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Army Field Cancels ||
Patriotics || Railroads ||
Prisoner of War || Blockade ||
Miscellaneous || Barron CS Navy Correspondence ||
Bush Exhibit || Teffs Collection ||
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| CSA #7 Horz Pair (4-Margin but close at the top and wiith filled in frames at the top) with the Army of Northern Virginia Field Target Cancel. Addressed to J. C. Cochran Esq, S W RR Bank, Columbia SC. Sealed edge tear at right center otherwise Very Fine. | |
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| Soldiers (Due) 10 Army of Tennessee Field Handstamp Dietz Type A in use July - December 1864. Endorsed across the top “From W. A. Chunn 40th Ga” and addressed to Mrs. E. W. Chunn, Grantville, Ga. William A. Chunn was the Commissary Sergeant in Co I 40th Ga Inf and survived the war surrendering with his unit at Greensboro NC 4/26/1865. Coarse paper homemade adversity cover with minor backflap opening tears but otherwise Very Fine. | |
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| Soldiers Due 10 Arc Handstamp (partial strike) Army of Northern Virginia Field Mark. Endorsed at upper left “From Capt J. C. Winsmith Co H 1st SCV.” Blue paper cover addressed to Dr. J. Winsmith, Glenn Springs PO Spartanburg Dist So. Ca. Capt Winsmith of the 1st SC Inf was listed as wounded at Sharpsburg 9/16/1862 and again at Fort Harrison in 1864 but did survive the war. Part of backflap missing and backflap opening tears otherwise a Very Fine appearance. | |
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| Soldiers Due 10 Handstamp Army of Tennessee field mark Dietz Type II. Very coarse brown paper cover most likely homemade with manuscript “OB” (Official Business) at upper right and endorsed “W. H. Cooper, Surg 16th SC (Inf)” Addressed to Assist Surg J. C. Stickney, Medical Purveyor, Macon, Georgia. The original enclosure remains with the cover and is datelined “Gist Brigade 16th So Ca Regt near Atlanta August 10, 1864.” This is during the Atlanta Campaign as Atlanta fell shortly thereafter on 9/1/1864. The letter is short dealing with medical supplies and mentioning an extra bottle of Castor Oil which was not on the invoice. Extremely Fine medical related cover and enclosure. | |
 | CSA #12 (AD) (4-Margin Dark Blue) tied by an Army of Northern Virginia Field Grid Cancel Dietz Type ANV 2UG. Addressed to Miss Anne Thack, Arrington Nelson Co, Va. Very Fine. | |
 | CSA #11 (AD) (4-Margin) tied by an Army of Tennessee Field Grid Cancel. Blue paper cover with railroad address to Mrs. Henry L. Muldrow, Tibbee Station M & O R R (Mobile & Ohio Railroad), Miss Care of A. C. Jennings. “Tibbee” is lined through and the cover was forwarded to Crawford, Miss with the addition of the small single rim Tibbee Station, Miss CDS dated 20 JUL (1864) which also ties the stamp and a manuscript “Forwarded Due 10” to assess the forwarding fee. Period notation on the reverse “July 11th 1864” referring to the date of the original letter confirms the 1864 usage. The cover was sent by Lt Col Henry Lowndes Muldrow (1837-1905) of the 11th Miss Cav to his wife. In July 1864, this unit was involved in the Atlanta Campaign. Very Fine Cover. | |
 | Army of Northern Virginia Handstamp Field (Due) 10 mark (black “10” in a circle) of the type used at the Siege of Petersburg in late 1864 and early 1865. Addressed to Mrs. W. H. Felker, Hebron PO Spartanburg Dist SC. Endorsed at left “A Soldiers Letter Co E 18th SC Vol.” The cover was sent by Private Wiley H. Felker of Co E 18th SC Inf. A little light foxing and a missing backflap but still a very presentable cover. | |
 | CSA #12c (AD) (4-Margin Greenish Blue) with the Army of Northern Virginia Army Target Field Cancel. Coarse brown paper cover with Military Address to Capt B. F. Little, Littles Mills NC. The addressee was Capt Benjamin Franklin Little (d1879) of the 52nd NC Inf. Capt Little was promoted Lt Col of the regiment at Gettysberg. The 52nd NC Inf was involved in Pickett's Charge on the third day of Gettysburg and suffered 30% casualties including Lt Col Little who was wounded and captured. He was a POW until later exchanged and then resigned from the army in AUG 1864 because of his wounds. Since the cover is addressed to Capt Little (not Col Little), it must date prior to Gettysburg when Capt Little was home on leave and the field cancel first came into use. | |
 | CSA #12c (AD) (4-Margin but close on the left) tied by an Army of Northern Virginia Field Grid Cancel Dietz Type ANV 1ED. Addressed to Miss Mollie L. Manning, Tangipaho Parish St Helena, La. Period pencil notation on the front of the cover dates the cover to 1 DEC 1864. Tangipaho, La in St. Helena Parish is in the small part of Louisiana that is on the east side of the Mississippi River. Therefore, the Trans-Mississippi Express rate in late 1864 would not apply. Minor backflap opening tears, otherwise Very Fine. | |
 | CSA #12c (AD) (4-Margin but close at the top and affixed upside down) tied by the Army of Northern Virginia Field Target Cancel Dietz Type ANV 2T. Light coarse brown paper cover addressed to Mr. R. A. Cole, Carthage NC. Very Fine. | |
 | CSA #11c (AD) (4-Margin Greenish Blue) tied by the Army of Northern Virginia Field Grid Cancel Dietz Type ANV 1UG. Coarse brown paper cover addressed to Hon J. W. Suttle, Centreville Bibb County, Alabama. The cover is from Lt William J. Suttle Co F 11th Ala Inf to his father. Very Fine. | |
 | CSA #11 (AD) (4-Margin) tied by the Army of Northern Virginia Field Target Cancel Dietz Type ANV 2T. Military Address to Col B. F. Little, Littles Mills NC. The addressee was Capt Benjamin Franklin Little (d1879) of the 52nd NC Inf. Capt Little was promoted Lt Col of the regiment at Gettysberg. The 52nd NC Inf was involved in Pickett's Charge on the third day of Gettysburg and suffered 30% casualties including Lt Col Little who was wounded and captured. He was a POW until later exchanged and then resigned from the army in AUG 1864 because of his wounds. Since the cover is addresed to Col Little, it must date to late 1864 after Col Little’s exchange while he was at home recovering from his Gettysburg wounds. Very Fine. | |
 | CSA #12c (4-Margin but close on the right Greenish Blue) tied by an Army of Northern Virginia Fied Grid Cancel Dietz Type ANV 7UG. Addressed to Miss Mollie Charlton, Lexington Rockingham Co., Virginia. Very Fine. | |
 | CSA #11 (AD) (4-Margin) tied by an Army of Northern Virginia Field Grid Cancel. Addressed to Mr. Robert Love Care John Wilson Esq, Swoops’ Depot Augusta Co., Va. Light pencil endorsement top center “9th La Inf, Hays Brigade, Earlys Division, Ewells Corps.” The 9th La Inf (Lousiana Tigers) was the most distinguished Louisiana unit in the entire war and served with distinction in the Louisiana Brigade of the 2nd Corps ANV (Jackson’s Foot Cavalry). The field cancel and endorsement would date this cover to either late 1864 or early 1865 when the unit was with the ANV at the Siege of Petersburg. The only “Love” in the unit was the regimental surgeon, William S. Love. So this cover most likely is from Surgeon William S. Love to a relative in Virginia. William S. Love was appointed Assistant Surgeon by the Secretary of War 10/1/1861 and Surgeon 7/1/1862 while in Clark County, Virginia. He was ordered to the 15th La Inf in Sept 1862 and is recorded as absent due to illness Nov-Dec 1862. He was ordered to the 9th La Inf 4/20/1863 but was on detached duty for a time at Winchester, Va beginning July 1864 rejoining the regiment later that year. His name appears on a roll of prisoners captured on 4/3/1865 at Richmond, Va and paroled 5/1/1865. Cover shows just a little light foxing and some minor edge wear but still has an overall Very Fine appearance. | |
 | Soldier’s “(Due) 10” handstamp with no CDS. Addressed to Miss Jane Pursely, New Center PO York District SC. Endorsed at left “From Sergt J. W. Pursley Co G 18th SC Vols”. J. Warren Pursley is listed as a Sergeant and then later 1st Lt Co G 18th SC Inf. The handstamp “10” does not match the known ANV field marks nor does it match the Petersburg, Va marks. In late 1864 and early 1865, the unit was with the ANV at the Siege of Petersburg. Prior to that, the unit served as part of the defenses of Charleston Harbor. The “10” does not match the Charleston mark either. Most likely the cover went out from the ANV as a due in late 1864 or early 1865 without a field mark, and the handstamp was added somewhere in transit or perhaps on arrival as no specific marks are listed in the catalogs for the New Center SC post office with which to compare. Interesting cover and Very Fine. | |
 | Army of Northern Virginia Handstamp Field (Due) 10 mark (black “10” in a circle). Addressed to George L. Peyton Esqr, Charlottesville, Virginia. Endorsed at upper right “E. G. Peyton Co K 2nd Va Cav” with manuscript “Important” at upper left in the same hand. Eugene Gillette Peyton (1846-1900) enlisted 3/25/1864. He was listed as wounded in the left arm at Spottsylvania Court House, Va 5/12/1864 but recovered and returned to his unit 7/23/1864. This cover addressed to his father is from late 1864 or early 1865 from the Siege of Petersburg. A little light staining and foxing but still with an overall Very Fine appearance. | |
 | Army of Northern Virginia Handstamp Field (Due) 10 mark (black “10” in a circle). Addressed to Mr. Reuben Robinson, Martins Lime Kiln, Stokes County NC. Endorsed at left “From Privat James Robinson Co H 22 regt NC Troops.” James Robinson age 22 enlisted as a private in Co H 22nd NC Inf 6/1/1861. He is listed as wounded in the left arm at Gettysburg 7/2/1863 and captured as a POW at Jericho Mills, Va 5/23/1864. He was confined at Point Lookout until exchanged 3/18/1865. Therefore this cover must date from late March or early April 1865 from the Siege of Petersburg after Private Robinson was exchanged and rejoined his unit. Cover with just a little edge wear and a little light foxing and a minimal reduction at the right but still retains a clean appearance. | |
 | CSA #12c (AD) Horz Pair (margins close with a little edge nick at the right and a nice Greenish-Blue color shade) paying the double weight rate and tied by an Army of Northern Virginia Field Target Cancel. Addressed to Miss Liu Caperton Care of Mrs. Charles Gay, Staunton, Valley of Virginia. Cover shows a little edge wear and some minor light foxing but represents a not often seen double rate with an army field cancel. | |
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| Patriotic Lettersheet (No Cover) with the South Carolina Palmetto Flag in Blue Dietz Type FSC-3. The lettersheet is datelined Anderson (SC) May 27 / 61 which confirms Confederate usage. Interesting legal letter about a debt collection. Right upper corner faults and some reinforcing with archival tape. Full typed transcript of the letter included. An overall excellent appearance and a scarce Confederate usage patriotic design. | |
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| Patriotic Lettersheet Flag Over Cannon Dietz Type CN-1 in black used with an excellent Soldier’s Letter datelined Orange County (Va) 27 NOV 1862. The letter was written by George G. Brooks who enlisted in Co H of the 21st Miss Inf in 1861. This unit was a 1st Corps ANV unit that fought from Yourktown in 1862 all the way through to Appomattox and was with Longstreet in Tennessee in 1863. But there is no further record of Private Brooks other than his enlistment as records of Mississippi soldiers are notoriously sketchy. The spelling in the letter is somewhat creative, but the letter has war news and tells of troop movements around Fredericksburg and mentions Generals Hill, McClellan, and Burnside. “I heard that McClellan had been suspended by Burnside and that he Burnside was near Fredericksburg with his hole army...” Included with the lettersheet is a typed transcript of the letter and an unused patriotic cover with the same design. Very Fine. | |
| Two very newly discovered CSA Patriotic Covers which at the present time represent the only two known CSA Patriotic covers used to a foreign destination during the Confederate period. Both covers are from the same correspondence with usage about one week apart. These two covers are the subject of an article ("Transatlantic CSA Patriotic Covers") which appeared in the June - September 20006 issue of the Confederate Philatelist journal. The first cover (PAT 138) was found in 2003, and the second (PAT 138A) was only discovered in January 2006 and is therefore offered here for sale for the very first time anywhere. | ||
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| CSA Stars and Bars Flag Patriotic Cover in Full Color Dietz Type F7-19 Trans-Atlantic Usage from Augusta, Georgia to Liverpool, England March - April 1861. Cover was mailed unpaid from Augusta, Georgia with the small Augusta, Ga double circle CDS 26 MAR 1861. There is a manuscript “DUE 24” in pencil across the top to assess the 24c Trans-Atlantic rate applied in Augusta at the time of mailing (an unnecessary mark as postage due was to be collected in England on delivery). Cover arrived in New York City and received the “New York Br Packet 5” mark dated 2 APR (1861). The date of the New York City mark was a Sunday in 1861, and there were no sailings on that date from New York. The only sailing compatible with this cover is from Boston on 3 APR 1861, so the cover must have been transferred to Boston by closed mail and then sailed on the Cunard Packet “Canada” arriving in Queenstown 15 APR (1861) and then arriving in Liverpool, England the next day. Manuscript 1/- applied to the cover in England indicating 1 Shilling Due for the Trans-Atlantic crossing. The Liverpool receiving mark is on the face of the cover dated 16 APR 1861. This cover was only very recently discovered in an old collection in England and was in the collection as a FRONT only. The front was submitted to the PF for certification in 2003 and received PF Certificate #0394308. At the present time, this is one of only two known Confederate Patriotic Covers to a foreign destination during the Confederate Period. The second cover (also a front) was very recently discovered in England and is from the same correspondence in March 1861 but a different flag design (offered for sale below as PAT 138A). This covers is pre-blockade but falls into the USA Used in the CSA period for Georgia. Since the PF Certificate for this cover was issued, the cover front has been expertly rebacked for purposes of preservation and has a Very Fine appearance. A beautiful CSA Patriotic with a very scarce patriotic usage ready to exhibit. | |
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| Overall CSA Stars and Bars Flag Patriotic Cover in Full Color Dietz Type F7-2 Trans-Atlantic Usage from Augusta, Georgia to Liverpool, England March - April 1861. Cover was mailed unpaid from Augusta, Georgia with the small Augusta, Ga double circle CDS 20 MAR 1861. Cover arrived in New York City and received the “New York Br Packet 5” mark dated 27 MAR (1861). This cover sailed on the Cunard British Packet "Arabia" which departed that date from New York. The Liverpool receiving mark is at the lower left dated 8 APR 1861. The prominent British manuscript “1/-” is quite apparent for the 1 shilling due on delivery. This cover was only very recently discovered in January 2006 in an old collection in England and was in the collection as a FRONT only and is offered here for sale for the first time. The front was recently submitted to the CSA for certification and received CSA Certificate #4738. At the present time, this is the second of only two known Confederate Patriotic Covers to a foreign destination during the Confederate Period. This cover is pre-blockade but falls into the USA Used in the CSA period for Georgia. Since the CSA Certificate for this cover was issued, the cover front has been expertly rebacked for purposes of preservation and has a Very Fine appearance. A beautiful CSA Patriotic with a very scarce patriotic usage ready to exhibit. | |
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| CSA #4 on the back sealing the backflap (severely damaged in opening) tied by a CDS that is not legible but most likely the same one that is on the front of the cover Greenwood Depot, Va balloon 10 JUN (1862). Addressed to Mrs. S. J. Robertson, Mossingford PO Charlotte Co., Va Care of Mr. B. G. Dickerson. There is also a manuscript “Due 5” on the cover. The cover is quite small and most likely was not overweight and the distance is less than 500 miles. Therefore, it appears as though when the cover arrived at its destination, the stamp on the back was not noticed and the cover therefore assessed 5c postage due. Stars and Bars Flag (11 Stars) Patriotic Cover Dietz Type F11-16 in black with Verse 2 “On, on to the rescue...” On the back is a period manuscript routing instruction “Direct to Greenwood Tunnel Va C R R (Virginia Central Railroad) in care of Surg J. G. Boatwright.” Except for damaged stamp on the back, still a Very Fine cover with excellent usage. CSA Certificate 1983. | |
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| Soldiers Due 10 from Junction, Va 27 AUG 1862 all in manuscript. Addressed to J. J. Heath Esq, Girard PO Burke Co., Georgia. Endorsed at upper right “W. O. Milton Cobb’s Legion.” Large Mounted Dragoon Patriotic Cover Dietz Type SM-1 with Imprint 15 variation “For sale by Alpheus Bolling...” and Verse 27 “What is a Letter?...” Minor reduction at right otherwise Very Fine. Cover was used as an illustration on Page 228 of the 1986 Dietz Catalog. Ex-Kimmel. | |
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| CSA #2 Paterson Stone Y (small faults) tied by a full strike of the Richmond. Va CDS Powell Type 3f 6 NOV 1862. Large Mounted Dragoon Patriotic Cover Dietz Type SM-1 with Verse 7 “To arms! to arms! quick, be ready...” Addressed to George B. Stephens, Ivy Depot Albemarle Co., Virginia. Slight reduction at left not affecting anything and a small sealed edge tear at left. Small amount of light age foxing but still very presentable. The Paterson Stone Y stamp on a patriotic cover is scarce. Ex-Bogg. | |
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| CSA #11 (AD) (4-Margin) tied by the Guineys, Va CDS with a MAY date. Addressed to John N. Kirkland, Hillsboro NC. Captured Union Patriotic with a large embossed colorless oval regimental shield design for the 12th Mass Regt Col Fletcher Webster. Fletcher Webster (1812-1862), the oldest son of Daniel Webster, was commissioned Colonel of the 12th Mass Inf 6/26/1861 and was Killed-in-Action at 2nd Manassas (Bull Run) 8/30/1862. Very Fine. | |
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| CSA UNUSED Patriotic Cover Stars and Bars in Full Color Dietz Type F7-4 small flag variation Very Fine. | |
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| CSA UNUSED Patriotic Cover Stars and Bars in Full Color Dietz Type F7-4 small flag variation Very Fine. | |
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| CSA UNUSED Patriotic Cover Stars and Bars in Full Color Dietz Type F7-4 standard size flag variation Very Fine. | |
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| CSA UNUSED Patriotic Cover Stars and Bars in Full Color Dietz Type F8-11 Very Fine. | |
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| USA #26 (nice stamp) tied by a Grid cancel with the Marietta, Geo CDS to the left 29 APR (1861) USA Used in the CSA. Stars and Bars Flag Patriotic Dietz Type F7-12 in full color. Addressed to Mrs. M. E. Jones, Carnesville Franklin County, Ga. A little light foxing and a few minor edge faults. Ex-Kohn. | |
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| Soldiers Due 10 Dietz Type V with the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 3e 12 SEP 1862. Endorsed “L. M. Henderson Co C 14th Reg SCV.” Stars and Bars Patriotic Cover in black Dietz Type F11-16 with Verse 7 “To arms! to arms! quick be ready...” Yellow paper cover addressed to Mrs. S. L. Anderson, Mt Pleasant Laurens Dist, So. Ca. Notation at bottom left “PM at My Pleasant please forward.” One side flap missing and the upper right corner expertly repaired. The repair does not involve the postal markings. Overall a Very Fine appearance. | |
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| Due 10 Handstamp with the Lynchburg, Va CDS Dietz Type II all in Blue 19 DEC. Gen Beauregard Medallion Dietz Type GB-1 (red) Patriotic Cover addressed to Mr. Wm Davenport, Palmetto, Ga. No soldier’s endorsement, but the cover was sent by Sergt William H. A. Davenport of the 35th Ga Inf to his father. William H. A. Davenport enlisted as a private in Co C 35th Ga Inf 9/17/1861 and was promoted Ordnance Sergeant 7/2/1862. At the time of this cover, he was hospitalized at Lynchburg, Va and died at Lynchburg (presumably of disease) just a few days later on 12/31/1862. He is buried in the Lynchburg, Va Confederate Cemetery. Very Fine Cover. Ex-Myerson, Ex-Murphy. CSA Certificate 1998. | |
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| Gen Beauregard Medallion Dietz Type GB-1 (brown) Patriotic Cover handcarried outside the postal system addressed to Mrs. Wm Anderson, Anderson SC. Manuscript at lower left “Politeness of M. G. Smith” the name of the person who carried the cover. The cover is also dated at the top in mansucript “Dec 16, 1861.” The cover was sent by Capt William Anderson of the 4th SC Inf to his wife. It was carried by Private Madison Grimball Smith, a member of his unit most likely going home on furlough. Capt Anderson was transferred to the Palmetto Sharpshooters Regiment (SC) and promoted Major of that unit in April 1862. Major Anderson was killed at Frayser’s Farm (Va) 6/30/1862. Minor backflap opening tear otherwise Very Fine. | |
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| CSA #7 Horz Pair (4-Margin and a very coarse printing) tied by the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 3h 19 MAR (1863). Captured Union Regimental Patriotic Cover for the 11th Regiment NH Volunteers with flags, the state seal, and “The old Granite State.” The regimental name has been lined through. Addressed to Miss Eliza A. Casner, Chamblissburg Bedford County, Virginia. minor light foxing otherwise very Fine. Stanley B. Ashbrook old owner’s handstamp on the back. | |
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| Stars and Bars 9-Star Patriotic Cover Dietz Type 9-2(var) with the variation being that the flag rope extends straight down and is open at the bottom of the flagstaff and not closed. The 9-Star Flag is the scarcest of all the CSA flag designs as it was the official flag for only nine days 5/18/1861-5/26/1861. Therefore, very few 9-Star covers were prepared. Handcarried outside the postal service with a period ink address to Miss O. R. Lowry, Thomasville, Ga. Part of backflap missing and a little light foxing and edge wear but otherwise a Very Fine appearance and a very scarce item. | |
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| Soldiers “Due 10” (ms) with the Carter’s Depot, Ten CDS 6 JUL. Stars and Bars Patriotic Cover Dietz Type F11-16 in black with Verse 9 (...Gather around your country’s flag...) printed on a very coarse brown paper. Endorsed at left “W. S. Simmons Comp G 16 Ha Batt P(artisan) R(rangers)” and addressed to Mrs. Marg Simmons, Hicksville, Rutherford Co NC. The unit was the 16th Ga Cav Battalion which later merged with the 13th Ga Cav. William S. Simmons was the 1st Sergt of his company. Cover with a little minor light staining but is otherwise Very Fine. Ex-Boshwit Tennessee Collection. | |
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| Handstamp PAID 10(ms) with the Jackson, Ten CDS Dietz Type I 10(ms) 2 JUL. Stars and Bars Patriotic Cover Dietz Type F7-5 (Liberty Cap on Flagstaff) in full color. Addressed to Col W. B. A. Ramsey, Nashville, Tenn. Rate must be double weight and year of usage must be 1861 since Nashville was Union occupied on 2/25/1862. The cover is therefore dated the day Tennessee joined the CSA 7/2/1861. W. B. A. Ramsey was a Tennessee Attorney, and the “Col” title was honorary. Small part of backflap missing and a little light foxing but overall a Very Fine appearance. Ex-Gallagher and Ex-Boshwit Tennessee Collection. | |
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| Soldiers Due 10 handstamp with the Fredericksburg, Va CDS Dietz Type III 19 JAN (1862). Flag Over Canon Patriotic Cover Dietz Type CN3 in Black with Verse 1 (“Bright Banner of Freedom...). Endorsed at lower left “F. P. Green Co A 1st Arks Regt.” Addressed to Mr. James H. Green, Mars PO, Ala. The 1st Ark Inf was organized at Little Rock, Ark in May 1861 and mustered into Confederate service at Lynchburg, Va a short time later. Cover must date from January 1862 as the regiment was in Northern Virginia until transferring to the Army of Mississippi in March 1862. Private Francis P. Green was Killed-in-Action at Shiloh in April 1862. Cover shows some wear with a little edge foxing at top and bottom but is still very presentable with an uncommon usage. | |
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| CSA #2 Paterson (4-Margin but with a little foxing and toning) tied by the Augusta, Ga CDS (date not full apparent). Stars and Bars Patriotic Cover Dietz Type F11-16 in Black with Verse 2 (“On, on to the rescue, the Vandals are coming...”), Slogan 2 (“Confederate States of America”), and Imprint 11 (“Sold by J. W. Randolph, Richm’d”). Very coarse dark brown paper cover addressed to Mr. Joseph S. Thurman, Hamburg So. Ca. Care T. Reese. Cover with a little light foxing and very slightly reduced at the left. | |
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| CSA #1 Stone 2 (margin touches at right) tied by a full strike of the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 3a 28 MAR 1862. Stars and Bars coarse paper Patriotic Cover Dietz Type F11-16 (black) with Verse 1 (“Bright Banner of Freedom...”). Addressed to Mrs Jane Talley, Clarksville, Mecklenburg, Va. Care of E. P. Pool. The cover was sent by Private Henry Talley of Co I 38th Va Inf to his mother. Henry Talley was promoted 1st Sergt and transferred to Co G 14th Va Inf 6/27/1862. The 14th Va Inf was part of Armistead’s Brigade of Pickett’s Division. Sergt Talley was wounded in both feet and captured as a POW at Pickett’s Charge (Gettysburg) 7/3/1863. He recovered from his wounds and was subsequently paroled and exchanged and rejoined his unit. He was promoted 2nd Lt 4/16/1864 and captured a second time at Dinwddie Court House, Va 4/1/1865. He was confined at Johnson’s Island until his release 6/20/1865. Few minor edge faults which do not detract. Otherwise a Very Fine Patriotic Cover associated with a Pickett’s Charge Soldier. | |
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| CSA #12 (AD) (4-Margin with a small margin nick at right center) tied by a partial strike of the Weldon NC CDS (date not apparent). Stars and Bars CSA Patriotic Cover (F11-16 in black) with Verse 9 (Gather around your country’s flag...) printed on very coarse brown paper. Addressed to Miss Catharine Ferguson, Reedy Branch PO Moore County NC. Very Fine Ex-Bogg with CSA Certificate 1986. | |
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| Handstamp PAID 5 with the Warrington, Fla CDS Dietz Type IA 8 OCT (1861). Stars and Bars Flag Over Tent CSA Patriotic Cover (TF-1 in full color) with Slogan 48 (Capt. Draper’s Company, 7th Reg. Alabama Vol.). Addressed to Mr. J. A. Dickenson, Fife PO Tallidaga Cty, Ala. The cover was sent by Elisha Dickenson of Co G 7th Ala Inf most likely to his father. A little minor light foxing and a minor reduction at right but otherwise Very Fine. A very attractive Florida CSA Patriotic Cover. | |
 | CSA UNUSED Patriotic Cover Stars and Bars in Full Color Dietz Type F7-4 standard size flag variation Very Fine. | |
 | “Fairfax Station (Va) Aug 27 (1861) Due 10” all in manuscript on a Seven Star Jefferson Davis Medallion Patriotic Cover Dietz Type JD-1 in black with Verse 13a (When the tempest of war...). Endorsed across the top “Private J. H. Bayol 5th Ala Rgt Vol.” Addressed to Mr. E. J. Bayol, Greensboro G. Co, Ala. Private Julian Honore Bayol of Co D 5th Ala Inf was listed as Killed-in-Action at Malvern Hill (Va) 7/1/1862. The cover is somewhat reduced at the right and the top with minor top edge repair, a well sealed tear through the design, and a small repair at the lower left corner all of which do not detract from the overall appearance. The cover is otherwise quite clean and still very attractive. | |
 | Soldiers “Due” 10 Handstamp with the Petersburg, Va CDS Dietz Type C 30 SEP (1862) all in Blue. Stars and Bars (11-Star) Patriotic Cover Dietz Type F11-16 in black with Verse 7 (To arms! to arms! quick, be ready...). Endorsed at upper right corner “From Sergt H. S. Bean Co H 44th Rgt NCST.” Addressed to Mr. Immer Bean, Cox’s Mills Randolph County NC. Horatio S. Bean (age 21) mustered into Co H 44th NC Inf on 3/1/1862. He was promoted Sergeant 7/20/1862 just shortly before sending this letter home. Sgt Bean was listed as Killed-in-Action at Bristoe Station (Va) 10/14/1863. Minor light foxing but still very attractive. | |
 | “Olive Branch, Miss July 17th (1861) paid 5” all in manuscript on a Stars and Bars (7-Star) Flag Patriotic Cover Dietz Type F7-5 (variety with the Liberty Cap on the flagstaff) in full color. Addressed to Miss Lizzie Hamilton, Stewarts Ferry Davidson Cty, Tenn via Nashville. The original letter is included (between cousins) which is very early in the war very soon after Tennessee joined the CSA. The letter gives excellent insite into the sentiments of the time. “...there is no Union sentiment here only against Lincolns war policy Miss has about 25,000 men in the field now armed and equipped...there is about 20,000 men above Memphis under arms to repel invaders...” and much more. Very Fine Patriotic Cover with an excellent letter. | |
 | Soldiers (Due) “10” (ms) with the Yorktown, Va CDS 7 JAN 1862 on a Stars and Bars (11-Star) Flag Patriotic Cover Dietz Type F11-16 in black. Verse 1 (Bright banner of freedom...) and Imprint 15 (For sale by Alpheus Bolling, Yorktown, Va.). Addressed to Mrs. July E. Akins, Villanow PO Walker Co, Ga. Endorsed under the address “from privet Akins 23 Ga Ridgemen.” There were five soldiers named “Akins” all in Co B 23rd Ga Inf and probably all related. Not known which one of the five sent this cover home. Very minor edge reductions but a very clean cover. Ex-Matz and signed Brian Green. | |
 | USA #26 tied by the small double circle Augusta, Ga CDS with a MAY (1861) date USA Used in the CSA. Stars and Bars (7-Star) Flag Patriotic Cover Dietz Type F7-19 in full color with Imprint 2 (Jas. L. Gow Augusta, Ga Patent Applied for). Addressed to Mr. S. VanDyke, Orange PO Gordon Cty, GA. “Orange PO” is lined through and the cover forwarded to Resaca with the the addition of a manuscript “forward charge 3 Orange 17th May” to assess the forwarding fee from Orange, Ga to Resaca, Ga. There were two VanDyke brothers (William and Charles) from Gordon County in Co K 4th Ga Inf. The regiment was at Augusta at this time where it mustered into Confederate service before leaving for Virginia. Both brothers enlisted the month before. Cover most likely sent as a letter home by one of these brothers. Both brothers were killed the same day at Gettysburg 7/2/1863. Backflap missing and a little light foxing and edge staining at the right but still a highly attractive patriotic cover with a scarce flag design and a forwarded usage. | |
 | CSA UNUSED Patriotic Cover Stars and Bars in Full Color Dietz Type F7-4 standard size flag variation Very Fine. | |
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| CSA #11 (AD) (4-Margin) tied by the usual weak strike of the Bristol V & T RR (Virginia and Tennessee Railroad) CDS (date not apparent). Adversity Cover made from a printed unused Post Office Department Form which displays very well with the lower left corner flapped up. Addressed to Mrs. C. A. Calhoun, Allegheny Springs Montgomery Co., Va. Very Fine. |
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 | CSA #7 Horz Pair (irregular margins and edge faults) tied by a partial strike of the Wartrace N&C RR (Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad) oval postmark 10 MAY 1863. Light but legible address to Miss Virginia A. Hoyal, Washington, Tennessee. Cover with a little light foxing but still a decent example of a railroad postmark on general issue Richmond print stamps. |
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 | Soldiers Due Handstamp (no rate) with the Wartrace N & C RR (Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad) oval postmark 28 MAY 1863. Green paper Adversity Cover made from the printed title page of an 1857 pamphlet concerning “Beacons and Floating Lights of the United States” prepared by the Light House Board. Addressed to Mrs C. A. Dexter, Camden Wilcox Co., Ala. Endorsed across the top “Private Wm Dexter Co A 38th Ala Regiment.” Most likely a soldier son writing home to his mother. Railroad Soldiers Due Adversity Covers are very scarce items. Displayed very well with the lower right corner flapped up to show the adversity usage. Very Fine. |
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 | Small Point Lookout MD CDS 28 JAN (1864) with no Union postage and no examiner’s mark. Also a full strike of the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 5f 11 FEB (1864) with the Richmond “Due 10” handstamp Dietz Type IV. Endorsed at the top “H. S. McDade Co G 11 NC Reg.” Light blue paper cover addressed to Mr. J. A. McDade Cedar Grove Orange Co NC. Through-the-Lines POW Cover which was most likely an inside envelope. Henry S. McDade age 24 years enlisted as a Sergeant Co G 11th NC Inf 3/31/1862. He was captured as a POW at Martinsburg WV 7/23/1863. The 11th NC Inf as a member of Pettigrew’s Brigade of Heth’s Division took part in Pickett’s Charge. Very likely Sgt McDade was a Pickett’s Charge survivor. He was transferred to Point Lookout 11/1/1863 where he remained until exchanged 2/15/1865. However, record’s indicate that he was reduced in rank to “private” while a POW for unknown reasons. Very clean cover with a Very Fine appearance but with top backflap and one side flap missing.. Very clean cover with a Very Fine appearance but with top backflap and one side flap missing. |
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| USA #65 tied by the Blue double ring Louisville KY CDS and matching Blue Target 21 JUL 1864. Incoming POW Cover (not through the lines) addressed to a CSA POW at Johnson’s Island. Full address to Capt Henry L. Vickers, Johnsons Island Prison Block 7 Mess 1, Sandusky, Ohio. Manuscript examiner’s marking “Ex B.” Henry L. Vickers was the Captain of Co K 3rd Ten Cav which was a unit that rode with Nathan Bedford Forrest. However, the 3rd Ten Cav was disbanded at the end of 1862, and the various companies were assigned to other units. Not known when and where Capt Vickers was captured or what happened to him later on as a POW. Very Fine Cover. |
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| Pair of Through-the-Lines POW Covers -- Both covers endorsed “Wm S. Moss Co B 4th Va Cav” and addressed to his home in Coalfield Chesterfield Co., Virginia. William S. Moss age 21 enlisted as a private 4/23/1861. He was captured as a POW at Germanna Ford, Va 9/19/1863 and confined first at Old Capitol Prison in Washington DC and then transferred to Point Lookout 9/26/1863. He was transferred again to Elmira NY 8/16/1864. At some point he was exchanged as he was back on the regimental rolls 3/10/1865 and surrendered at Huguenot Springs, Va 4/22/1865. The first cover dated July 1864 would be from his confinement at Point Lookout. This is an inside through-the-lines cover as there is no examiner’s markings and no evidence of federal postage which would have been on the outer envelope. There is a manuscript “per Flag of Truce” notation at the top and the soldier’s endorsement at the left. Cover arrived in Richmond and received the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 5f 30 JUL (1864) and the Arc Due 2 handstamp Dietz Type II which is a very scarce mark especially on a POW cover. Why only 2c due was assessed is not explained as it is clearly not a drop letter as it is addressed outside Richmond. The only possible explanantion is that it was a mistake on the part of the Richmond postal clerk that was not caught and corrected. The second cover is from SEP 1864 shortly after his transfer to Elmira NY. This cover bears the Elmira NY postmark and at one time had a federal stamp in the upper right corner which is now missing. The oval “Prisoner’s Letter Examined” Elmira handstamp is on the face of the cover as well as a manuscript “per Flag of Truce” and the prisoner’s endorsement. On arrival in Richmond, the Richmond, Va CDS was applied Powell Type 5g dated 29 SEP (1864) with a handstamp (Due) “10” Dietz Type B. The correct rate was assessed for this cover which has the same address as the first cover. These two covers complement each other and will only be sold as a pair. |
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| Washington DC CDS 17 NOV 1861 with the Free Frank signature of Alfred Ely, US Congressman from New York. Addressed to Gen Wm E. Lathrop, Rochester NY. The congressman’s free frank and the date identify this cover as having originated at the Ligon’s Tobacco Warehouse Confederate Prison in Richmond, Va. Cover was smuggled out of the prison and covertly taken through-the-lines to Washington where it entered the US Postal Service under Congressman Ely’s Free Frank. Alfred Ely was part of the large spectator group from Washington DC that rode out to watch the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) 7/21/1861. In the confusion after the battle during the Union retreat, Congressman Ely was captured by the Confederates and imprisoned at the Ligon’s Prison in Richmond before being released six months later. A prize political prisoner, he was often paraded and ridiculed in the streets of Richmond during his imprisonment. This cover dates from the time of his imprisonment and therefore identifies it as originating from that prison. Galen Harrison lists only 34 covers recorded from this prison. Another cover from this prison with the Ely Free Frank is illustrated in Galen’s POW book. Minor edge fault at top center but otherwise an overall Very Fine appearance and a wonderful historical cover. |
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| Two Covers from the Rockwell Libby Prison Correspondence. The covers were sent by Lieut Joseph Perkins Rockwell (1843-1885) of Co G CT 18th Inf. Lieut Rockwall was captured as a POW at Winchester, Va 6/15/1863 and confined at Libby Prison. He apparently was exchanged as he is again listed with his regiment later in 1864 and promoted Captain. No record of his being involved in the Libby Prison escape of FEB 1864. He was wounded at Piedmont, Va 6/5/1864 and mustered out 6/27/1865. Libby Prison in Richmond ranks only behind Andersonville on the list of notorious Southern Civil War Prisons. Galen Harrison records 143 covers from this prison which are all very desirable philatelic items. | ||
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| USA #65 Target Cancel and the Old Point Comfort, Va CDS 25 SEP (1863). “By flag of truce” manuscript at the lower left. Inside South-to-North POW cover sent by Lieut Rockwell in Libby Prison and addressed to Mrs. John A. Rockwell, Norwich, Conn, who appears most likely to be his brother’s wife. The original letter remains with the cover and is datelined “Libby Prison Richmond, Va Sept 25th 1863.” Even though the cover is addressed Mrs. John A. Rockwell, this letter is to his brother who has offered to change places with him. Having an original short letter with the cover from Libby Prison is almost unheard of as the letters very rarely remained with the cover. “...I hope some time to get out of here...I am very well considering my situation which...is not the most agreeable.” Interesting letter and an Extremely Fine cover. |
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| Old Point Comfort, Va large single rim CDS 16 MAR (1864) with Union Handstamp "Due 3." “By flag of truce” manuscript at the lower left. Endorsed at the top right “Prisoners Letter, Lt J. P. Rockwell, Richmond, Va.” Inside South-to-North POW cover sent by Lieut Rockwell in Libby Prison and addressed to Mrs. John A. Rockwell, Norwich, Conn, who appears most likely to be his brother’s wife. Extremely Fine cover. CSA Certificate 2001. |
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| USA #65 with a Target Cancel applied at Old Point Comfort, Va (CDS not struck probably representing an error on the part of the postal clerk) on a folded letter complete. South-to-North inside POW cover originating from Libby Prison in Richmond, Va. Addressed to Mrs. Dr. C. T. Simpers, North East Cecil Co, Md. “Via Fortress Monroe” and examiner’s initials “JS” in manuscript. The letter from Dr. Simpers to his wife written on lined notebook paper and datelined “Libby Prison, Richmond, Va Sept 12th 1863” is quite lengthy for a prisoner’s letter but still easy to read. In the letter he asks that his wife send him some clothes and other things and instructs her how to send them as he does not know how long he will be confined. Dr. Simpers was the Surgeon of the Md 6th Inf (Union). Unknown where or when he was captured or when he was released, but he did survive the ordeal as he was known to be alive in 1897. Extremely Fine. |
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| “DUE 3” handstamp with the Old Point Comfort, Va double circle CDS 24 MAR (1864) inside South-to-North POW cover which originated at Libby Prison in Richmond, Va. “Officers Letter Prisoner of War” manuscript at upper left and “per Flag of Truce boat” manuscript at upper right. Addressed to John Diehl Esq Care Mr. Apple, No 2 & 4 Gatzman Street, Philadelphia, Pa. The cover was sent by Capt Jacob Devine 71st Pa Inf who was captured as a POW at Gettysburg and confined at Libby Prison. No release date given, but he was mustered out of service 3/21/1865. Very small but complete cover (letter not present) with a little staining at the lower left but otherwise Very Fine. A second very similar small cover from the same correspondence is pictured on Page 94 of Galen Harrison’s POW book. |
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| USA #65 tied by a Target Cancel with the Sandusky, Ohio (Johnson’s Island) CDS to the left 27 AUG 1864. Cover also has the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 6p 15 SEP (1864) with the handstamp (Due) 10 Dietz Type B. The Richmond postmark also ties the federal stamp. Manuscript “Ex GSB” which is the examiner’s mark of Corp George S. Brown 128th O. V. I. who examined mail 16 MAY 1864 - 28 SEP 1864. Endorsed at left “J. B. Mitchell 34th Ala Inft.” In manuscript at top left “For Flag of Truce Via Fortress Monroe, Va.” Johnson’s Island housed only CSA officers. J. B. Mitchell was the Lieut of Co B 34th Ala Regiment. The 34th Ala Inf was an Army of Tennessee unit. Not sure where or when Lieut Mitchell was captured, but most likely during the Chattanooga or Atlanta Campaign. Very Fine cover. |
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| USA #65 with a Target Cancel and the matching small single rim Point Lookout, MD CDS to the left with a JAN date. Orange paper cover with no prisoner’s endorsement or Flag of Truce notation so the POW sending the cover is not identified. Addressed to Mr. Geo Turner, Goochland CH, Va. Cover bears the large oval “APPROVED” Point Lookout Handstamp Dietz Type I. Cover transitted Richmond where it received the Richmond, Va CDS with a FEB date and Handstamp “Due 10” Dietz Type IV to assess the CSA postage. Light staining at the left not involving the postal markings. Still a very presentable POW cover which traveled through both Union and CSA postal systems. |
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| Handstamp “Due 6” with the Old Point Comfort, Va double circle Union CDS 1 SEP (1863). This is a POW Cover from a Union soldier in prison in Richmond at Libby Prison. “Exd EWR” in manuscript. The cover has no CSA postage so was either handcarried to the transfer point or sent in another outside envelope which was discarded. Since the Federal postage was not prepaid, the cover was assessed a Due 6 to be paid by the addressee on receipt. Cover is actually a one page Folded Letter Complete which is datelined “Libby Prison Richmond, Va Augst 27th 1863” and is from D. S. Caldwell to his wife Mrs. S. J. Caldwell, Poplar PO Crawford Co., Ohio. In the letter, he simply says that he is well and hopes to be exchanged in September. Prisoners in Libby Prison were only allowed to write short one page letters. Capt David S. Caldwell (1820-1889) was commissioned into Co H 123rd Ohio Infantry 8/22/1862. He was captured as a POW at Winchester, Va 6/15/1863. He was not exchanged as he had hoped in his letter, but rather he was one of the officers who escaped Libby Prison through the famous tunnel escape 2/9/1864. He made it safely through Union lines and rejoined his regiment on 3/30/1864. Extremely Fine Libby Prison cover from one of the documented escapees. |
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 | Handstamp “Due 3” with the Old Point Comfort, Va double circle Union CDS 25 DEC (1863) (Christmas Day). This is a POW Cover South to North from a Union soldier in prison in Richmond at Libby Prison. The cover has no CSA postage and no examiner’s mark so very likely was carried privately to the transfer point by an exchanged soldier, or could be an inside cover with the outside envelope discarded at the transfer point. Federal postage was not prepaid but cover only assessed a Due 3. Addressed to Mr. John Diehl, 621 South Front St, Philadelphia, Penna Care Mrs. Fox (note full street address). Endorsed at upper left “Officers Letter Prisoner of War.” The original one page letter remains with the cover datelined “Libby Prison Richmond Dec 13 1863” and identifies the POW as 1st Lt Jacob S. Devine Co C 71st Pa Vol. The letter is a simple one page asking for certains items to be sent to him. Lt Devine (promoted Capt while in prison) was captured as a POW at Gettysburg and confined at Libby Prison. No release date given, but he was mustered out of service 3/21/1865. Very Fine cover and Libby Prison letter. A cover from the same correspondence is pictured on Page 94 of Galen Harrison’s POW book. |
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 | USA #65 Target Cancel with the Point Lookout, Md CDS to the left with a JAN (1864) date. North to South POW Cover from Point Lookout prison to Mr. David Hobson, East Bend Yadkin NC through Richmond, Va. On transitting Richmond, the Richmond, Va CDS was applied Powell Type 5f 1 FEB (1864) along with the Due 10 Handstamp Dietz Type IV to assess the CSA postage. Cover has the large oval “APPROVED” Point Lookout handstamp. Endorsed at upper left “from J. P. Hobson Co A 54th Regt NCT” and manuscript “Via Fortress Monroe Flag of Truce” at lower left. Private John P. Hobson (a 20 year old farmer) enlisted 5/2/1862. He was listed as wounded at Williamsport, Md 6/15/1863 and captured as a POW at Rappahannock Station, Va 11/7/1863 and confined at Point Lookout until exchanged 3/15/1864. He was captured as a POW a second time at Farmville, Va 4/6/1865 near the end of the war and released after taking the Oath of Allegiance 6/26/1865. Cover with just a little light foxing but otherwise Very Fine. |
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 | Extremely interesting North to South POW cover which originated at Camp Chase, Ohio with the circular Camp Chase oval “EXAMINED” handstamp. No Federal postal marks as the cover was carried by a released surgeon through-the-lines to Richmond where it was placed into the CSA postal system with a partial strike of the Richmond, Va CDS with a JAN (1865) date and Due 10 handstamp Dietz Type IV to assess the CSA postage. Orange paper cover addressed to Mrs. R. F. Dennis, White Sul Springs Greenbrier Co., Va. White Sulpher Springs is actually in that part of Virginia that was incorporated into the Union State of West Virginia in 1863. So technically the cover went through the CSA postal system to a Union address. However, Greenbrier County at this time was under CSA control so the CSA postal system was apparently still operating. Endorsed at upper left “W. A. Mulkay Surg 8th Conf Cav” who was the released surgeon who carried the cover. “Dr. Mulkay” is also at lower left in the same hand as the address as the one who carried the cover. Also endorsed at upper right “R. F. Dennis Capt CSA.” who is the one who actually sent the letter to his wife. The original letter from Capt Dennis to his wife is still with the cover. It is the typical one page POW letter and talks about trying to arrange a special exchange. Dr. William A. Mulkey (mispelled on the cover) was a military surgeon on the medical staff of the Army of Tennessee. Robert F. Dennis was an attorney from Greenbrier County who served as a staff officer. No detailed records on these two individuals so circumstances of capture as a POW and ultimate fate not known. Very Fine POW cover and letter with very interesting usage through Richmond to West Virginia. |
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 | USA #65 with a Target Cancel and the matching Sandusky, Ohio CDS to the left with a JUN 1864 date. North to South POW Cover from Johnsons Island to Mobile, Ala via Richmond, Va. On transitting Richmond, the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 5f 30 JUL (1864) and the handstamp DUE 10 Dietz Type IV to assess the CSA postage were applied. The Richmond CDS also ties the Federal stamp. On arrival in Mobile, the Mobile, Ala handstamp “10” Dietz Type C was applied as a receiving mark. Period notation on the reverse indicates that the cover was received 14 AUG 1864. Endorsed at upper left “E. A. Holt Lt 38th Ala Regt Prisoner of War Johnsons Island.” Lt Holt was captured as a POW at Missionary Ridge, Ten 11/25/1863 and confined at Johnsons Island until released in June 1865 after taking the Oath of Allegiance. The Johnsons Island prison held only CSA officers, and the 38th Ala Inf was an Army of Tennessee unit. “Ex DSA” in manuscript at top which are the examining initials of DeAlva S. Alexander 128th Ohio Vols. “Per Flag of Truce Via Fortress Monroe, Va” manuscript at lower left. Very Fine. |
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| Group of four POW Covers (POW93 - POW96) from the correspondence of Capt Thomas F. Jones Company A 16th Battalion Georgia Cavalry. Capt Jones first served as an officer in the 14th Ga Inf but resigned in Oct 1861. He later joined the 16th Ga Cavalry Battalion which was a Partisan Ranger unit formed in the summer of 1862 and operated mainly in East Tennessee and Western Virginia. Capt Jones was captured as a POW at Blountsville, Ten 9/22/1863 and confined at Johnson’s Island until his release 3/22/1865. These four covers (no letters) from the Johnson’s Island prison date from FEB 1864 through JUL 1864 and are all four addressed to his wife, Louisa Y. Jones whom he married in 1860, in Georgia. Johnson’s Island housed only CSA officers. | ||
 | USA #65 tied by a cork cancel with the matching large single rim Sandusky, O(hio) CDS to the left 30 JAN (1864). Orange paper cover addressed to Mrs. Louisa Y. Jones, Cartersville Bartow County, Georgia CSA. Endorsed at upper left “From Capt Thos F. Jones 16th Ga Batt Cavalry.” Manuscript at lower left “For Flag of Truce via Fortress Monroe & City Point, Va.” Manuscript “Ex PAH” of the unidentified Johnson’s Island examiner. On transitting Richmond, the cover received the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 5f 11 FEB (1864) and Handstamp “Due 10” Dietz Type IV to assess the CSA postage. Very minor edge wear but still a Very Fine POW cover. |
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 | USA #65 tied by the Sandusky, O(hio) double ring CDS 23 APR 1864. Orange paper cover addressed to Mrs. Louisa Y. Jones, Cartersville Bartow County, Georgia. Endorsed at upper left “From Capt T. F. Jones 16th Ga Batt Cavalry.” Manuscript at lower left “For Flag of Truce via Fortress Monroe & City Point, Va.” Manuscript “Ex RPH” of the unidentified Johnson’s Island examiner. On transitting Richmond, the cover received the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 6m 13 MAY (1864) which also ties the Federal stamp and Handstamp “Due 10” Dietz Type IV to assess the CSA postage. Backflap missing otherwise Very Fine. |
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 | USA #65 tied by a Target Cancel with the matching Sandusky, O(hio) double ring CDS to the left 2 JUL 1864. Orange paper cover addressed to Mrs. Louisa Y. Jones, Care Dr. R. M. Young, Penfield, Georgia. Endorsed at upper left “From Thos. F. Jones Capt 16th Ga Batt.” Manuscript at lower left “For Flag of Truce.” Manuscript “Ex R” of the unidentified Johnson’s Island examiner. On transitting Richmond, the cover received the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 6m 27 JUL (1864) which also ties the Federal stamp and Handstamp “Due 10” Dietz Type IV to assess the CSA postage. Backflap missing otherwise Very Fine. Ex-Malpass, Ex-Matz. |
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 | USA #65 tied by a Target Cancel with the matching Sandusky, O(hio) double ring CDS to the left 24 JUN 1864. Orange paper cover addressed to Mrs. Louisa Y. Jones, Care Dr. R. M. Young, Penfield, Georgia. Endorsed at upper left “From Thomas. F. Jones Capt Co A 16th Ga Batt Cav.” Manuscript at lower left “For Flag of Truce via Fortress Monroe & City Point, Va.” Manuscript “Ex RPH” of the unidentified Johnson’s Island examiner. On transitting Richmond, the cover received the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 6m 29 JUL (1864) which also ties the Federal stamp and Handstamp “Due 10” Dietz Type IV to assess the CSA postage. Minor backflap opening tears otherwise Very Fine. |
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 | USA #65 tied by a Target Cancel with the Sandusky, O(hio) double ring CDS to the left 2 NOV. North-to-South POW Cover from Johnson’s Island, Ohio to Montevallo, Ala via Richmond, Va. On transitting Richmond, the Richmond, Va CDS (partial strike over the Federal stamp and date not apparent) was applied along with the handstamp Due 10 Dietz Type IV to assess the CSA postage. Orange paper cover addressed to Mrs. Ellen Ready, Montevallo PO Shelby County, Ala. Endorsed at upper left “Moses C. Ready Private 1st KY Battallion & Prisoner of War Johnsons Island” with manuscript “For Flag of Truce via Fortress Monroe” at lower left. Manuscript “Ex TOC” of Pvt Theodore O. Castle 128th Ohio Volunteers and dates the cover to NOV 1864. Johnson Island was a Union prison for CSA officers, but a few privates and enlisted personel were also confined there. Moses C. Ready (1825-1865) enlisted in Co G Butler’s 1st Ky Cav which later became the 3rd Ky Cav. The entire unit was captured during Morgan’s Ohio raid in July 1863 which is most likely when Private Ready was captured. He is listed as having died at the prison (presumably from disease) 2/27/1865 and is buried at Johnsons Island in Grave 198. However, the name on the marker is misspelled as Moses C. Reading. The name on the cover is clearly “Ready.” Cover shows some wear and minor edge faults but is still quite presentable. |
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 | USA #65 tied by a Target Cancel with the Sandusky, O(hio) double ring CDS to the left (1864 date but month not apparent). North-to-South POW Cover from Johnson’s Island, Ohio to Glennville, Ala via Richmond, Va. On transitting Richmond, the Richmond, Va CDS (the postmarks overlap each other) was applied along with the handstamp Due 10 Dietz Type IV to assess the CSA postage. Orange paper cover endorsed at left “Lieut J. B. Mitchell Co B 34th Ala Regt.” Addressed to Mr. Americus C. Mitchell, Glennville Barbour Co., Ala. Manuscript at the top “For Flag of truce boat via Old Point Comfort, Va.” Manuscript “Ex PAH” on the backflap of the unknown Johnson’s Island examiner but dates the cover to MAR 1864. The 34th Ala Inf was an Army of Tennessee unit. Not sure where or when Lieut Mitchell was captured, but had to have been before March 1864. Very clean cover with part of backflap missing and just a little minor edge wear. |
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 | USA #65 tied by a large BLUE Grid Cancel with the matching BLUE Sandusky, O(hio) small double circle CDS to the left 3 NOV (1863). Unusual to see the Sandusky, Ohio marks in blue on a POW cover. North-to-South POW Cover from Johnson’s Island, Ohio to Old Church, Va. Endorsed at left “H. T. Coalter Adjt 53rd Va Va.” Yellow paper cover addressed to Mrs. Dr. Wm P. Brouton, Old Church PO Hanover, Va. Manuscript at lower left “via Flag of Truce Fortress Monroe City Point.” Manuscript “Examined E. O. Mitchell” signature of Lieut Eugene O. Mitchell 128th Ohio Vol. Lieut Henry T. Coalter was captured as a POW at Gettysburg (Pickett’s Charge 7/3/1863 as the 53rd Va Inf was part of Armistead’s Brigade of Pickett’s Division). His confinement included Baltimore, Fort Delaware, and Johnsons Island. In October 1864, he was transferred to Fort Pulaski as one of the “Immortal 600” and was paroled at Charleston 12/15/1864. Minor sealed edge tears at the top, otherwise Very Fine cover associated was a soldier who was captured at Pickett’s Charge and was subsequently a member of the “Immortal 600. |
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 | USA #65 with a cork cancel and a New York City postmark with a MAY date. Cover carried entirely within the USA postal system with a POW address to John S. Reid, Capt Co B 3rd Ga Regt, Johnsons Island near Sandusky, Ohio Care of Lt Col Comdg. Manuscript “Ex H” of the unidentified Johnson’s Island examiner. John S. Reid (1839-1924) entered service as a Lieut in Co B 3rd Ga Inf. He was wounded at Sharpsburg (Antietam) 9/17/1862 but remained with his unit. He was promoted Capt of Co B 7/1/1863 on the first day of Gettysburg. However, he was wounded and captured as a POW the next day at Gettysburg 7/2/1863 and was confined at Johnson’s Island until paroled 3/14/1865. Therefore, this cover most likely from a family member or friend in the North would date in MAY 1864. Minor edge fault at right which does not detract from an otherwise Very Fine appearance. |
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 | USA #65 tied by a Target Cancel with the Sandusky, O(hio) double ring CDS to the left 20 NOV 1864. North-to-South POW Cover from Johnson’s Island, Ohio to Louisburg NC via Richmond, Va. On transitting Richmond, the Richmond, Va CDS Powell Type 6p 13 JAN (1865) was applied which overlaps the Union marks and also ties the Federal stamp along with the handstamp Due 10 Dietz Type IV to assess the CSA postage. Large oval “Prisoner’s Letter Examined” handstamp of Johnson’s Island which is an unusually clear strike. The “CHR” in the handstamp identifies the examiner as Chauncy H. Roberts (Nov 1864 - May 1865). Endorsed at upper left “Joseph J. Davis Capt Co G 47th NCT Pris of War.” Addressed to Master Robt H. Davis Care of Mrs. Joseph J. Davis, Louisburg Franklin County, North Carolina. The form of the address indicates that Capt Davis was wrting to his son. Manuscript “For Flag of Truce” at the top and “Care of Maj Genl Butler Comdg Dprtmt of Va & NC Fortress Monroe Virginia.” Capt Joseph John Davis was captured as a POW at Gettysburg 7/3/1863. The 47th NC Inf as part of Pettigrew’s Brigade of Heth’s Division (the division was commanded by Pettigrew at Pickett’s Charge) was a Pickett’s Charge unit. Capt Davis was confined at Fort Delaware and Johnson’s Island until exchanged 2/25/1865. Very Fine cover associated with a Pickett’s Charge survivor. Ex- Brian Green. |
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 | USA #65 tied by a Target Cancel with the Bennington NY CDS to the left 31 MAY 91865). Addressed to a CSA POW James M. Morey, Comp 27, Prison Camp, Harts Island, New York Harbor NY. Period docketing dates the cover to 1865. Hart’s Island in Long Island Sound was the last prison established by the Union to house CSA prisoners of war and was in operation for only about four months at the end of the war. According to Galen Harrision, only 22 covers are reported from this prison and all are from the Morey Correspondence with most addressed to James Morey by either his mother or by relatives living in New York as is this cover. James M. Morey (1844-1923) enlisted in Co D 32nd Ten Inf 10/15/1862 and attained the rank of Corporal. He was captured as a POW at Orangeburg SC 2/15/1865 and confined at Harts Island until released after the war. A similar cover from the same correspondence is illustrated in Galen Harrison’s book on Civli War POW mail. Cover is clean with a small sealed edge tear at bottom center. Scarce item from an obscure prison. |
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| Contemporary CDV of Libby Prison in Richmond, Va 1864. The CSA second national flag is flying from the top of the prison. The figures at the bottom right are two civilian men with a child between them and a Confederate officer in uniform with what appears to be a slave holding the officer's horse. |
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| Enlargement of the figures showing the Confederate officer with the slave holding the horse. |
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| Incoming Trans-Atlantic Liverpool, England to Augusta, Ga April 1861. Cover is a folded business letter complete datelined in Liverpool 12 APR 1861 (Fort Sumter Day) and addressed to Wm M. D’Aubignac Esqr President of the Augusta Insurance & Brokerage Co., Augusta, Ga. Manuscript “Asia via Queenstown” routing at the upper left. Cover taken unpaid directly to the packet ship “Asia” of the Cunard Line which departed Liverpool 13 APR 1861 arriving in New York 25 APR 1861. Full strike of the N. York Br. Pkt “24” mark applied on arrival 25 APR 1861 indicating 24c due on delivery for the Trans-Atlantic crossing with “19cents” handstamp indicating credit to Britain for the crossing on the British Packet leaving 3c for the inland delivery to Augusta plus 2c penalty for not being prepaid. Cover falls into the USA Used in the CSA period for Georgia. This is also after Lincoln declared the blockade (19 APR 1861) but before the blockade was actually in place and before the US Postal Service ceased delivery to the South. Little edge water staining at top left but otherwise a Very Fine cover. |
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| Two Express Covers from the Howell Cobb Correspondence -- The first cover is addressed to Major General Howell Cobb CSA in Macon, Georgia and originated from his wife in Athens, Geo with “per Express” in manuscript at lower left and “Value $25” in manuscript at upper left. Manuscript “Free” with the express agent’s initials which are not decipherable. No postal markings as cover was a money letter carried entirely by the Southern Express Company. Why these covers were carried free by the Southern Express Company to important individuals is not entirely known. The second cover is addressed to Mrs. Howell Cobb in Macon, Geo. At lower left in manuscript “Per Express” and in manuscript at upper left “Value $20.” At upper right is the manuscript notation from the Southern Express Company “DH” which stood for “Dead Head” indicating that the cover was carried free of charge. This is an unusual designation which has been seen on other express covers about which little is known. I have included a copy of a short article titled “Deadhead Express Cover” by W. Clinton McGee in the Nov-Dec 1975 issue of the Confederate Philatelist. This article gives a little information on these covers, but certainly more research needs to be done in this area. Both covers have the wax seals on the reverse with the second cover having a seal with the Eagle and Anchor imprint of the Navy. The covers are clean and attractive with the first cover missing a backflap and with a minor edge repair at upper right. The second cover has a restored upper right corner which does not affect any of the markings. The covers are not dated but are clearly Confederate as the first cover has the Maj Gen CSA designation and the second cover complements the first. The second cover has a CSA Certificate 1997 which states that it is a genuine express cover but no opinion as to the year of usage. The two covers will only be sold as a pair. | |
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| Free Frank Signature clipped from a cover of R. M. T. Hunter (first CSA Secretary of State). The clip is undated but would be pre-war when Hunter was a US Senator from Virginia. Scarce and elusive signature. | |
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| Letter Only (no cover) datelined “Savannah (Ga) Jan 6th 1871.” The letter is completely in the hand of and signed by Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston. He is writing to his friend and former trusted CSA General R. F. Hoke asking for Gen Hoke’s recollections of the Bentonville Campaign as he is preparing a sketch of the campaign which would be incomplete without Gen Hoke’s input. Very Fine. | |
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| Group of 5 Soldiers Camp Letters (only one cover with the letters which is a faulty Weldon NC Soldiers Due 10 to Jefferson SC) dated between April and June 1864. The letters are from Private C. S. Thompson Co B 26th SC Vols to his parents and contain local war content and details about camp life, poetry, and more. Four of the letters are from Camp near Kinston NC and the last one from Camp near Petersburg, Va when the the unit relocated to Virginia to take part in the Siege of Petersburg. Fine grouping of letters. | |
 | Slave Related Mail -- Blue Paper cover handcarried outside the postal service addressed to Surgeon Tracy, Fair Ground Hospital, Raleigh NC. Notation at lower left “By Jim” in the same hand as the address. This notation is the name of the slave who carried the cover. The addressee was James Wright Tracy who started the war as the Assistant Surgeon for the 37th NC Inf and was later the Surgeon of the 14th NC Inf. The Fair Ground Hospital in Raleigh was a military hospital for North Carolina troops. Cover is undated but the address definitely places it in the Confederate period. Covers that can be identified as being handcarried by slaves in the Confederate period are seen only rarely. Minor backflap opening tears otherwise Very Fine. | |
 | Slave Related Mail -- Cover handcarried outside the postal service with Military Address to Maj J. S. Sims, Packolet Mills SC. Endorsement at the top identifies the sender as Col Robt McBeth and dates the cover as July 16, 1862. Notation at lower left in the same hand as the address “per boy Solomon” identifies the slave who carried the cover. Could not find a Col Robert McBeth associated with the Confederate Army. Most likely this was the planter who owned the slave as the honorary title of “Col” was often given to plantation owners. There is also no Maj J. S. Sims listed as either a field or staff officer in the Confederate Army that I could find. Most likely Major Sims held SC state rank. Covers that can be identified as being handcarried by slaves in the Confederate period are seen only rarely. Minor light foxing and a small old paper clip mark but otherwise Very Fine. | |
 | Wallpaper Cover made from an enameled blue, gray, and white leaf type pattern wallpaper handcarried outside the postal service and not dated but from either late 1864 or early 1865. Addressed to James B. Taylor, Box 130, Richmond, Va. Endorsed at upper left “C. E. Taylor Sig Corps CSA.” Private Charles E. Taylor (1843-1910) had service in three separate units (21st Va Inf, 10th Va Cav, 7th Va Cav) before transferring to the CS Signal Corps 8/8/1864. Private Taylor’s older brother, James B. Taylor Jr (1837-1911) had service briefly in Hamptons SC Cavalry Legion (1861) before becoming Chaplain of the 10th Va Cav in early 1862. Minor edge and corner wear, but otherwise a very clean cover. | |
| Small group of six covers with the original letters from the Miller-Burd Correspondence with Civilian Through-the-Lines Usage. Capt John J. Miller (age 27 in 1861) was an Assistant Surgeon in the Missouri State Guard (Confederate) who was captured and paroled several times in St. Louis but ultimately sent to the Johnson’s Island Prison 7/6/1863. He spent 8 months at Johnson’s Island until transferred to Point Lookout, Maryland for exchange 4/22/1864. After his exchange, he spent the rest of the war in Richmond, Va. Mary E. Burd was his friend in St. Louis. He addresses her as “My Little Friend” in his letters. Judging from the numbering of the letters, this is an extensive correspondence, but I only have six items. All the letters are very well written and in handwriting that is easy to read. | ||
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| USA #65 with Target Cancel and the Point Lookout, Maryland CDS 8 MAY 1864 addressed to Miss Mary E. Burd, St. Louis, Mo Care of Mr. John W. Burd with the original letter “No 31” in the correspondence. This is a POW item but is not through-the-lines as it goes from Union Maryland to Union St. Louis. The letter is datelined “Hammond Gen Hospl Ward No 2 May the 2nd 1864” and was written shortly after Dr. Miller’s transfer but before his exchange. “Ward 2” in pencil on the face of the cover. According to Galen Harrison, there are only seven recorded covers from CSA prisoners at the Hammond General Hospital as these covers can only be identified by the enclosed letter as they were processed with the rest of the Point Lookout mail. The letter is very detailed “...about 40-50 officers have been sent up for exchange...but I was not one of the fortunate ones...very few of our party from Johnson’s Island (154) were among this number...” The letter also gives a detailed first hand physical description of the layout and appearance of the hospital. Excellent and scarce POW item. | |
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| CSA #12 (AD) (4-Margin) tied by a partial strike of the Richmond, Va CDS 4 OCT (1864) and addressed to Dr. John J. Miller, Richmond, Va. Lined through at lower left is manuscript “Care of Capt W. H. Hatch Asst Agent of Exchange.” This letter is from Dr. Miller’s father and is datelined “St. Louis Sept 24th, 1864” and mentions Flag of Truce Mail. Inside cover of a Civilian North-to-South Through-the-Lines usage from St. Louis to Richmond identified by the manuscript notation and the original letter. The letter also asks how Dr. Miller’s artificial leg is doing. So it appears that somewhere along the line, Dr. Miller had a leg amputated, but have no information on when that occurred or under what circumstances. The cover itself is complete and shows only a little edge war. Excellent Civilian Through-the Lines usage. | |
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| USA #65 with a Geometric Grid Cancel and the Old Point Comfort, Va CDS 16 JAN (1865) addressed to Miss Mary E. Burd, St. Louis, Mo Care of Mr. Jno W. Burd. Original letter from Dr. Miller (signed simply “Johnnie”) datelined “Richmond, Va December 3rd, 1864” confirming that this is the inside cover of a Civilian South-to-North Through-the-Lines usage from Richmond to St. Louis. Letter is entirely personal. Note the delay between the date of the letter and the date of transit through Old Point Comfort. At this time, the Flag-of-Truce mail was held for a number of weeks before being released. There are a number of covers with this 16 JAN 1865 date when the mail was finally released. Very Fine. | |
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| USA #65 with a Geometric Grid Cancel and the Old Point Comfort, Va CDS 18 JAN (1865) addressed to Miss Mary E. Burd, St. Louis, Mo Care of Mr. Jno W. Burd. Original letter from Dr. Miller (signed simply “Johnnie”) datelined “Richmond, Va January 1st, 1865” confirming that this is the inside cover of a South-to-North Civilian Through-the-Lines usage from Richmond to St. Louis. Letter is entirely personal but does mention a Flag-of-Truce boat. This cover does have an examiner’s manuscript “Exd E. A. T.” and shows just a little edge wear. | |
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| CSA #12 (KB) (margin touches at left and a bit of gum toning) tied by the Richmond, Va CDS 27 MAR (1865) addressed to Dr. John J. Miller, Richmond, Va. Manuscript “Care of W. H. Hatch Asst Agt of exchange.” The letter is datelined “New Orleans March 10th 1865” and is entirely personal. Inside cover of a Civilian North-to-South Through-the-Lines usage identified by the manuscript notation and the original letter from Union Occupied New Orleans to Richmond. The Burds apparently relocated temporarily to New Orleans in early 1865. Cover shows a little light foxing but is an excellent usage just days before the end of the war. | |
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| USA #65 tied by a negative “X” cancel with the Old Point Comfort, Va CDS 31 MAR (1865) addressed to Miss Mary E. Burd, New Orleans, La Care J. T. Simonds No 10 Canal Street. Manuscript “Ex-m” examiner’s mark in pencil. Original letter from Dr. Miller (signed simply “Johnnie”) datelined “Richmond, Va March 26th, 1865” confirming that this is the inside cover of a Civilian South-to-North Through-the-Lines usage from Richmond to Union Occupied New Orleans. Letter in entirely personal. Cover shows some edge wear but is an excellent usage just days before the end of the war. | |
| Samuel Barron (1802-1888) entered the US Navy as a Midshipman in 1812, promoted Lieutenant in 1827, Commander in 1847, and Captain in 1855. He was appointed Chief of the US Navy Bureau of Detail when the Southern States seceded but had already accepted a commission in the Virginia State Navy which was soon incorporated into the Confederate Navy where he held the rank of Captain before being promoted later to Flag Officer (Commodore). He superintended the coastal defenses of North Carolina and Virginia and was present at the surrender of Forts Clark and Hatteras in August 1861 and was a POW in New York until exchanged in 1862. He then went to England, where he engaged in fitting out blockade runners and privateers and later to France as the ranking CSA Naval Officer in Europe but returning to the USA shortly before the end of the war. After the war, he returned to Virginia and became a farmer. | ||
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| Legal size cover (8 3/4 x 4 inches) with the “Confederate States of America Navy Department” Semi-official Imprint Dietz Type I without “Official Business” at upper right corner addressed to Captain Saml Barron, In Charge of Orders & Details, Richmond, Va. Carried outside the postal service with no postal markings probably by military courier within the Richmond Navy Department. Very clean and presentable cover with some minor sealed tears and edge repairs. |
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| Legal size cover (8 3/4 x 4 inches) with the “Confederate States Navy Department Official Business” Semi-Official Imprint Dietz Type II at upper right corner addressed to Captain Saml Barron CSN, Richmond, Va. Orange paper cover carried outside the postal service with no postal markings probably by military courier within Richmond. Sealed edge tears and an expertly repaired left edge not affecting anything but giving the cover an overall Very Fine appearance. |
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| Legal size cover (8 3/4 x 4 inches) with the “C. S. NAVY DEPARTMENT Office of Ordnance and Hydrography” Semi-Official Imprint at upper right corner with “Official Business” at upper left Dietz Type III and a scarce imprint. Orange paper cover addressed to Com S. Barron C. S. Navy, Spottswood Hotel, Richmond, Va. Carried outside the postal service with no postal markings probably by military courier within Richmond. Sealed edge tears and edge and corner repairs but still an overall very clean and presentable appearance. |
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| Large legal size cover (10 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches) Handstamp PAID 5 with the Wilmington NC CDS with the “PAID 5” within the CDS 27 AUG (1861) Dietz Type V (altered prewar postmark). Manuscript “Official Business Hd Qrs Dept NC.” at upper right and addressed to Commanding Officer (Samuel Barron), Newbern NC. Sealed tears and edge repairs to a very clean appearance. |
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