at the Southern Historical Collection, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

LYNCHBURG / Va. // OCT / 14 cds with matching neat arched PAID 5 (CC type D, CV $200) on small cover to Miss Sallie G. Waller, Temperance, Amherst County, Va. Small amount of paper loss on back flaps of little consequence. $90.

PETERSBURG / Va. // JUN / 23 cds with matching [due] 10 in blue on tiny homemade cover to Mrs. R.A. Crawford, Cotton Valley, Alabama, with soldier’s endorsement “A.H. Crawford, Co. ‘A’ 61st Ala. Regiment,” part of top back flap missing. CV $200. $130.

Abel H. Crawford (1843-1923) enlisted August 1, 1863, as a private in Company A, Alabama 61st Infantry.

LEXINGTON / Va. // JUL / 7 (1861) CDS with a noticeably stronger blue PAID / 5 on fresh cover to F. T. Andersen, Esq., Glenwood, Va.; contents docketing up left side “J.H. Myers / July 6/61,” small piece of top flap missing, Very Fine. Ex Emerson and Sam Zimmerman. $300.

The Postmaster at Lexington prepared envelopes with "PAID 5" and "PAID 10" in advance (thus provisionals), applying the dated postmark at the time of mailing, but they are considered provisionals only when unused, under a postally used general issue or mailed from another town. CCV $300 for stampless use (not provisional).

"Surry C H Va / 24 Dec 1862" and "Paid 10" on small, neat cover to Franklin Davis, Esq., Box No. 5, Staunton, Va., Very Fine. Ex Sam Zimmerman. Penciled origination docketing up left side “B.F. Nelson.” $160.

Franklin Davis was Virginia's most renowned tree nurseryman. Benjamin Franklin Nelson (1841-1932) served in Co. K, Virginia 25th Infantry as well as Co. B, Va. 31st Infantry, both Army of Northern Virginia.

"Surry C H Va / 14 Mar 1862" and "Paid 5" on cover to Franklin Davis, Esq., Staunton, Va., small piece of back flap missing, otherwise Very Fine. Ex Sam Zimmerman. Penciled origination docketing up left side “B.F. Nelson.” $160.

Franklin Davis was Virginia's most renowned tree nurseryman. Benjamin Franklin Nelson (1841-1932) served in Co. K, Virginia 25th Infantry as well as Co. B, Va. 31st Infantry, both Army of Northern Virginia.

LIBERTY Va. 27 OCT circular datestamp with matching PAID 5 (CC type A, CV $200) on cover to Alex M. McPheeters, Raleigh, No. Ca. with routing notation Via Petersburg. Tear at upper left and soiling, also a bit reduced at top. $110.

LIBERTY Va. 28 NOV circular datestamp with matching PAID 5 (CC type A, CV $200) on small lady’s cover with embossed flowers on tip of back flap, to Camillus Christian, Lynchburg, Va. On verso is written in pencil “only two known” to which I cannot attest (looks like Molesworth handwriting). The addressee Ex Billy Matz and John Vagnetti. Very fine. $230.

Camillus Christian served in the Second Virginia cavalry. Bio on linked page.

LURAY Va. JUN 1 (day in pen) blue CDS with matching PAID (CC type A, CV $200) on cover. The date was changed in pen to “July” by postmaster. If used in 1861, it is ordinary. If 1862, it is the FIRST DAY OF UNIVERSAL RATE CHANGE. With the additional “pd” noted (possibly as paid 10¢, not 5¢), it is more likely than not to be 1862, but there is no way to prove it. addressed to Dr. A.G. Grinnan near Orange CH Va. Rounded corner at upper left. Ex John Vagnetti. $200.

Andrew Glassell Grinnan (1827-1902) was born in Fredericksburg, the son of Daniel Grinnan, Jr., and his second wife Helen Buchan Glassell. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in medicine in 1848 and practiced at Madison Court House, Virginia, until 1859, when he married and moved to his estate, "Brampton," near Rapidan Station, Madison County, Virginia. After his marriage to Georgia Screven Bryan on June 2, 1859, at "Eagle's Point," Gloucester County, Virginia, he gave up medicine for business interests. Hundreds of his letters and other papers are housed at the Special Collections Library at UVA.

“Luray Va, Jany 16th 1863” manuscript postmark with matching “Paid 10” on nice ADVERSITY USE of U27, 3¢ star-die entire with 1855 patent lines inside, slightly reduced at top. Addressed to John Hopewell, Staunton, Augusta Co(unty) Va. Manuscript postmarks were used from Luray 1863-65.  Ex John Vagnetti. $220.

[Tudor Hall, Va.] manuscript “Paid 5” on cover addressed to “Mrs. William King, Care Alexr H Rutherford Esq. Richmond, Va.”with archivist pencil docketing “Manassas Jct, June 1st 1861” – THE FIRST DAY OF THE CONFEDERATE POSTAL SYSTEM. Orderlies collected outgoing mail at the company level along with the correct amount of money for postage from each soldier (before the soldier’s due privilege was instituted July 31, 1861). Some earlier collectors espoused these as provisional markings (they are not). With the military activity in the area, the postmaster saw postal proceeds go from $47.53 the preceding year to $7,800 for a four-month period beginning July 1861. The cover shows a relatively neat and fully written out “Paid 5”, which quickly degenerated to “Pd 5” with the weight of all the extra work, done by the postmaster mostly with no help. Many covers in the Don Preston Peters collection, such as this, have their letters at Duke University. As there is no postmark on this cover, the best an expertizing body could do would be “no opinion” with regard to the date of mailing, thus this cover is offered on its own merits. While very likely June 1, there is no incontrovertible proof thereof and it is therefore offered at a fraction of what a provable example would command. Ex Don Preston Peters, Ian Tickell, and John Vagnetti. $450.

TUDOR HALL VA. DEC  11 1861 cds with matching PAID 10 (Type C, CV $150) on cover to Judge John W. Inzer, Ashville, St. Clair County, Ala. Ex Roger Ballard and John Vagnetti. $150.

John Washington Inzer served as Lt. Col. in the 58th Alabama Infantry, Clayton’s Brigade, Stewart’s Division, Hood’s Corp, Army of Tennessee. Detailed bio on linked page.

TUDOR HALL Va. MAR 6 1862, nicely struck CDS with matching DUE 10 (CSA Catalog type E) on clean homemade cover to Bolling Hall Jnr, Montgomery, Ala, with endorsement of Private J. E. Hall, 6th Ala. Vol. Col. Seibel’s Comd, Very Fine, THIS IS THE LAST WEEK OF USE. The Confederate post office at Tudor Hall was abandoned on March 8, 1862, and all mail delivered to the post office in Gordonsville. In their advance on Richmond, Union authorities took over Tudor Hall and renamed it Manassas. Ex Brandon and John Vagnetti. $200.

John Elmore Hall served in Company E, 6th Alabama Infantry, Hilliard’s Legion His father was Bolling Hall, Sr., who was adjutant of the 6th Ala. and 1st Ala. Bolling Hall, Jr. was one of his brothers. Bios on linked page.

TUDOR HALL Va. MAR  3 1862, nicely struck CDS with matching DUE 10 (CSA Catalog type E) on cover to wife on cover endorsed from “Jno. C. McClenaghan, 8th Regt. SCV,” some light staining, red wax seal on back, THIS IS THE LAST WEEK OF USE. The Confederate post office at Tudor Hall was abandoned on March 8, 1862, and all mail delivered to the post office in Gordonsville. In their advance on Richmond, Union authorities took over Tudor Hall and renamed it Manassas. Ex Brandon and John Vagnetti. $150.

Capt. John Charles McClenaghan (1835-1863) is cited for bravery at First Manassas in the Official Records. He was Quarter Master of Co. E, Gregg’s First, 8th SCV, 21 South Carolina Volunteers. He died of disease on Morris Island (Charleston Harbor) March 15, 1863.

POWHATAN CH VA. APR  12 (1862) CDS, complete but virtually unreadable, as always, with manuscript “Paid 5.” Used on 3-page FOLDED LETTER with EXCELLENT WARTIME CONTENT - datelined Montpelier, April 10, 1862, and signed Wm. Pope Dabney to Mrs. Phebe H. Bailey, Scottsburg PO, Halifax Co., Va. Postal Officials in Richmond are known to have complained to the Powhatan C.H. Postmaster about the unreadable nature of his marking device. The articulate, easily read letter refers to "Beauregard's great victory" and notes, "I have no fears for the South side & am more confident than ever about the final outcome." On then-current local troop movements, he writes, "…the county of Orange is filled with the Army of the Potomac which has fallen back from Manassas. The county of Culpeper will soon be overrun with the Enemy and Genl. Johnson will doubtless make a stand and risk battle on the banks of the Rapidan…" A MARVELOUS LETTER. (Click to see letter page 1) (page 2) (page 3). Ex John Vagnetti. $400. 

William Pope Dabney  was a judge, a politician, a writer, and a farmer. See detailed bio on linked page.

FAIRFAX C.H. Va. SEP 13 (1861) handstamped PAID 10 (type B) on cover to Mrs. Martha Owen Thomas, Griffin, Georgia, Care of Mrs. Mary Anne Stark. Soldier’s cover posted during ANV operations in the area. Penciled prior owner note stating only 4 recorded covers, to which I cannot attest. Slightly reduced at left and a bit edge worn. Ex John Vagnetti. $190.

FAIRFAX C.H. Va. OCT 10 (1861) CDS with light PAID 5 (type C) on cover to which has been affixed a CSA 1, 5¢ green that bears a pen cancel but also a faint partial postmark with no tie to the cover. There also appears to be something written at top center that could be a faint “Paid.” It is addressed to Mrs. Amanda J.M. Barron Care of Mrs. J.W. Iley, Frellsburg, Colerado County Texas. (sic – Frelsburg, Colorado County). This was well before the government Trans-Mississippi service. WESTBOUND TRANS-MISSISSIPPI SERVICE with a 10¢ franking is typed as TMW-09 in the CSA catalog with value of $750. The question is whether the stamp belongs, added by someone reusing a stamp, or was added to embellish the cover. The distance required 10¢ in postage. Extremely scarce and interesting use. Ex John Vagnetti. Offered on its own merits. $450.

Frelsburg, Texas background on linked page.

Fairfax St(ation Va) Pd 5” in manuscript on cover to Miss Sallie T. Connor Louisa Ct. House Virginia on small commercially-made envelope with embossed flap tip. Ex John Vagnetti. $150.

FAIRFAX STATION detailed info on linked page.

FRANKLIN DEPOT Va. MAR 1 1863 CDS with matching blue DUE 10 (CC type B, CV $300) on fresh cover to Archimedes Davis Esq Abingdon Washington Co. Va. with mandated endorsement of Jas. K. Davis, Co. E 63 Va. Vol. Extremely Fine. $300.

James K. Davis bio on linked page.

NORFOLK VA JUL 27 1861 double-circle datestamp with matching blue PAID 5 (CC type D, CV $300) on cover to Hon. T.S.D. McDowell, Richmond Va. Thomas McDowell was a Confederate Member of Congress. Bit of staining from gum on flaps bleeding to front. $150.

Army of Northern Virginia camp marking type, CSA Catalog type ANV-20, 10 in circle, used in Petersburg, Va.; addressed to Mrs. J.F. Mills, Granite Hill, Iredell Co., No. Carolina; with mandated soldier’s endorsement of C.F. Mills, Co. B, 2nd Regt. N.C. Cavalry up the left side. $150. 

Charles F. Mills was a 25-year-old farmer when he enlisted July 22, 1861, as a private. He was mustered into Co. I, North Carolina 7th infantry. On November 3, 1863, he transferred into B Co., North Carolina 2nd Cavalry.

BRISTOE STATION VA AUG 28 (1861) neat circular datestamp with manuscript Pd 5 on cover – not listed thus in CSA Catalog. Addressed to Mrs. Mary B. Gordon Care of E.S. Pegram Esqr. Cobham Depot, Albemarle Va. with photocopy of 2-page letter from her husband Jno. C. Gordon. $170.

RICHMOND VA. SEP 11 1861 CDS with matching PAID 2 (CC type B, CV $500) in italics on fresh drop cover addressed “Hon. A.H. Stephens, Vice Pres't ‘C.S.A.’ Present." Secretarial docketing on reverse saying William H. Byrd "Wants Mr. Stephens to get the Prest. to release him," usual missing back flap and slightly reduced, Very Fine, lovely 2¢ rate use. $500.

"Plantersville, Va. 4 Nov./62" manuscript town cancel with "Pd 10" rate on "Home Sweet Home" adversity cover, made from a cover sheet from that popular song; addressed to E.J. Gregory, Richmond, Va. with additional manuscript "Co A, 46th Reg. Va. Vol., Wise Brigade," typical small flaws. Great eye-appeal, scarce use from a very small town listed as a “populated place” in Lunenburg County, Va., in the vicinity of Fort Mitchell (also not a big place, an unincorporated community.) $375.

RICHMOND VA. dark blue CDS (type 7b) MAY 19 1863 with matching DUE 10 (type Q) on small commercially made soldier’s cover to Cap’t J. T. Boykin Antioch Troup Co. Ga. with endorsement of J. T. Mercer Col. 21st Ga Reg’t. (a portion of Gen. George Dole’s Brigade, Rhode’s Division, Stonewall Jackson’s 2nd Corps, Army of Northern Virginia). Fresh cover with some flap faults. ONLY 15 COVERS RECORDED OF THIS TYPE by Peter W. W. Powell in his Richmond book. Ex Harry Muldrow. $180.

John Thomas Mercer bio on linked page.

RICHMOND Va. CDS (type 3f) SEP 1 1862 with matching DUE 10 (type Q) on small commercially made soldier’s cover to Miss Susan A. Webb “Oaks” Orange County N.C. with endorsement of Lt. A.S. Webb Co. E 23rd NC. Excellent 4-page letter (Click to see pages 1 & 4 ~ Click to see pages 2-3) but the jewel is the note on the back flaps: “I saw (General) Pope’s coat that was captured today.”  This will be a Trish article – an irresistible topic. Ex Harry Muldrow. $180.

Alexander Smith Webb II detailed bio on linked page. 

RICHMOND Va. CDS FEB 1 1862, (type 2c) with matching PAID 2 (type B) on UNSEALED TAX CIRCULAR to C.B. Morriset Esq Com Rev (Commissioner of the Revenue), Page CH, Va. The circular is from the Auditor’s Office in Richmond and deals with the assessment of land and personal property. Taxes are to leveled on slaves and other property according to their value. Ex Harry Muldrow. $500.

RICHMOND Va. bold clear FEB 1 1862, (type 3b) CDS with matching DUE 5 (type O) on soldier’s cover to H.G. Gaffney Limestone Springs So. Ca. with endorsement of Wm. W. Gaffney Q.M. 12 Regt SCV (Brig. Gen. Maxcy Gregg’s Brigade, Maj. Gen. A.P. Hill’s Light Division, Maj. Gen. T. J. Jackson’s Command, Army of Northern Virginia). Ex Harry Muldrow. $175.

RICHMOND Va. bold clear MAY 23 1862, (type 3a) CDS with matching DUE 5 (type O) and blue crayon “5”on soldier’s cover to Mrs. Howe P. Cochran Charlottesville Virginia with endorsement of H.P. Cochran 1st Reg Va Artillery. Top back flap missing, Ex Harry Muldrow. $140.

Howe Peyton Cochran was appointed to the Virginia Military Institute, (the oldest cadet at time of admission) but left after 6 weeks to enlist. Bio on linked page.

RICHMOND Va. MAY 24 1862, (type 3a) CDS with matching DUE 5 (type O) on long soldier’s folded letter from son to father to Read B. E. Habersham Manchester W. & M. R.R. So. Ca. with endorsement of R. W. Habersham Company C Hampton Legion S.C.V. (Army of Northern Virginia). Good letter stating he is doubtful of obtaining a furlough. Two armies are camped close by and he does not want to seem to be running away in the face of an engagement. He is thinking of joining an artillery company or buying a horse to serve in a corps of Partisan Rangers for service in western Virginia. He tells his father to use his own judgment about coming to visit. Ex Harry Muldrow. $150.

Richard W. Habersham detailed bio on linked page.

RICHMOND Va. OCT 7 1861, (type 2a) CDS with matching PAID 10 (type H) on small commercially made cover to Mrs. Lou A Harris Cartersville Cass County Georgia, which was over 500 miles, thus necessitating a double rate of 10¢. Top back flap opening tears otherwise Very Fine. Ex Harry Muldrow. $80.

RICHMOND Va. OCT 10 1861, (type 2a) CDS with matching PAID 5 Cts (type F) on folded printed circular for the Grand Lodge of Virginia. As a circular, it should have been sent with the 2¢ circular rate but instead represented a P.O. handstamp overpayment that is not often seen. Addressed to Wm. H. Harman W.M. Lodge No 13 Staunton Va.  Lovely example of an unusual Freemason use. Ex Harry Muldrow. $500.

MONTEREY Va. NOV 21 (1861) CDS with matching PAID 5 (type B, CV $250) on cover to Miss Mollie Rolston Richmond Virginia where it went unclaimed and was thus advertised in the Richmond Daily Dispatch on Monday, December 9, 1861, which lists this missive in the “Ladies’ list as Remaining in the Richmond Post office, on the 6th day of December, 1861.” Notched Richmond ADVERTISED 2 (type U, CV $500) and Richmond December 7, 1861, circular datestamp at list. Of further interest is the note at top “We start to M…”  which the sender stopped writing and concluded on the back “We start to Manassas tomorrow – J.H.” Top back flap missing and light stain at upper right. Quite scarce. Monterey had a population of 165 in the 2020 federal census. It is the county seat of Highland County. Ex Harry Muldrow. $400.

RICHMOND Va. partial circular datestamp tying a missing stamp which apparently fell off. Bold and very clear strike of scarce HELD FOR POSTAGE (type EE, CV $750) handstamped on cover to Mrs. D. H. Gordon, Fredericksburg Va. The envelope was turned in at the Richmond post office with no postage and marked with the appropriate marking. The procedure was to write to the addressee telling him that a letter was being held for lack of proper postage period to have the letter released; the intended recipient would have to send money or a stamp. 2022 CSA certificate indicating the envelope is genuine but cleaned and restored with top back flap and one side flap added. Quite scarce. Ex Harry Muldrow. $350.

NORFOLK Va. JUN 19 1861 circular datestamp with matching blue PAID 10 (type F, CV $300) on clean cover to Mrs. Melvina Beaumont, Union Springs, Macon County, Alabama. Ex Paul Boschung. $150.