FL267

This is not a Welaka cover but is still a cover from the Bryant-Stephens Correspondence. Stampless Soldiers DUE cover with the Lake City, Fla 8 APR CDS (serif letters) (1862) and handstamp DUE 10 Type F. From the Bryant-Stephens Correspondence addressed to Mr. D. H. Bryant, Lake City, Fla Care of Maj Routh Lake City, Fla (Quartermaster Officer). Endorsed at top left "From Lt Stephens Co B 2nd Fla Cavalry." By definition, this appears to be an over-rated drop letter as the postmark and the address are the same. However, this cover is illustrated on Page 123 of Deane Briggs' book on Florida Civil War Postal History and explained by Dr. Briggs as written by a soldier in the field (Lieut Stephens) and carried into Lake City by a mail courier (military or otherwise) as a way cover where the full postage unpaid rate was assessed with the Due 10 handstamp. The Lake City serif postmark is recorded by Dr. Briggs as occurring on only three covers. This is one of the recorded covers. Minor edge and corner wear. Very clean appearing cover. Winston J. T. Stephens (1829-1864) was commissioned 1st Lieut 10/19/1861 in Co B 2nd Fla Cav and promoted Capt 4/19/1862. He is listed as Killed-in-Action at the Skirmish at Cedar Creek  (Jacksonville, Fla) 3/1/1864 not long after the Battle of Olustee 2/20/1864. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Welaka. Octavia L. (Bryant) Stephens (known as "Tivie") (1841-1908) married Winston Stephens in 1859. She apparently did not remarry and is also buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Welaka. Davis H. Bryant (1839-1914), an accountant by profession, enlisted as a private in Co K 2nd Fla Cav 5/16/1862. He was promoted Sergt in 1863 but soon reduced to the ranks (reason unknown). He also spent time on detached duty for the Quartermaster's Department and served throughout the rest of the war. He took the Oath of Allegiance on 5/20/1865 in Waldo, Florida. After the war, he relocated to New York City where he was successful in business. Upon retirement in his later years, he returned to Florida making his home in Orlando where he is buried. Winston Stephens and Davis Bryant were brothers-in-law as Capt Stephens was married to Davis Bryant's sister. Since Winston Stephens endorsed this cover as "Lt" that would date this cover to 8 APR 1862 since he was not promoted Captain until 11 days later. That would also indicate that the cover was overweight since it was assessed 10c instead of 5c. Unusual postal use.

$400.00

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