| AR100 |
Stampless
PAID
cover with the Benton,
Ark., dateless CDS and handstamp PAID 5 Type A (PAID 3 handstamp altered to PAID
5).
This use is listed in the CSA Catalog as "unsupported." This cover
certainly supports the listing. Folded letter written on blue high
quality stationery with a British watermark. Addressed to Capt
Jno
D. Adams, Little Rock, Arks. The letter dateline is "Benton April 10th 1862."
When folded, the cover has a very clean appearance with one vertical
file fold. The unfolded letter has some internal fold splits reinforced
with archival tape and a ragged tear along the right edge which is not
seen when the letter is folded. Ex-Hendershott, Ex-Penguin Collection.
The
letter is signed Mrs. M. B. Bingham and mentions having a letter from
her husband through Lieut Sweeten. In researching the names,
the
only Lieut Sweeten listed from Arkansas was Lieut Samuel M. Sweeten
(1826-1895) of Co E 1st
Ark Inf (also from Benton, Ark). 1st Lieut John A. P.
Bingham (1829-1892) was the AQM (Assistant Quartermaster) of the 1st Ark Inf.
Mariah B. Bingham, the writer of the letter, was Lieut Bingham's wife.
Capt John D. Adams, the addressee, of Little Rock was actually a
prominent Steamboat Captain and owner of a steamboat line, a planter,
and a merchant. A veteran of the Mexican War, he later obtained a
commission as a Major in the CSA Quartermaster Corps. The letter is
difficult to read and understand, but Mrs. Bingham appears to be
writing to Capt Adams asking for assistance in locating some articles
that were supposedly sent to her that she did not receive by a Mr.
James Tucker (unidentifed) who is known to Capt Adams. No war
news
in the letter except for a PS "Should you hear who are among the killed
& wounded before I can hear it here, will you be kind enough to
inform me immediately..." The letter would certainly benefit
from
a detailed transcript and further research. |
$650.00 |
JLKCSA@aol.com
-- Confederate Order
Form --