When you think you have seen everything, some new item surfaces that can surprise even the most jaded observer. The envelope in Figure 1 came from the large holdings of Gordon Bleuler. It is an entirely new patriotic design obviously printed by very primitive means with the red stripes overlapping the blue field of stars. It may have been printed upside down. The eighth star in the Confederate flag was for Virginia. This overall design with both Davis' and Stephens' names emphasizes that eighth star by making it enlarged and bearing the state's abbreviation.

Figure 1 -- Unused Confederate patriotic envelope with overall design of flag with stripes printed upside down so white area shows where the blue field should appear. The design is very unusual with seven stars in a circle and a large eighth star in the center for Virginia's joining the Confederacy.

In the national election of l860, Virginia returned a majority of unionist electors as against the secession candidates, Breckinridge and Lane. A convention called by the governor on February 13, 1861, consisted of many unionists, but this convention passed an ordinance of secession on April 17, 1861 when the federal government (after the action at Fort Sumter) called for armed men to suppress insurrection in the lower southern states. The date of Virginia entering the Confederacy is May 7, 1861. The Convention called out 10,000 troops and appointed Col. Robert E. Lee of the U.S. Army as commander-in-chief.

Several letters from a correspondence in my collection illustrate examples of both types of Confederate usages. Theearlier is a letter from Charlotteville, Virginia, Apri1 25, 1861:

"My dear Father ...our company reached here on last night from H. Ferry and will remain some days for the purpose of making better arrangements for the campaign. Our company procured the best arms in use. Got them at the Ferry they are the Minnie Musket and are decidely the prettiest and best gun I ever saw. We will be ordered in a few days I think to Richmond or Alexandria. Our batallion composed of two companies of the University and two of this place, is under the command of Maj. Carr of the army a noble man and an experienced officer. I should like very much to see you if I possibly could but do not know that I will be able to do so. I sacrifice everything in defence of my state. I expect to close doors if I can get no one to take charge of my business ... Farewell, may God in his mercy protect and defend you from all harm is the prayer of your devoted son. I went down to see sister before I left, and told her that should I fall in the coming strife, what little I have in the world I left to her, and should Bra Jno be killed and I spared, the balance of my days should be devoted to her and her little ones. They will never suffer if I can prevent it. ... H.F.Dade"

The cover for this letter is shown in Figure 2 and bears a 3-cent 1857 stamp canceled by blue target with matching blue "CHARLOTTEVILLE VA APR 26 1861." This is during the period of independent state usage in Virginia.

Figure 2 -- Three-cent 1857 with blue target and blue "CHARLOTTESVILLE VA APR 26 1861" with use during period that Virginia was an independent state.

A second letter from the same individual is excerpted:

"Charlotteville May 5, 1861
My Dear Father ...I herd through sister that you had received a commission in a Troop. I hope you have a good company and are well mounted and armed for we have work to perform that will try the mettle of which we are formed. It is now no childs play but war cruel, bloody revengeful war, but God is upon our side and he will shield the brave. My company is well armed with Minnie guns and colts five shooters (that most o fthe men have the Pistol some few exceptions). The Minnie are Trophies of Hs Ferry and in the hands of most of our men are very effective weapons .... H.E Dade"

This cover shown in Figure 3 bears the stamp tied by the blue target with the postmark "CHARLOTTESVILLE VA MAY 7 1861," which is the first day of the postmark as Confederate usage.

Figure 3 -- A second cover from the same correspondence shows the same postmarks used on May 7, 1861, the date that Virginia joined the Confederate States.

Editor's NOTE: The editors of the forthcoming edition of the Confederate States Catalog and Handbook have set forth a policy precluding the listing of unused patriotic designs as they do not fall into the realm of postal history. Patriotic designs played an integral part in the politics of the era and are worthwhile collectibles whether postally used or not. However, only postally used illustrated envelopes are to be listed. The editors request the help of readers in locating a used example of this design. This is likely a propaganda piece produced to promote the secession of Virginia ahead of the April 17, 1861 date of secession.

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