Soldier's Due cover, no rate, on tiny homemade cover to "Mrs. Dore S. Clark, Attalaville, Attala County, Miss." with soldier endorsement from "Parsons (?) Regt, Finegan's (?) Brig Cav(alry), didn't spend time on the soldier history - worth research, Very Fine

Manuscript "Due 10" on soldier's cover and with a manuscript "Augusta, Georgia" town marking as part of the endorsement "Lt. J. L. Heath, Comp D 23 Ga Baty" on envelope made from an extremely high rag brown butcher paper sent to "Mrs. Isaac. P. Heath, Girard P. Office, Burke County, Ga.". The "Augusta, Ga" and "Due" notations are something the soldier probably added against regulations. Most interesting. Ex-Sam Zimmerman [GA]

RICHMOND / Va. / MAY / 25 / 1862 cds with soldier's DUE 10 on cover endorsed by " ?? Danham, Jeff Davis Legion, Co. ?" to Mrs. H. M. Dunham, Riceboro, Ga." where it was forwarded with handstamped PAID 5 (value in ms), type I, to "Johnstons Station Gulf Rail Road Ga.", bit reduced at left and some file folds which make the light ink hard to translate. This is from Sgt. Thomas Dunham to his sister. Thomas enlisted in the 6th Va. Cav, was wounded in the head at Burk's Station, transferred to the Jeff Davis Cav Legion, Co. F. He survived the war and info can be found on the Dunham genealogy site. A scarce and very nice forwarded use.

RICHMOND / Va / JUL / 16 / 1862 cds with straightline soldier’s DUE 10 on homemade cover to “Dr. G. N. Flowers, Cross Keys, DeKalb Co., Georgia” with soldier docketing of “A.P. Flowers in Wrights Legion”. Asbury P. Flowers enlisted on 2-6-62 as a musician into the band of the 38th Georgia Infantry. He died on 1-20-63 at Staunton, Virginia. Military bio included. 

“Nelys Ford” (Va) March 20 [1863] on homemade cover addressed to “Mr. James E. Hagood, Pickens Corthouse (sic) South Carolina” with docketing of “H. Haynes Co F 1 Ridgment Cavelry S.C.V.” Letter headed Nelson County, Rockfish Valley Virginia asking him to“direct yore letter to nellis ford Rockfish Valley Nelson County in the cear of capten sharp” and is signed Harrison Haynes who is listed in the military  records as a blacksmith with the named regiment. Nelys Ford (population 55) is listed with a manuscript cancel in VPHS Catalog from April 1863-2 Feb 1864. That would make this the earliest known use. Scarce. $250.

CHARLESTON / S.C. / JUL / 10 cds with [due] 10 from “W. (O.) Satterfield. Co. H. P(almetto) G(u)a(rds) Regt” This was Whites Battalion. Co. H (Palmetto Brigade); he was also in Co. “K” of the 26th SC Infantry. Addressed to “Mrs. Henrietta Wilson, Greenville, So. Ca.” 

STAUNTON / VA. blurry cds with [due] 10 said by previous owner to be struck over “5”, but not sure I buy that – leave it to you to decide, addressed to “Pt H. W. V. Z F. Weaver (sheer guess, hard to make out) Charleston PO S.C.” Maj Whits Battalion of Arti Co H in ceare of Capt Holts Cav (?)” with soldier docketing of “J. W. Waters 2 S.C. Cav. Co. E”. , side flap missing, ex-Tobias. John  W. Waters was a private in the 2nd SC Cavalry in Hampton’s Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia; the 2nd SC later came under the Dept. of SC, GA, and FL and later still the Dept of NC and then the Army of Tenn. Military records enclosed. Ex Tobias.

Charleston, S.C. soldier’s due 10 endorsed by “W.O. Satterfield, Whites Bat. Co. H” (Palmetto Company). He was also in Co. “K” of the 26th SC Infantry. Addressed to Sallie Satterfield, Greenville, So.Ca. on homemade cover. 

[Due] 10 handstamped on cover to “Miss Carrie A. Raines, Milledgeville, Georgia” with penciled “Politeness Mr. James”. No solider’s endorsement but likely so. Milledgeville is in Baldwin County and John M. Raines enlisted there in the 45th Georgia Infantry. He was listed as a POW captured at Petersburg and released from Point Lookout in June 1865. He is the only Raines specifically listed from Baldwin County. 

PETERSBURG Va. MAR 7 blue cds with matching [due] 10 on adversity cover fashioned from a Danville Bank check form, addressed to “Miss Carolina Cleveland, Lawrenceville, Georgia” and soldier endorsed by “V Cleveland, Hampton Legion”.  Vannoy Cleveland is shown as serving in Company F of SC Hampton Legion Infantry. Large bio included on the prominent families of Vannoy and Cleveland. Family tradition says the Vannoy family was related to the family of Oliver Cromwell. As for the Clevelands, President Grover Cleveland presented a bible to Caroline Yates, grandchild of Nathaniel Vannoy, as a memento of family relation. They were prominent families in the Greenville, SC area.  Wonderful adversity cover with a great family history. 

Soldier’s DUE 10, no town postmark, docketed “From Capt. J. C. Winsmith, Co ‘H’ 1st S.C.V.” to “Dr. J. Winsmith, Glenn Springs P.O., Spartanburg Dist, So. Ca.” on blue commercially made envelope. Capt. Winsmith was wounded at Sharpsburg 9-16-62 and again at Fort Harrison in 1864, but did survive the war and continued his career as a lawyer. He was appointed to brigadier general of state militia in South Carolina in 1865 and served for one year.

“Tilton (Ga) Jan 14 Due” all in manuscript on homemade soldier’s cover to “Mrs . G. W. Williford, Gibson P.O. Glascock County Georgia” endorsed from “J.B.C. Co H 2nd Regt Ga Vols”, only such marking  recorded, flap tears. 

COLUMBIA / S.C. / OCT / 23 blue cds with matching large handstamped (due) 10 on clean homemade cover to “Mrs. W.H. Felker, Cross Anchor, S.C.” with soldier’s endorsement “from private W.H. Felker 18 Regt So Cav”. Wiley H. Felker was a private in Co E of the 18th SC Infantry.

SUMTER / S.C. / DEC / 10 with matching 10 in circle and red crayon “Due”; endorsed by “J.A. Crawford Sergt Major 2nd S.C.Regt.” to “Mrs. Danl Crawford, Columbia, So.Ca.”; top back flap missing

Captain Daniel H. Crawford, A.Q.M. (Assistant Quarter Master) was the father of Sergeant Major John A. Crawford. They corresponded primarily with Mrs. Daniel Crawford and Miss Kathrine Crawford (sister or wife). Capt. Daniel H. Crawford's covers are addressed as him having served in McLaw's Division in 1863, and later Longstreet's Division. He also was in the 15th Regiment of the S.C.V. and in the Signal Corps, which has been verified on an online Confederate roster. John Crawford was in Kershaw's Brigade, McLaws Division in the 2nd Regiment of the S.C.V. $110.

DUE 10 with matching indistinct cds on cover to “Mrs. Daniel Crawford, Columbia, S.C.”; also red crayon “Due”, great endorsement of “D.H. Crawford Signal Corps Longstreets Army Corps”, Very Fine $200.

Captain Daniel H. Crawford, A.Q.M. (Assistant Quarter Master) was the father of Sergeant Major John A. Crawford. They corresponded primarily with Mrs. Daniel Crawford and Miss Kathrine Crawford (sister or wife). Capt. Daniel H. Crawford's covers are addressed as him having served in McLaw's Division in 1863, and later Longstreet's Division. He also was in the 15th Regiment of the S.C.V. and in the Signal Corps, which has been verified on an online Confederate roster. John Crawford was in Kershaw's Brigade, McLaws Division in the 2nd Regiment of the S.C.V.

CHARLESTON / S.C. / JUL / 19 /1863 dc with large red crayon “Due” and handstamped “10” to “Mrs. Danl Crawford, Columbia, So.Ca.”; endorsed by “A Crawford S.C.V.”, another member of the Crawford family. $120.

Captain Daniel H. Crawford, A.Q.M. (Assistant Quarter Master) was the father of Sergeant Major John A. Crawford. They corresponded primarily with Mrs. Daniel Crawford and Miss Kathrine Crawford (sister or wife). Capt. Daniel H. Crawford's covers are addressed as him having served in McLaw's Division in 1863, and later Longstreet's Division. He also was in the 15th Regiment of the S.C.V. and in the Signal Corps, which has been verified on an online Confederate roster. John Crawford was in Kershaw's Brigade, McLaws Division in the 2nd Regiment of the S.C.V.

WINCHESTER / Va. / OCT / 12 cds with blue crayon “Due” and handstamped “Due 10” on clean homemade cover to “Miss Kate Crawford, Colmubia, S.C.” and endorsed by “J.A. Crawford Sergt Major 2nd Regt. S.C.V.”, Very Fine  $150.

Captain Daniel H. Crawford, A.Q.M. (Assistant Quarter Master) was the father of Sergeant Major John A. Crawford. They corresponded primarily with Mrs. Daniel Crawford and Miss Kathrine Crawford (sister or wife). Capt. Daniel H. Crawford's covers are addressed as him having served in McLaw's Division in 1863, and later Longstreet's Division. He also was in the 15th Regiment of the S.C.V. and in the Signal Corps, which has been verified on an online Confederate roster. John Crawford was in Kershaw's Brigade, McLaws Division in the 2nd Regiment of the S.C.V.

“F Hall due 10 Aug 28 [1861]” manuscript cancel of FREDERICKSHALL, Va. – also red crayon “Due”, addressed on homemade cover to “Mrs. Danl Crawford, Columbia, So.Ca.”;  endorsed by “J.A. Crawford Sergt Major 2nd Regt. S.C.V.”, Very Fine. $200.

Captain Daniel H. Crawford, A.Q.M. (Assistant Quarter Master) was the father of Sergeant Major John A. Crawford. They corresponded primarily with Mrs. Daniel Crawford and Miss Kathrine Crawford (sister or wife). Capt. Daniel H. Crawford's covers are addressed as him having served in McLaw's Division in 1863, and later Longstreet's Division. He also was in the 15th Regiment of the S.C.V. and in the Signal Corps, which has been verified on an online Confederate roster. John Crawford was in Kershaw's Brigade, McLaws Division in the 2nd Regiment of the S.C.V.

* SAVANNAH * / Geo. / JAN / 1 and (due) 10 soldier’s cover with mandated docketing of “E Verdery, Co A O. A.”, military record included. Eugene F. Verdery enlisted 3-6-63 as a private in Co A Ga 63rd Infantry and was detailed to Augusta Ga Provost Marshal’s Office, hospitialized in Macon, Augusta and Savannah. Wounded in the head 7-20-64 at Peach Tree Creek, Ga., but lived until 1921 in Augusta.   $100.

CHARLESTON / S. C. / JAN 12 cds and large soldier’s (due) 10 on homemade cover addressed in peacock blue ink and endorsed by “W.O. Satterfield, Whites Bat. Co. H” (Palmetto Company). He was also in Co. “K” of the 26th SC Infantry  $125.

CHARLESTON / S. C. / JUN / 18 (1862) with “Due” in red crayon and “5” handstamp on cover to “Mr. Thomas J. Gibson, Columbia, So. Ca.” endorsed by “F.A.G. from Company “a” 15Regt SCV”. Franklin A. Gibson enlisted as a corporal in that regiment. No other information noted in military records. Very Fine $150.

CHARLESTON / S. C./ MAR / 19 / 1863, double circle postmark on soldier's cover with large (Due) "10" handstamp with soldier's endorsement, Very Fine. $125.

(Army of Northern Virginia) (due) "10" in double circle field rate postmark (Dietz type B) on homemade cover to Clinton, S.C.; with "H. Tucker, Hamton Legion, Co K." soldier’s endorsement at left, Very Fine. Henry Tucker was a private in Co K of SC Hampton Legion Infantry. $190.

COLUMBUS / KY cds with undiscernable date on cover to Mifflin Tenn., manuscript "Due 5" and in the same hand "I Paid 5 Cents postage M.S.E.", soldier's endorsement “From a volunteer in Co. I 13 Regt. Tennessee Vol.”, reduced at right with bottom right and left corners clipped and repaired. Rare and unusual, Ex-Schwartz. $700.

(Due) 10 soldier’s letter with undated Bristol V. & T. R. R. (Virginia and Tennessee Railroad), cds on clean cover with manuscript "Soldiers Letter", but does not have the proper detailed endorsement required by postal regulations; manuscript at the lower left, "Kindness of Mr J. B. Farley" (crossed out), indicates that the cover was likely initially to be hand carried, but was instead posted by mail; fancy blind embossed advertising corner card "Boynton & Boyton Atty's at Law, Cahawba, Ala."; Very Fine. A most unusual triple threat of an advertising cover used for a Soldier's Letter with a railroad postmark. Soldier is likely Daniel B. Edwards of Co A 44th Alabama Infantry who enlisted a lieutenant, later promoted captain, captured at Suffolk, Va in 1863 but paroled and surrendered at Appomattox with Army of Northern Virginia. A total charmer. Soldier bio accompanies. $1,500.

GRIFFIN / GA. / SEP / 9 with handstamped (due) 10 in circle on clean homemade cover addressed to Mrs. Emma Moore, Raymond, Geo. Endosed “From Wm. G. Moore 3rd Miss. Battalion”, $250.

Soldier’s DUE 10 curved handstamped on homemade cover endorsed “Private J. W. Barrow, Scogins Battery, Army of Tenn.” to “AM. Barrow, Griffin,Ga.”, John W. Barrow was in the Griffin Light Artillery, Ex-Crouch.  $140.

[Due] 10 Army of Northern Virginia in circle in red to “Mrs. W(iley). H. Felker, Hebron PO, Spartanburg Dist, So Ca”, endorsed “A Soldier’s letter, Co E 18 Regt S.C.V.”. This handstamp struck in red at Petersburg, Virginia from September to December 1864. The 4th Corp ANV was Wallace’s Brigade, Johnson’s Division and Felker was a private; signed Brian Green, Ex-Walske. $250.

VICKSBURG / MISS double circle cancel and curved double-line DUE 10 on homemade cover addressed to “Mrs. Wm. A. Chunn, Manassas Barton Co Georgia” with soldier’s endorsement “From W. A. Chunn 40th Reg Ga Vol.” Military records accompany which show that Chunn enlisted as a Jr. 2nd Lieut into Co I Ga 1st Brigade State Troops and then transferred to the 40th Ga. April 27, 1862. He surrendered April 26, 1865 in Greensboro, NC. Signed Brian Green, ex-Walske. $200.

Soldier’s DUE 10 with indistinct NEW MARKET / VA // NOV town cancel on cover to “Thomas W[ebber]. Dewey, Esq,, Charlotte, No. Caro.” endorsed “Drury Lacy, Jr., Adjt 43rd N. C. T.” Dewey was Lacy’s brother-in-law, married to his older sister, Bessie Lacy Dewey. Lacy military records accompany – enlisted as private, rose to 1st Lieut. Drury Lacy, Sr. was president of Davidson College and served as chaplain during the war. Part of the Army of Northern Virginia, the 43rd NC fought in the Seven Days' Battles and saw action at Goldsboro, Gettysburg, Plymouth, Drewry's Bluff, and Cold Harbor. The regiment was then involved in Early's Shenandoah Valley operations and the Appomattox Campaign. It lost 26% of the 572 engaged at Gettysburg and surrendered 9 officers and 164 men at Appomattox.  $150.

“due 10” in pencil with encircled “10” handstamp on neat green, white, blue and burgundy wallpaper cover endorsed by “Edward McCrady, Junr, Lieut Colonel 1st S.C.V.” to his father in Manchester, S.C.; Very Fine. McCrady was a Major promoted to Lt. Col. with the SC 1st Infantry with action that spanned dozens of top battles from Fort Sumter April 12, 1861 to Five Forks 1 April 1865 – it reads like a list of the most important battles of the war. He was wounded at 2nd Manassas and disabled in 1863. He headed Co K from Charleston, the Meagher Guards. Some sources cite him as commanding the Irish Volunteers at a later date.  $1,000.

BOWLING GREEN K.Y. / JAN / 5 blue cds on cover to “Mr. Haller Nutt, Natchez, Miss.” with black [Memphis] DUE 10 and manuscript “due 10”, endorsed “T.A. Williams, Tensas Cavalry, Wirt Adams Regiment”, small stain at left. This famous regiment, originally called First Mississippi Cavalry, was organized by William Wirt Adams, of Jackson, Mississippi. He had been Adjutant of Burleson's Regiment in Texas in 1839, commissioner to Louisiana in January, 1861, and had declined the Postmaster-Generalship in President Davis' cabinet. Col. Wirt Adams was promoted Brigadier-General September 25, 1863. There is much excellent information on Adams and his roving unit online. Scarce Kentucky use with a ghost impression of the Bowling Green cancel on the back. $1,100.

WINCHESTER / Va. / OCT / 20 cds with neat matching DUE 10 on cover endorsed “W. B. Gregory Surgeon 2d Regt Ga. Vols.” Addressed to “Miss Julia H. Gregory, Lynchburg, Va.” The cover is addressed to his sister. A fascinating brother/sister duo whose story will be the subject on one of my columns in the American Stamp Dealer & Collector. $400.

William Bartleman Gregory served in Field & Staff with both the 2nd GA Infantry and the 12th AL Infantry and by the end of the war he was Acting Chief Surgeon Gen. Charles W. Field’s Division, 1st Army of Northern Virginia. Gregory received his M.D. in Edinburgh, Scotland (family name originally MacGregor. Included is a very detailed unpublished military record courtesy of F.T. Hambrecht.).

Julia Gregory Chapman had an active role in the War effort; she helped sew the first Confederate battle flag with her friends Constance and Hetty Cary and, later in the war, she and her sister Isobel smuggled mail across the Cowpasture River.

SHELBYVILLE / Te / APR / 14 [1862] cds with matching DUE [5] endorsed from J.C. Scales Co G 51st Ala Regt P[artisan] R[angers] on homemade cover addressed to “Mrs. Sarah Scales, Tuscalloosa, Ala.” Scales was taken prisoner, date and place not stated, but he is buried in Indianapolis at Crown Hill National Cemertery, so likely he was sent to and died at Camp Morton as a POW where many prisoners died and were buried in mass graves there. The 51st (from Tuscaloosa) was placed under Gen'l Nathan Bedford Forrest, then under Wheeler and Morgan. This Army of Tennessee unit was active in the conflicts at Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, Chickamauga, Maryville, Knoxville, Decatur, and Jonesboro. It was at the fight at Shelbyville where half of the regiment were either killed or captured and where Scales likely met his fate. Original soldier’s letter to his mother enclosed which directs her to send mail to Shelbyville care of Capt S. T. Palmer Co G, 51st Alabama Partisan Rangers. $450.

CHARLESTON / S.C. / NOV / 7 186[4] cds with matching [due] 10 on adversity cover made from filled out form with mandated endorsement up left side “Soldiers Letter Private P[eter] Redmond Co. B L[ucas] B[attalion] Art[illery]” and addressed to his wife, Mrs. P. W. Redmond, Blackville, S.C. It is a long heart wrenching letter on back and front side of one very long sheet (it won’t all fit on my scanner bed - this is about 3/4 of one side) headed “Wensday November the 2nd 1864 Johns Island Battery Trenholm Charleston, S.C.” and subsequent two days, telling her how miserable he is, how cold and how hungry but he makes do.

The 15th Lucas Battalion, Heavy Artillery was organized as infantry with two companies on June 6, 1861. It was mustered into service on James Island in July 1861 and converted to heavily artillery. It was engaged in the capture of the U.S.S. Isaac Smith, the battles of Charleston Harbor and the Carolinas Campaign. The Battalion was commanded by Maj. James J. Lucas. $550.

Click on thumbnails at left individually to enlarge.

Texas cds partially struck off cover with manuscript “due 10” on cover addressed to his sister. Miss Mollie A. Nicholson, Bastrop, Texas with mandated endorsement of [Private] William Nicholson, Terry’s Texas Rangers, Wharton’s Division, Harrisons Brigade 8th Texas Cavalry. See  http://www.terrystexasrangers.org The illustrious Rangers distinguished themselves throughout the war by their skill and willingness to fight. Because of their abilities, and the arms they carried, they were regarded as a "charging regiment," frequently called upon to act as a form of shock troops. Cover a bit roughly opened at left, pencil docketed July 28, 1863. Wonderful piece of postal history. $450.

William Nicholson was born at Staten Island, NY around 1840. Resided at Bastrop, Bastrop County, TX in 1860 with relatives; occupied as a clerk. Mustered into Company D at Houston, TX on September 7, 1861. Suffered slight forehead wound near Mossy Creek, TN on December 29, 1863. Present in February 1864. Killed near Rome, GA on October 13, 1864. Buried near Coosaville, GA. Source: http://www.terrystexasrangers.org/biographical_notes/n/nicholson_w.htm which has transcripts of numerous wartime letters with simply awesome historic military content. 1860 census shows Mollie (Mary) as 17 years old.

SHELBYVILLE / TEN. / JAN / 26 cds with manuscript Due 10 on cover addressed to his sister. Miss Ruth Nicholson, Bastrop, Texas with mandated endorsement of [Private] Wm Nicholson, Terry’s Reg. Texas Rangers. See  http://www.terrystexasrangers.org The illustrious Rangers distinguished themselves throughout the war by their skill and willingness to fight. Because of their abilities, and the arms they carried, they were regarded as a "charging regiment," frequently called upon to act as a form of shock troops. Cover a bit roughly opened at left. Wonderful piece of postal history. $400.

William Nicholson was born at Staten Island, NY around 1840. Resided at Bastrop, Bastrop County, TX in 1860 with relatives; occupied as a clerk. Mustered into Company D at Houston, TX on September 7, 1861. Suffered slight forehead wound near Mossy Creek, TN on December 29, 1863. Present in February 1864. Killed near Rome, GA on October 13, 1864. Buried near Coosaville, GA. Source: http://www.terrystexasrangers.org/biographical_notes/n/nicholson_w.htm which has transcripts of numerous wartime letters with simply awesome historic military content. 1860 census shows Ruth as 12 years old.

Army of Northern Virginia field marking: manuscript Due / 10,  on cover to his father Rev J[ohn]. S. Martin, Lexington, Va with pencil note of May 7, 1863 on verso (likely when contents removed by heir) and endorsement of T. R. Martin. Co F 10th Va Cav, Fine $120.

Thomas R. Martin enlisted as a private 4-17-61 at North Garden, Va. and rose through the ranks to 3rd Sergt. He was wounded 4-1-65 at Five Forks, Va. Early in the war he appears to have been in the 2st Va. Cavalry and subsequently the 10th Va. Cavalry. Military records included.

Army of Northern Virginia field marking: manuscript blue crayon Due / 10, on cover to his mother Mrs. Susan P. Martin, Lexington, Va with pencil note of “Sept 22, 1861, between Char[l]estown White Sulphur Spgs” on verso (likely when contents removed by heir) and endorsement of T. R. Martin, Capt Timberlake, Company F 1st regiment Cavalry, small reduction at left, Fine $130.

Thomas R. Martin enlisted as a private 4-17-61 at North Garden, Va. and rose through the ranks to 3rd Sergt. He was wounded 4-1-65 at Five Forks, Va. Early in the war he appears to have been in the 2st Va. Cavalry and subsequently the 10th Va. Cavalry. Military records included.

CHARLESTON / S.C. / JUN / 25 cds with ms pencil “Due” an bold large “10” on cover to Capt. D. H. Hamilton, Columbia, So. Ca. from another soldier endorsed “Soldiers Letter JMH MA” (Marian Artillery). $150.

Daniel Hayward Hamilton, Sr. commanded the First South Carolina and had two sons in service with him - D. H. Hamilton, Jr. and James Hamilton. James Hamilton, was a cadet at West Point in 1860-61, but resigned and enlisted in the South Carolina troops; was present at the reduction of Fort Sumter, and afterward served on the staff of Gen. Richard Taylor and John B. Hood, until near the close of the war, when he became chief of artillery of Gen. Joseph Wheeler's corps. D.H. Hamilton’s father was also named James Hamilton and was governor of South Carolina during the administration of President Andrew Jackson.

RICHMOND / Va. / APR / 22 / 1862 beautifully struck cancel on pristine cover with manuscript pencil “Due 2” drop rate to Mrs. Duncan G. Campbell, Richmond endorsed “D.G. Campbell, Lt Eng[ineer] Corps CSA” to his wife – dropped at the Richmond PO just as McClellan was beginning his peninsular campaing. Slightly reduced at right, Superb use with great provenance of ex Myerson and Wiseman. Duncan Green Campbell (1835-1889) was an engineering officer on the staff of several Generals during the war including Smith, Kershaw, McLaws, and Beauregard. Choice use! $600.

GORDONSVILLE / Va. / OCT / 13 superb cds with matching type II DUE 10 in arc on clean cover to Mr. Wm H Read, Palmers Springs, Va endorsed “From Private R. C. Mabry, Camp K, 6th Va. Regt,”slightly reduced at right. In early October 1862, the Army of Northern Virginia left the Shenandoah Valley and moved toward the Fredericksburg area. Mail from the scattered moving units was carried by couriers to Gordonsville daily. $230.

Robert C. Wabry enlisted as a private, was wounded at 2nd Manassas 8-30-62, later taken prisoner 3-28-65 at Burgess’ Mill, Va and ultimately exchanged well after the war 10-27-65. Military records included.

CULPEPER C.H. / Va. / 11 / AUG [1862] with matching type I DUE 10 in arc on clean cover to Mrs. J. Tutwiler, Havana, Greene County, Alabama endorsed by “Sgt. H.A. Tutwiler, Signal Corp. Gen. W. E. Jones Cav[alry] Brig[ade], A[rmy of] N[orthern] V[irginia]”. Military records show no more than on the cover, but Signal Corps covers are scarce and coveted. $250.

PETERSBURG / Va. / JUL / 17 blue cds with matching [due] 10, type C, on yellow cover to Mrs. J. H. David, Wallstreet, Georgia endorsed “A Soldiers letter” but no name, rank or unit as required, although likely Army of Northern Virginia. It made it to its destination anyway. $180.

[PETERSBURG, Va. DUE] 10 in red on Army of Northern Virginia soldiers cover to Isabella, Georgia endorsed by “W. A. Williams, Co E 20th Batn. Ga. Cav.”. ANV mail was routed through Petersburg late in the war and because of the large number of letters, the postmark was frequently was omitted, but rate was essential for accounting. This cancel only used for a few months in late 1864. Cover with light stain at upper left. $110.

SHELBYVILLE / Te. / JAN / 23 cds on cover, no rate, on cover to Lt. Jas A Hall, Care of Maj. B. Hall, Montgomery, Alabama endorsed by second officer W[illiam]. Wood, Lt., Co. K. 24th Regt. Ala. Vols., top back flap missing, lightly soiled, Fine. Although not so noted, was possibly official business as Hall was also in the 24th Alabama. Quick search of military records doesn't show more than on the cover. More research needed. $300.

Army of Northern Virginia field marking: DUE / 10,  type D1 (I) used only from September – November 1863, on cover to Mrs. Susan P. Martin, Lexington, Va with pencil 1863 docket and endorsement of T. R. Martin. Co F 10th Va Cavly (sic), couple tiny edge tears and flap tears, Fine,  Scarce type. $150.

Thomas R. Martin enlisted as a private 4-17-61 at North Garden, Va. and rose through the ranks to 3rd Sergt. He was wounded 4-1-65 at Five Forks, Va. Military records included.

Army of Northern Virginia field marking: DUE / 10,  type D2 (II) used March 1864 on cover endorsed from G T Peace Co E 23 NC Troops to Mr. W. K. Peace, Tranquility, NC, bit reduced at right into address, Scarce type.  $150.

George T. Peace was an 18 year-old farmer when he enlisted as a private. He was wounded at Spotsylvania C.H., Va. 5-12-64 (right leg amputated) and discharged for disability 1-28-65. Military records included.

Army of Northern Virginia field marking: DUE / 10,  type D3 (III) used October 1863-June 1864, addressed to P.C. Everett, Haynesville, Geo. on cover endorsed by “Priv. Everett Co ‘K’ 11th Ga”, Scarce type.  J.A. Everett enlisted 7-3-61 as a private and was surrendered at Appomattox 4-9-65. $140.

Army of Northern Virginia field marking: [due] 10,  type D5 (B) used April – December 1864, on cpver to Mrs. Henry Tucker, Clinton, S.C. Care of Thos. Duckett with mandated endorsement “Souldiers (sic) Letter Hamton (sic) Legion Co. K.”, bit reduced at right, Very Fine $120.

CHARLESTON / S.C. / OCT / 12 cds with matching [due] 10, type D used 1861-63 on fresh attractive gray and white enamel wallpaper cover from the John Berkley Grimball correspondence. The prominent Grimball family of Charleston, S.C. were owners of Pinebury and Grove plantations near Charleston and their correspondence is well known to Confederate students. Ex Kohn. $650.

RICHMOND / Va. // JUL / 1 / 1862 cds with matching DUE 10 on captured Howell’s Poems Patriotic addressed to “Rev. F. R. Goulting (aka Goulding), Macon, Ga” with soldier’s endorsement of "Sergt C. H. Goulting, Co. B. 8th Geo[rgia]"; First Day of 10¢ rate – a pivitol date for any Confederate collection and on a captured Union patriotic to boot. Ex Powell with 1988 CSA certificate #01731. $2,000. Also in the Patriotic section

Rev. Francis Robert Goulding (1810-1881) served as a chaplain during the war. His papers are at Emory University. C.H. Goulding is shown on the roster of Company B – Oglethorpe Light Infantry – Chatham County.

RICHMOND / Va. // OCT / 17 / 1863 cds with matching DUE 10 on lovely floralwallpaper cover in shades of blue and burgundy; endorsed by R. McMillan, Co., K 39th Regt N.C. T[roops] to Miss Kate McMillan, Dundarrach, Robeson County, NC;  Extremely Fine, Ex Weatherly. $900.

MURFREESBORO / TEN. // DEC / 11 / 1862 cds with matching curved DUE / 10 on fresh homemade cover to Maj. Bolling Hall, Montgomery, Ala. from Lieut. J. A. Hall, Co. K, 24 Ala Regt.; slightly reduced at right, nice markings, Ex Boshwit. $350.

James A. Hall is shown in military records as enlisting as a captain (records often missing pieces) and Bolling Hall, Jr. is shown with service in Co. C 6th AL Infantry, Field & Staff 50th AL Infantry and Co. E Hilliard’s 2nd AL Infantry with ranks ranging from Corporal to Colonel. Hall as selected for the CSA Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in the Battle of Murfreesboro (December 1862 - January 1863).  Although the CSA Medal of Honor was authorized, it was never physically produced.

KINGSTON / TEN. // NOV / 6 cds with matching manuscript Due 10 on cvoer to Mr. Saxon Anderson, Talladega, Ala; endorsed by Pri[vate] J. L. Anderson Co A 2d Reg Ala & Miss Cava[lry]; slight edge faults at top, ex Boshwit $250.

The Second Alabama Cavalry was organized at Montgomery in May, 1862; was in north Alabama for a short time and was then sent to Florida, where it was employed for a time; sent to Jackson, Miss., in April, 1863, and fought Grierson; was employed in Mississippi until October of that year, when it was sent to northern Alabama and Tennessee. It was in Chalmers' brigade continuously after August, 1863. In General Wheeler's cavalry corps, this regiment did arduous duty in the Dalton-Atlanta campaign, losing heavily in the battle of July 22d before Atlanta. It skirmished in Sherman's rear, fighting almost daily, and followed him to Greensboro, N.C.; it formed part of the escort of President Davis to Georgia, where it surrendered at Forsyth.

YORKTOWN / Va. // AUG [1861] CDS with matching [due] 5 to “A. H. Stephens, Vice Presdt, Aouthern Confederacy, Richmond, Va.” on small commercially made cover with back flap fully intact (unusal in that most were ripped off from this correspondence), front face docketing “R.M. Foster Yorktown, Va Aug 10th wishes to borrow $10” – I hope they were well acquainted!  $180.

RICHMOND / VA. // JUN / 28 / 1863 CDS with matching DUE 10 on neat clean soldier’s cover with mandated soldier endorsement of Sergt C[yrus] A. Mathrews, Co. I, 46th Va. I Ref [Infantry]. $140.

Cyrus A. Mathews (1841-1915) enlisted 7-16-61 as a private. The included military records are quite detailed included his being captured 2-8-62 at Roanoke Island, NC, paroled and then taken prisoner again 4-3-65 at Sutherland’s Station, Va near war’s end. Oath of Allegiance taken in June at Point Lookout.

CHICAMAUGA [TENN] postmark at lower center of adversity cover with NOV / 14 / 1863 3-line straightline at top right and manuscript “Due 10” from “Private P[hillip] M. Thurmond, Company I, 24th Regiment S.C.V.” to “Mrs. P.M. Thurmond, Edgefield District, Cold Spring P.O., So Ca”. The cover is fashioned from a printed flyer “The Order for Daily Morning and Evening Prayer, according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Confederate States of [America].” Sealed tear at lower left which is barely noticeable (sealed inside with hinges) and left back flap missing.  This is the latest known use of this rare canceling device. Thurmond was part of Gist’s Corps, Walker’s Division, Longstreet’s Corp, the Army of Tennessee. $2,000.

The Chickamauga cancel was long thought to be an Army of Tennessee field cancel, but recent research by noted military postal history student Stefan Jaronski has proved otherwise. There was a post office at Chickamauga Station, Tennessee during the Confederacy, established before Confederate troops moved to Chattanooga in 1863. The postmaster there used a manuscript postmarking device. When Chattanooga was evacuated in September 1863, Chattanooga postmaster Phillips moved operations to a location very close to Chickamauga Station. He set up in one or two railroad cars, and used his own postmarking device. His actions were officially sanctioned and documented in CSPOD records. The Chickamauga postmaster operated simultaneously with Phillips, but as a civilian post office. All CSPOD correspondence was with Phillips, officially setting him up as Army of Tennessee Post Office. Thus the Chickamauga postmaster operated as a civilian office. It did handle some military mail, very much like Tudor Hall, Travellers Repose, etc. This change to non-military status does not change the fact that it is a very rare cancel with only a handful known.  

Click thumbnails individually to enlarge

CHARLESTON / S.C. // OCT / 15 with matching [due] 10 on turned cover to Miss Anna Clark, Richmond Fact[ory] Georgia Care of Dr. J. B. Clark; endorsed “From S. R. Clark, Com F, 12th Batt. Ga. Vol.”; inside is manuscript “Richmond Factory [Georgia] / Oct 21 1863” and [Paid] “X” (X = “10”) to “Mr. Walter A. Clark, Oglethorpe Artillery, Gordon’s Regiment, Savannah, Geo”. Top back flap missing and small piece at top into soldier endorsement. $270.

Samuel Reuben Clark enlisted as a private 4-15-62 into Co. F. Ga 12th Bn Light Artillery. He was listed as wounded (lost a leg) and taken prisoner at Moncacy, Md. 7-12-64. Military records accompany, including later aged photo.

Walter Augustus Clark was 19 years old when he enlisted as a private but transferred through 1st Ga. Vol. Inf., 12th Ga. Battn Heavy Artillery and 63rd Ga. Infantry promoted through the ranks to Asst. Surgeon and 1st Lieut. Military records accompany, including later aged photo.  In later years, he wrote a book of CW Memoirs entitled Under the Stars and Bars: "The sick were being shipped to points on the Atlanta and West Point Road," wrote Walter A. Clark, a former Emory student and Confederate orderly sergeant who published a memoir of his service years in 1900. "Sick and wounded were said to be 'dying like sheep.' Having no special desire to die in that way or in any other way . . . I asked assignment to some hospital on the Georgia Railroad." In July of 1864, the ailing Clark was carried by the Georgia Railroad to Oxford. He was recuperating there when Union cavalry forces under the command of Brigadier General Kenner Garrard raided Oxford. More details at http://emoryhistory.emory.edu/enigmas/cemetery.htm

CHARLESTON / S.C. // OCT / 25 with scarce matching [due] 2 on drop letter to Edw[ar]d McCrady, Charleston; top back flap missing, Van Dyk MacBride pencil notations on verso, ex Antrim and Kohn. $450.

Edward McCrady rose to Lt. Col. with the SC 1st Infantry with action that spanned dozens of top battles from Fort Sumter April 12, 1861 to Five Forks 1 April 1865 – it reads like a list of the most important battles of the war. He was wounded at 2nd Manassas and disabled in 1863. He headed Co K from Charleston, the Meagher Guards. Some sources cite him as commanding the Irish Volunteers at a later date. 

CHARLESTON / S.C. // JAN / 30 with scarce matching [due] 2 on drop letter to Mr. C. P. Bull, E. Bull, Esq, Charleston with endorsement “Soldier’s Letter, Hatch’s Regiment” as well as “Morris Island” at upper right; small piece out at top which is restored a bit into cds and ms; Hatch's Regiment Coastal Rangers subsequently became 23rd Regiment, South Carolina Infantry. Ex David Kohn and Ken Whittle. $450.

RICHMOND / Va. // JUN / 30 / 1862 cds on cover addressed to Mrs. Mattie C. Bradshaw, Hallsboro, Chesterfield County, Virginia – the Last Day of the 5¢ postage rate before it switched to the universal 10¢ rate on July 1st, with matching DUE 5. Endorsed by Private M. Bradshaw 4th Va Cavalry. Pivotal date for the postal historian.  $600.

Manson Bradshaw enlisted as a corporal 6-6-61 into Co. E., Va. 4th Cavalry. He was hospitalized at Chimborazo in Richmond 4-16-62, taken POW at Williamsport, Md, confined at Ft. Delaware, wounded in the neck and shoulder at Raccoon Ford, Va. and exchanged 11-10-62 at Aiken’s Landing. Next thing noted is that he died of wounds  at Chimborazo Hospital on 11-1-63, but no record of where those wounds were received. Military records included.

DUE 10 handstamp with no town noted on burgundy and gray leaf patterned wallpaper cover addressed to Robert McBride, Yonguesville, Fairfield Dist[rict] So Ca; endorsed by [Private] “H. C. McBride, Com. B. forth (sic) regiment so ca vol”. Military records do not show any more about McBride than presented on the cover. The 4th Cavalry Regiment, also called Rutledge's Cavalry, was organized in January 1863 by consolidating the 10th and 12th Battalions SC Cavalry. $700.

CHARLESTON / S.C. // JUL / 29 / 1862 double circle cancel with matching large [due] 10 on homemade  cover to Dr. J. Winsmith, Glenn Springs P.O., So.Ca.; endorsed “From Capt. Winsmith, Co. H 1st Regt S.C.V.”; Capt. Winsmith was wounded at Sharpsburg 9-16-62 and again at Fort Harrison in 1864, but did survive the war and continued his career as a lawyer. He was appointed to brigadier general of state militia in South Carolina in 1865 and served for one year. $125.

FRANKLIN DEPOT / Va. // APR / 1 blue cds with matching curved DUE 10 handstamp on cover to Miss Rebecca C. Easterling, Manning South Carolina with endorsement of E. C. Easterling, Co. (A) Hamptons Legion, Ex Oswald.  $250.

Easterling, Edward C.  PVT 1861 65; student Wofford College 1855 56; then student at University of North Carolina in Class of 1861 from 1858 until left school with classmates before graduation to enlist; Board of Trustees in 1910 awarded degrees to all members of the Class who so withdrew; so he is carried on the rolls of UNC Chapel Hill as a graduate Class of 1861; in River and Harbor Service postwar; b. Georgetown 1836; d. unknown date; buried in  Clayton, Barbour County, Alabama.

WELDON / N.C. // JUN / 10 / 1863 cds with matching handstamped DUE 10 on cover to Mrs. C. M. McDonald, Renwick, Ga; endorsed by Private A.M. McDonald, Co (C), 10th Batt. Ga. Vol. (AKA Zollicoffer Rifles) $170.

The 10th Battalion of Georgia Volunteers was listed as assigned to Military District of Georgia, commanded by Brigadier General Hugh W. Mercer. Their first duties were Georgia coastal defense. The 10th Battalion, Georgia Volunteers remained at Camp Stephens until 14 May 1862 when it received orders to proceed to Macon, Georgia The battalion was sent there to guard several thousand federal prisoners at Camp Oglethorpe located near Macon and the supplies stored there. They also served under Robert E. Lee and were under the command of D.H. Hill at the time of this mailing. Full military details available at http://www.researchonline.net/gacw/unit38a.htm

RICHMOND / Va. // May / 4 [1864] cds with matching handstamped DUE 10 on cover to “Maj. Bolling Hall, Montgomery, Ala” with soldier’s endorsement of “J. E. Hall, Capt., Co B, 59th Ala Regt” and docketing “Copied May 3rd 1864”; John Elmore Hall enlisted as a Captain in stated regiment (shown wounded at Petersburg) in which Col. Bolling Hall, Jr. is also shown on the roster. Bolling Hall, Jr. of Autauga was wounded at Drewry’s Bluff and was in the Battle of Chicamauga as battalion commander. Much information may be found online on the Hall family which was illustrious back to the Revolutionary War.  $160.

WINCHESTER / VA / JUL / 19 [1861] cds with matching handstamped DUE 10 on cover to Miss Sallie L. Simmons, Donaldsville, Abbeville Dist, South Carolina Care of Joel F. S. Smith Esq with soldier’s endorsement of J. B. Simmons, James Battery S.C. Vols. Winchester changed hands over 80 times during the war. According to local lore, the postmaster would look out his window to determine whether to put Confederate or Union stamps on the envelopes.  Ex Hambrecht.  $170.

BOWLING GREEN / KY. // JAN / 21 cds on cover with manuscript D[ue] 5 on cover to Mr. Allen K. Jone[es], Mifflin, Tenn; cover bit reduced at right into name and edge stained; mandated endorsement of D. C. Jones, Private Capt. King’s Co., [Terry’s] Texas Rangers.  Terry’s Texas Rangers distinguished themselves throughout the war by their skill and willingness to fight. Because of their abilities, and the arms they carried, they were regarded as a "charging regiment," frequently called upon to act as a form of shock troops. Scarce cancel from this famous unit. $550.

David Chapman Jones was one of three brothers serving in the Rangers and writing home to their father and each other. Their 1861-62 papers are in the State Historical Society of Missouri.

TUDOR Hall / VA. // NOV / 26 cds with matching DUE 10 on cover to Mrs. Jacob F. Strait Care Dr. Wm. Wylie, Lewisville, Chester District, S.C., with endorsement “Franked G. L. Strait Capt, Co. B, 6th Regt S.C.V.” both at top and at left edge. The 6th Regt was also known as the Catawba Guards. $150.

Dr. Gilbert Motier Lafayette Strait received his M.D. degree from the University of the City of New York, Medical Department in 1858 and practiced medicine in Chester, SC, in 1860. In the war, he was initially a Capt, 6th SC Inf.  He resigned from this position in January, 1863, to be appointed an Assistant Surgeon, Palmetto Sharpshooters [SC].  For a brief period he acted as a [full] Surgeon, but does not appear to have been appointed to this level.  He died of dysentery in October, 1863. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Chester, SC.

“Due 10 / Clayton Ga / Mar 16”, all in manuscript on cover to Mrs. Mary D. Bell, Gainsville, Ga. with mandated soldier’s endorsement of “C. C. Bell, company D., 16 Ga. gorgia battalion partisan raingers”, slightly reduced at left with small edge nick out, this is a new listing for the forthcoming CSA Catalog.  This unit was also known as 16th Battalion Georgia Volunteer Cavalry and ultimately became the 13th Battalion Georgia Volunteer Cavalry by January 1865. The 16th was part of Gen. Morgan's command early in the war. $250.

RALEIGH / N.C. // FEB / 11 double circle pmk in blue with matching DUE 5 on cover to John K. Campbell Esq., Fayetteville, N.C. with soldier’s endorsement in same hand on back flap “Sergeant D. K. Campbell, Co. K, 38 regiment N.C. Vounte[ers]”, slightly reduced at right, also endorsed up left side (maybe he didn’t see verso and “covered” for him?) “Capt. [Murdock] McLauchlin Co. N.C. Vol.” Military bios of both included.  $200.

Daniel K. Campbell was a 29 year-old farmer when he enlisted 11-9-61 at Cumberland County NC as a 1st Sergt. in Co. K, NC 38th Infantry. He was taken prisoner at Falling Waters, MD 7-14-63 and confined to Fort McHenry, transferred to Point Lookout and exchanged for further duty. He was taken prisoner again near Petersburg on 4-2-65 very near the time of Lee’s surrender and confined to Hart’s Island in NY Harbor when he remained until 6-18-65. The 38th were also known as The Carolina Boys. On 14 June 1862, the regiment was assigned to William Dorsey Pender’s Brigade of A.P. Hill’s “Light Division” and would remain part of this organization until the Lee’s surrender in 1865.
Murdock McRae McLauchlin was a 28 year-old teacher when he enlisted 11-9-61 as a captain in Co. K, NC 38th Infantry. He was promoted to Major 1-14-63 and wounded in the face at Chancellorsville 5-3-63. He resigned due to disability on 2-16-64.

[Due] 10 Army of Northern Virginia in circle in red to “Mrs. W(iley). H. Felker, Hebron PO, Spartanburg Dist, So Ca”, endorsed “A Soldier’s letter, Co E 18 Regt S.C.V.”. This handstamp struck in red at Petersburg, Virginia from September to December 1864. The 4th Corp ANV was Wallace’s Brigade, Johnson’s Division and Felker was a private; signed Brian Green, Ex-Walske. $250.

[Due] 10 large bold numeral only handstamp on cover to New Centre, S.C. on soldier’s cover “From Sergt J.W. Pursley Co G 18th S.C.V.” Military records show J. Warren Pursley as a 1st Lieut. in same which was from York County and known as the Mountain Guards. Very Fine $150.

CHARLESTON / S.C. / NOV / 7 186[4] CDS with matching [due] 10 on adversity cover made from filled out form with mandated endorsement up left side “Soldiers Letter Private P[eter] Redmond Co. B L[ucas] B[attalion] Art[illery]” and addressed to his wife, Mrs. P. W. Redmond, Blackville, S.C. It is a long heart wrenching letter on one very long sheet (won’t all fit on my scanner bed) headed “Wensday November the 2nd 1864 Johns Island Battery Trenholm Charleston, S.C.” and subsequent two days, telling her how miserable he is, how cold and how hungry but he makes do. The 15th Lucas Battalion, Heavy Artillery was organized as infantry with two companies on June 6, 1861. It was mustered into service on James Island in July 1861 and converted to heavily artillery. It was engaged in the capture of the U.S.S. Isaac Smith, the battles of Charleston Harbor and the Carolinas Campaign. It was commanded by Maj. James J. Lucas. $550.

Click on thumbnails at left individually to enlarge.

“Lt. W[illiam]. W Davidson, Co I 25 Va. Battl.” soldier’s endorsement on cover but no postal markings, thus likely hand carried; light penciled contemporary Sept 9th, 1863 at upper right, addressed to Jas. D. Davidson, Lexington, Va., fresh and Fine, J.D. Davidson was a Washington & Lee trustee   $75. 

CHARLESTON / S.C. // JAN / 30 / 186? cds with no rate markings or stamps on cover addressed to Danl. H. Coombs, Esq., Laurens Hill, Georgia with soldier endorsement of J. T. Coombs, Co. I., 6th Ga. Regt.; reduced slightly irregularly at right. $140.

James T. Coombs (1945-1915) was from Twiggs County, Ga and mustered into Co. I GA 6th Infantry (Twiggs County Guards) as a private on 5-27-61 at Greensboro NC. He was wounded 9-17-62 at Sharpsburg (Antietam), MD and surrendered 4-26-65 at Greensboro, NC.

“Green Pond SC / Aug 31 / Due 10” manuscript postmark on homemade cover fashioned from thick laid paper; addressed in pencil to Miss Mollie D. Reeder, Manning, So. Ca. and endorsed “From Wm. Reeder, Palmetto Guard Arty Co H So Car Siege Train, Green Pond, So Ca”.  The South Carolina 18th Heavy Artillery Battalion was called the "Siege Train Artillery Battalion" and the "Palmetto Guard," The 18th was organized in 1862 with three companies in Charleston, South Carolina. They fought at Fort Sumter, Grimball's Landing, Battery Wagner, James Island, and John's Island. In 1864, Company C was transferred to Pegram's Battalion of Artillery of the Army of Northern Virginia and fought its last battle as artillery at the Petersburg. What remained after the Petersburg siege, served as infantry in the Army of Tennessee, which surrendered in April of 1865.  $275.

CHARLESTON / S.C. // JAN / 22 [1865] double circle cancel on small homemade cover to Mrs. J. A. Woodruff, Abbeville C.H., S.C. with matching [due] 10 and mandated endorsement “Soldier’s Letter SCB – Palmetto Guards”. With original articulate 2-page letter in pencil on blue paper headed “Artillery X Roads James Island Jan 18th 1865” to his sister saying he answered her last letter when they were at Battery Heyward on December 11th, but they received order on the 3d Jany and left Camp Rhett to “report to Green Pond where we were to turn over to the Quartermaster our Horses & & our Guns had been sent to the Companies Battery 2 or 3 day before). And after that to report to James island to Major Manigault as Heavy Artillery. On the 6th inst. we arrived at James Island and marched to our old camp. I am sorry our Battery has been taken from us, as we are now more Infantry than Artillery…I think affairs of our Government look very gloomy at present. A report reached us yesterday that Wilmington had fallen, another report this morning say the Rl Rd between Augusta & Branchville was cut by the enemy yesterday.” Plus much more.  $275.

The South Carolina 18th Heavy Artillery Battalion was called the "Siege Train Artillery Battalion" and the "Palmetto Guard," The 18th was organized in 1862 with three companies in Charleston, South Carolina. They fought at Fort Sumter, Grimball's Landing, Battery Wagner, James Island, and John's Island. In 1864, Company C was transferred to Pegram's Battalion of Artillery of the Army of Northern Virginia and fought its last battle as artillery at the Petersburg. What remained after the Petersburg siege, served as infantry in the Army of Tennessee, which surrendered in April of 1865.

 [Petersburg, Va due] red 10 in circle, Army of Northern Virginia use on cover to Mrs. W. H. Felker, Hebron, SC with endorsement “A Soldier’s Letter, Co. E, 18th SCV”; from Private Wiley H. Felker of that unit. He is listed as from Spartanburg and a prisoner of war at Hart’s Island during April-July 1865 according to National Archives Microfilm #598-79.  $150.

BRISTOL V & T R.R., beautiful strike on embossed attorney corner card cover with handstamped DUE 10 to Mrs. D. B. Edwards, Benton, Ala. with endorsement of D. B. Edwards, Co “A” 44 Ala Regt.; tear at upper left just into corner card but not readily apparent. Lovely rail road use.  $800. 

Daniel B. Edwards (1836 – 1911) enlisted 3-15-62 at Pleasant Hill, AL as a 2nd Lieut at the age of 25. He was promoted to Captain 6-16-64. He was captured at Suffolk, VA (no date listed) and paroled a month later. The 44th Alabama saw action in Second Manassas, Harper’s Ferry, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Petersburg and Gettysburg, to name but a few. He was surrendered at Appomattox 4-9-65. Detailed record and later in life SCV image included.

CULPEPER C.H. / Va. // 28 / AUG cds with matching DUE 10 on soldier’s cover from L. C. Randolph, Surgeon 63rd N.C.T. (North Carolina Troops) to Mrs. F. F. Randolph, Carters Bridge, Albemarle, Va.; back flap faults and small faults at left cover edge.  Ex Hambrecht. 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. $180.

Dr. Lewis Carter Randolph,AKA Louis Carter Randolph (1838-1887) was born in Albemarle County, Va.; he received his M.D. degree from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia in 1859. He was an assistant surgeon and surgeon in various units including 63rd NCT, 66th NCT, 5th NC Cavalry, 9th VA Cavalry and 46th VA Infantry.  

PETERSBURG / Va. // JUN / 17  blue cds with matching [due] 10 on adversity cover to Mrs. J. Adger Smyth, Wright’s Bluff, Clarendon Dist, So Ca from her soldier husband, on adversity cover fashioned from printed form. First time in philatelic hands.  $220.

JAMES ADGER SMYTHE (1837-1920) was a QuarterMaster Sergeant in Company A, 25th South Carolina Infantry Regiment April 1862- 1865. He was a factor / merchant with Adger and Smyth and planted cotton at his wife's Cedar Grove Plantation, Sumter District. Smythe (aka Smyth) was a Charleston Alderman1877-1885 and mayor of Charleston 1895-1903.

PETERSBURG Va. // MAY / 26  blue cds with matching [due] 10 on adversity cover fashioned from Charleston Rail Road freight receipt, addressed to E. H.  Barkley, Esq., Williamston PO, Anderson Dist, SC with endorsement of W. V. Barkley, Co D 18th S.C.V.  Most attractive use.  $325.

 [Army of Northern Virginia] DUE 10 on cover addressed to Sheriff Rowan County, Salisbury NC with mandated endorsement “from A. L. deArmond, Co. K. 30th Regt NC” with “OB” (Official Business) at top left. Full election returns enclosed on legal size paper headed “HeadQuarters 30th NC Troops near Kelly Ford Va Oct 29 1863”. Previously unrecorded marking from the ANV. $220.

Aaron Leonidas DeArmond (1827-1864) was 35 years old when he enlisted 9-13-61 as a Sergeant into Co. K. NC 30th Infantry Ramseur's Brigade Rode's Div. Ewells' Corps.Army of Northern VA CSA. He was taken prisoner at Sharpsburg, paroled and then wounded a few months later at Fredericksburg. He was taken prisoner again at Kelly’s Ford from where this election return was sent. He was confined at Point Lookout, paroled and exchanged. He was wounded again at Snicker’s Gap and died a month later from his wounds. Although the promotion is not on the included military records, the regimental history roster shows him at Kelly’s Ford as “Capt’d Sgt A. L. DeArmond”. He died only three miles from his home. There is an SCV Camp named in his honor.

[Army of Northern Virginia] DUE 10 on clean cover addressed to Sheriff Rowan County, NC with mandated endorsement “S.B. West / Capt. 5th N.C.T. [Company E]” with “OB” (Official Business) at top right. Full election returns enclosed with names of all those voting “for a member of the House of Representatives of the next Confederate Congress for the Eight Cngressional District of No. Ca.” dated 29 Oct 1863 signed Levi Bame, Jesse A. Parks, S. B. West. This is a previously unrecorded marking from the ANV. All military records included. $200.

Speight Brockhurst West was a 25 year-old merchant when he enlisted 5-16-61 at Craven County NC as a 1st Lieut, commissioned into Co. D, 5th NC Infantry but transferred to Co. E and promoted to Captain 3-5-62. He was wounded at Williamsburg (then confined as POW at Fort Monroe and exchanged), wounded also at Gettysburg where he served under Gen. R. E. Rodes, again wounded at Spotsylvania and Cedar Creek. 
Levi Bame was a 22 year-old farmer when he mustered into Co. E. NC 5th Infantry on 7-8-61 as a private. He was promoted to Corp. and then Sergt, was wounded at Chancellorsville and take POW at Spotsylvania.
Jesse A. Parks was a 24 year-old famer when he mustered into Co. E. NC 5th Infantry on 7-20-61 as a private. He was listed as wounded and taken prisoner at Williamsburg (hospitalized in Baltimore and exchanged), wounded again at Chancellorsville and Winchester where also taken prisoner. Transferred to Point Lookout 12-8-64 and took the Oath of Allegiance there 6-17-65.

 [Army of Northern Virginia] DUE 10 on cover addressed to Wm. A Walton, Sheriff Rowan County, Salisbury, Rowan County, N Carolina with endorsement of B[artlett] Allen, Private Co G 6 N.C., J[acob] M. Richie, and J[ohn] C. Graham (election judges). Election returns had originally been enclosed (now removed). Small part of back flap missing. Previously unrecorded marking from the ANV. $150.

Col. Robert F. Webb was a 38 year-old farmer who enlisted 5-20-61 as a Captain in Co. B., NC 6th Infantry and rose to full Colonel. He was wounded at Sharpsburg, taken prisoner at Rappahannock station and confined at Johnson’s Island for a year and a half, released on Oath of Allegiance 6-25-65. Maj. Gen. Wm. Dorsey Pender, cut down at Gettsyburg,  had led the 6th NC as a Colonel earlier in the war.

[Army of Northern Virginia] DUE [10] on cover addressed to “ A. W.Walton, Sherriff Rowan County, Salisbury, N. C. with “O.B.” (Official Business) at upper left. The due marking is not sufficiently well struck (upside down) to identify exact type. Duplicate election returns on French embossed blue lined paper headed “Proceedings of an election held at the Camp of the 7th Regt. NC Troops near Brandy Stations, Va for Congressman of the County of Rowan NC…29th Oct 1863.” Eleven votes were cast, ten of which were for J. G. Ramsey and one for Wm. Lander. Attested to by judges Caleb Eller, C. P. Hughes and Jesse Reid as well as clerks A.M. Walker and W. H. Millstead. The unit was assigned to General Branch's, Law's, and Lane's Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia. After fighting at Hanover Court House , it participated in the various campaigns of the army from the Seven Day' Battles to Cold Harbor , then was involved in the Petersburg siege south and north of the James River.  $130.

Lieut. Arthur M. Walker was a 26 year-old farmer when he enlisted from Alexander County into Co. K, NC 7th Infantry as a Sergeant. He was wounded at Richmond and hospitalized, he was nominated for Badge of Distinction for gallantry at Chancellorsville, wounded at Gettysburg in knee and breast, hospitalized and returned to the rolls. Paroled at Greensboro 5-1-65.
Private William H. Millstead was a 21 year-old student from Alexander County when he enlisted into Co. A, NC 7th Infantry. He was promoted to corporal but reduced to ranks and confined to the Guard House for mutinous conduct.
Private Caleb Eller was from Iredell County when he mustered into Co. F, NC 7th Infantry. He was taken prisoner at Rickett’s Farm, Va and confined at both Point Lookout and Elmira.
Private Christopher S. Hughes was a 21 year-old farmer when he enlisted from Rowan County into Co. F, NC 7th Infantry. He was hospitalized with a gunshot wound in Richmond and paroled from Salisbury 5-20-65.
Private Jesse Reid was from Iredell County when he mustered into Co. F, NC 7th Infantry. He rose to Sergeant and was paroled from Salisbury 5-19-65.

RICHMOND / VA. // APR / 24 / 1863 cds with matching handstamped DUE 10 on cover to Mrs. Nancy J. Bradshaw, Mount Pisgah, Alexander Co NC with endorsement of Serg J. N. Bradshaw, Co. G 38th NC Troops. Small upper left corner fault. $120.

Sergt John S. Bradshaw was a 20 year-old farmer when he enlisted 11-2-61 at Alexander as a private into Co. G., NC 38th Infantry. He was wounded at both 2nd Manassas and Chancellorsville but returned to duty both times to ultimately surrender with the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House 4-9-65.

TENNVILLE / GA // NOV / 25 cds with manuscript “Due 10” on slightly edge worn cover to Mrs. Martha Inglet, Berzelia, Geor[gia] with mandated endorsement of “Sargt T. W. G. Inglet, Co. C, 28 Regt Geor Vol”. This marking is newly recorded. $180.

T.W.G. Inglet (listed in records incorrectly as Inglett) enlisted as a Private on 9-10-61. Appointed 2nd Corporal on 9-1-63. Wounded in the left hand, necessitating amputation of two fingers, at Cold Harbor 9-27-62  and again in right foot at Darbytown Road, VA 10-7-64. Furloughed from Jackson Hospital at Richmond in 1864, and was in an Augusta, Georgia, hospital at the close of the war. He was born in Richmond County, Georgia, on February 27, 1839.

DUE 10 Army field cancel struck on irregularly shaped homemade envelope to Mrs. Charlotta J. Thompson, Alpharetta, Ga with mandated endorsement of W. Thompson in Co G 56th Regt Ga Vols. The 56th was also known as the 55th Ga. from Milton County. In unit records, Private Wilburn Thompson was noted as present “May 3, 1862 but left sick at Dalton, Georgia in 1864, captured there, and sent to Indiana. Never heard from.” An online geneology site reports that he was taken to Camp Morton, Indiana. Wilburn Thompson's wife, Charlotte"Lottie" Segars Thompson drew a widows pension for many years, but never knew what happened to her husband. The family researcher found a book at the GeorgiaArchives that listed Confederate soldiers buried in Northern cemeteries, and it showed that Wilburn Thompson had died of his wounds at Camp Morton,Indiana and was buried 12 August 1864 at Green Lawn Cemetery in Indianapolis.  $160.

FLORENCE / SC dateless cds with manuscript Due 10 on adversity cover fashioned from printed / manuscript document to Mrs. J. Adger Smyth, Wright’s Bluff, Clarendon Dist., So. Ca.; mandated soldier endorsement of J.A.S. QM Sergt, 25th Regt SCV Hagoods Brigd, bit war weary at top edge and part of back flap missing. First time in philatelic hands. $110.

JAMES ADGER SMYTHE (1837-1920) was a QuarterMaster Sergeant in Company A, 25th South Carolina Infantry Regiment April 1862- 1865. He was a factor / merchant with Adger and Smyth and planted cotton at his wife's Cedar Grove Plantation, Sumter District. Smythe (aka Smyth) was a Charleston Alderman1877-1885 and mayor of Charleston 1895-1903.

WINCHESTER / Va. // OCT 1, cds on soldier's cover to Mrs. Laura C. Norwood, Lenoir N.C. with handstamped Due  and twice-struck "10" in circle indicating 20¢ due, mandated endorsement of W.W. Lenoir, Capt Co A, 37 Regt. N.C.T. Very Fine. $500.

Walter Waightstill Lenoir (1823-1890) was a 39-year old lawyer when he enlisted 5-23-62 as a 1st Lieut into Co. H, 58th NC Partisan Rangers Infantry. July 18, 1862 he was transferred to Co. A., 37th NC Infantry as a Captain. Walter was the grandson of General William Lenoir and son of Thomas Lenoir; he was born and died at Fort Defiance, Caldwell County, North Carolina. He served in a host of regiments during the Civil War, most notably as Captain of Company A, 37th North Carolina Troops. The Lenoir family papers are at UNC and much more information available there.

GORDONSVILLE / VA // AUG / 13 / 1862 cds with matching DUE 10 to W. R. Edwin (?), Ranaleburgh Mec[klenburgh] Co NC; used again with vertical pair of CSA #6, 5¢ blue (torn on opening) on verso tied with smaller GORDONSVILLE / VA double circle cancel known used 1861-63, small pmk also struck on the face showing two types of cancels on one side. $200.

CHERAW / S.C. double circle postmark with matching [due] 10 on homemade cover with bright blue inside turned to show at lower left, endorsed “Soldier’s Letter” with no name or rank to Mrs. Susannah Culbertson, Simpsonville, S.C. There are numerous South Carolina Culbertsons in the military records and I cannot be certain which this one was, but no doubt some more diligent research would nail him down.  $225.

RICHMOND / [VA] // DEC / 18 partial cds with matching DUE 5 on soldier’s cover to C. W. Burrow, Cedar Falls, NC with endorsement of S. W. Trogdon, Private, Co. M, 22nd Reg NC Troops; bit reduced at left and a bit ar wear. $150.

Stephen W. Trogdon was 24 years old when he enlisted at Randolph County NC as a Private in Co. M, 22nd NC Infantry. He was promoted to Corpl and Sergt and is listed as taken prisoner at Fredericksburg, exchanged then wounded and taken prisoner at Gettysburg in the right thigh, hospitalized at David’s Island, NY where a prisoner, leg amputated, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps 8-13-64.

KENTUCKY origin: MEMPHIS / Ten. // NOV / 14 / 1861 clearly struck CDS with matching double-line straightline DUE 5 on cover toMrs. R. Connor, Macon Miss., ms. soldier's endorsement A[ndrew]. V. Connor, Private Co F 11th Miss. Regt., slightly reduced at left and some edgewear, still Very Fine, ex Boshwit, this correspondence originates in western Kentucky and this cover was brought to Memphis by private courier where it there entered the mails. $500.

ALTO / TEX. // MAY / 23  CDS with day in ms. on cover, manuscript “Due 5” on small cover to Mrs. A. A. Brooks, Cameron Texas, with soldier's endorsement  of John W. Brooks Private, Capt Furmans Co (D) 1st Reg Carters Command;  couple tiny edge tears, scarce town marking. Note on the back that this was the 1932 Dietz listing cover for Alto, Texas – noted in the late Bill Bogg’s handwriting who handled the Dietz collection.  $500.

“Paid” in manuscript, no postal markings, addressed on small ladies cover (small part of back flap missing) to “Dr. Richard M. Hewitt O.S. Capt J.B. Leftwiches Company, 42nd Regiment Va. Vols. Care of Col. J. D. Banks, Huntersville Pocahontas Co (West Virginia) Army of the North West. The troops assigned to operate in northwestern Virginia were placed under the command of Brigadier-General R. S. Garnett on June 8, 1861, and were subsequently known as the Army of the Northwest. This was the force that opposed McClellan and Rosecrans in West Virginia. Military bios for Asst. Surgeon Richard Newton Hewitt and Capt. Joel B. Leftwich included. A scarce West Virginia use. $250.

UNIVERSITY OF Va. // 29 large blue 31 mm cds, scarce cancel lightly struck with matching large encircled handstamped [due] 10 in circle – a very scarce marking, not listed, on cover to Lieut. Joseph R. Dickinson, Leatherwood Store, Henry Co., Va. Original long 4-page soldier’s letter to “Joe” headed “Camp 5 miles West Winchester  Nove 13th 1862”from P. B. Gravely – one officer to another (detailed military records of both included). Gravely says that he reached his regiment ten days ago which was then 7 miles wouthwest of Winchester near the Shenandoah River but from there were ordered to Romey (Western Virginia). He relates that his division is scattered in every direction, the 1st Brigade on the Charlestown & Martinsburg Road.The 5th Bridgade is on the Pughtown Road & the Louisiana or 4th Brigade is on the Berryville Road. “…the Yankees are leaving up the Baltimore & Ohio Rail Road from the Relay House to Wheeling & are opening another road from the Relay House across through to the upper part of Maryland to Pittsburg.” A great many details on troop movements. “…a fight was expected at Berrysville but the Yankees discovered that Lonstreet was abouty to get in their rear & they made a clean skidaddle & thus changed the aspect of affairs in this quarter. The Yankees are falling back now in every direction. They certainly have smeeled a rate somewhere. I wish the darned villans would let us alone.” Many more marvelous details concluding with “I will it (the war) will end by spring”.Fabulous letter content and rare postal markings.(Army of Northern Virginia) Ex Thayer and Thacker.  $500.

UNIVERSITY OF Va.  large blue 31 mm cds, scarce cancel lightly struck with matching large encircled handstamped [due] 10 in circle – a very scarce marking, not listed, pencil docketing which may or may not be contemporary “Mahones or Weisiger’s Brig” which is correct; on soldier’s cover to Mrs. R. C. Mabry Care W. H. Read Esqr., Palmers Springs, Mecklenburg County, Va.; endorsed “From Private R. C. Mabry / Co. K. 6th Va. Regt.” (Army of Northern Virginia) Ex Thacker. $400.

Robert Cole Mabry enlisted as a private, was wounded at 2nd Manassas 8-30-62, later taken prisoner 3-28-65 at Burgess’ Mill, Va and ultimately exchanged well after the war 10-27-65. Military records included. Conflicting records indicate he “was captured 27 Oct 1864 at the Battle of Burgess Mill and was held until 28 March 1865 when he was exchanged.” Typical of CW record groups.

[Army of Northern Virginia] 10 in circle, field cancel on clean  homemade cover to Miss Millie Anderson, Verdon P. Office, Hanover Co, Va.; endorsed E. M. Anderson, Nelson’s Battalion, top back flap missing; Very Fine $200.

Edmund M. Anderson enlisted 10-4-62 as a private in the Virginia Amherst Light Artillery and also had service in Nelson’s Company, Virginia Hanover Light Artillery. He was killed in action at Cold Harbor, Va. 6-3-64 and is buried in the famed Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.  

STATESVILLE / N.C. / FEB / 10 bold cds on homemade cover to Mr. A. B. Y. Guither, Houstonsville, Iredell County, N.C. with manuscript “Due 10” and endorsement of Private M. Campbell, Co. H, 4th N.C. S.T. (North Carolina State Troops). Evidence of prior stamp at upper right. At  the Battle of Seven Pines, the 4th NC regiment (aka as the Fourth North) justly earned its sobriquet of the “Bloody Fourth.” The regiment was commanded by Lt. Col. Bryan Grimes, who led the charge, and was the only officer who survived the fight unwounded. The 4th went into battle with 520 men and 25 officers - “the noble 545.” In carrying the works, it lost 462 men and 24 officers killed and wounded; this was the bloodiest charge of the war. This combination of postal markings not listed in the CSA Catalog. $220.

PETERSBURG / Va. // JUNE 12 dark blue cds with matching DUE and 10 on fresh cover to Mrs. Wm. Bush, Chenuba, Terrell Co., Ga. with endorsement of Wm. Bush, Company K, 31st Regt Ga. Vol., although I am not at all certain, this appears to most likely be William Henry Harrison Bush who was in Co. B, 45th Regiment of “Rutland Volunteers”. Wounded at Gettysburg in 1863 and captured at Macon 1865. $280.

West Point, Mississippi addressed cover in faint pen, but visible, with fancy ribbon DUE 10 listed in CSA Catalog with an asterisk - could not be verified at the time it went to press, a legacy listing, a rare marking. Beautiful bold clear strike of this corroborating marking used originally with WINCHESTER / VA // OCT / 10 / 1862 double circle and matching Due 10, cover tattered and soiled but quite scarce – probably worth a bath.  $250.

CHARLESTON / S.C. // MAR / 23 bold cds with matching large [due] 10 on cover to Mr. Alfred Satterfield, Greenville, So. Ca.; endorsed by W. Satterfield, Co. K, P. B. L. A. (Palmetto Battery Light Artillery); small tear at top left otherwise Very Fine.  $150.

William Satterfield was shown as both 15th SC Heavy Artillery Battalion and in Company K 16th SC and Palmetto Light Artillery.  He was killed in action in Franklin. Holtzclaw was Co. H. There was a lot of reorganization of companies thus tracking is confusing. Capt. Thomas A. Holtzclaw was murdered after the war by a blow to the head with an axe in the presence of his wife.

11913

Letter:
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

GEORGETOWN / S.C. // SEP / 2 with matching [Due] 10 with ms “Soldier’s letter, H. Prontaut, Co A 21st Ga Batt. Cavalry” on cover to Mr. A. Prontaut, Augusta, Ga. Large opening piece out of cover at upper left. Letter headed “Pawley Island [SC] August 29 / 63” to Henry’s father describing the “pleasant island about two miles long and about a half wide, the whole place is covered with summer residence of the planters of the rice plantations of the vicinity, all around the island is a perfect marsh full of aligators & frogs and on the left is the great Atlantic that abounds in fish of all kinds for you may go any time in the day and see hundreds of different sorts swimming along the beach. The beach is also literally covered with handsome shell[s]. I have already made a collection for Emile. In the distance you have a perfect sight of the blockaders. They have two steamers, with a telescope you can observe the men on deck washing their clothes and smoking…” and more. Signed with a great flourish. Many plantation families lost their fortunes after the war and the rice industry disappeared. [SC] [GA] $140.

John Henry (Jean Henri Prontante) Prontaut (1842-1898) was born in New York City. His father, a watchmaker, was born in Paris and mother in Versailles. Prontaut (seen with various spellings both French and Americanized) was in Co. A of the 21st Georgia Cavalry, the 7th Georgia Cavalry as well as Co. B, 1st Gerogia Bn. Loc. Def. Infantry. The 7th Reg. Georgia Cavalry was formed by the consolidation of the 24th Batt. Ga. Cav., four companies of the 21st Batt. Ga. Cav. and the two companies of the Hardwick Mounted Rifles.

GEORGETOWN / S.C. // 14 (month missing) with matching [Due] 10 with ms “Soldier’s letter, J. H. P., Co A 21st Ga Batt. Cavalry” on cover to Mr. A. Prontaut, Augusta, Geo. [SC] [GA] $160.

John Henry (Jean Henri Prontante) Prontaut (1842-1898) was born in New York City. His father, a watchmaker, was born in Paris and mother in Versailles. Prontaut (seen with various spellings both French and Americanized) was in Co. A of the 21st Georgia Cavalry, the 7th Georgia Cavalry as well as Co. B, 1st Gerogia Bn. Loc. Def. Infantry. The 7th Reg. Georgia Cavalry was formed by the consolidation of the 24th Batt. Ga. Cav., four companies of the 21st Batt. Ga. Cav. and the two companies of the Hardwick Mounted Rifles.

GEORGETOWN / S.C. // OCT / 1 with matching [Due] 10 with ms “Soldier’s letter, J. H. P., Co A 21st Ga Batt. Cavalry” on cover to Mr. A. Prontaut, Augusta, Geo.; stained and sealed opening tears at top [SC] [GA] $80.

John Henry (Jean Henri Prontante) Prontaut (1842-1898) was born in New York City. His father, a watchmaker, was born in Paris and mother in Versailles. Prontaut (seen with various spellings both French and Americanized) was in Co. A of the 21st Georgia Cavalry, the 7th Georgia Cavalry as well as Co. B, 1st Gerogia Bn. Loc. Def. Infantry. The 7th Reg. Georgia Cavalry was formed by the consolidation of the 24th Batt. Ga. Cav., four companies of the 21st Batt. Ga. Cav. and the two companies of the Hardwick Mounted Rifles.

GEORGETOWN / S.C. // NOV / 19 with matching [Due] 10 with ms “Soldier’s letter, J. H. P., Co A 21 Ga Batt. Cavalry” on clean homemade cover to Mr. A. Prontaut, Augusta, Geo. Letter headed Georgetown SC, Nov 17 / 63 to Henry’s father saying he is enjoying good health and “I leave the Hospital to morrow for Camp, the orders at Georgetown Headquarters for our removal from this place. I do not know where we will go.”[SC] [GA] $200.

John Henry (Jean Henri Prontante) Prontaut (1842-1898) was born in New York City. His father, a watchmaker, was born in Paris and mother in Versailles. Prontaut (seen with various spellings both French and Americanized) was in Co. A of the 21st Georgia Cavalry, the 7th Georgia Cavalry as well as Co. B, 1st Gerogia Bn. Loc. Def. Infantry. The 7th Reg. Georgia Cavalry was formed by the consolidation of the 24th Batt. Ga. Cav., four companies of the 21st Batt. Ga. Cav. and the two companies of the Hardwick Mounted Rifles.

ATLANTA / Ga. // NOV / 21 / 1862 cds with matching handstamped DUE 10 on cover to Mrs. Dr. G. W. Peddy, Franklin, Ga.; endorsed “From G. W. Peddy, Surgeon 56th Ga. Regt”, Very Fine, CSACV $500.  [GA] $550.

Dr. George Washington Peddy (1834-1913) was born in Franklin, Ga., received his M.D. from the New Orleans School of Medicine and practiced medicine in Heard County, Ga. before and after the war. He was a Surgeon for the 4th Regiment Georgia State Troops and also served as Surgeon in the 55th / 56th GA Infantry and 23rd Alabama Infantry. He was appointed Surgeon in CSA 5-16-1962 and served on the staffs of Brig. Gen. Danville Leadbetter, Gen. Alfred Cumming's Brigade, Gen. C. L. Stevenson's Division. The following is an excellent book based on letters written by this physician to his wife and vice versa: Cuttino, George Peddy [1981] Saddlebag and Spinning Wheel; being the Civil War Letters of George W. Peddy, M.D., Mercer Press, Macon, GA. Information in an unpublished database, courtesy of  F.T. Hambrecht and J. L. Koste: Biographical register of physicians who served the Confederacy in a medical capacity.

LOUISA C.H. / Va. // MAY / 22 cds with manuscript “Due 10” on cover from “R.E. Dunn, Co. D, 13th Va. Inf., Pegram’s Brigade.” Addressed to “Miss Pattie Dunn, Trevilian’s Depot, Louisa County, Va.” Pvt. Robert E. Dunn, of Winchester, Va., was wounded at Gaines’ Mill, 1862. Fighting throughout the war with distinction, Gen. Pegram was killed in action just weeks after his January 1865 marriage. Ink smudges by Dunn’s hand. Pegram-related material is scarce. [VA] $260.

“Due” in ms with handstamped “10” field markings on soldier’s cover addressed to Mrs. R. M. Gill, Okolona, Miss. / (Via) Mobile & Ohio R.R.”; mandated endorsement “From J .E. Nabers, P.S. C(o.) H, 41st Miss. Regiment” but no postmark of origin. Routing endorsement at lower left “Mobile & Ohio R.R.” James E. Nabors (also Nabers or Neighbors) was born 1839 and didn't survive the war but nothing else found on his death. Robert M. Gill, age 27, was also of the 41st Miss Infantry, enlisted as a Lieut. April 1862.  [MS] $150. 

Handcarried adversity cover fashioned from dramatic large-print broadside addressed to Mr. C. A. Hege, Pocotaligo Station, S. Car., Com H., 48th Regiment, Cook’s Brigade, N. Car. Troops. Docketing on verso “Charleston, S.C. April the 23d 1863”. Constantine Alexander Hege, as a member of the Moravian Church, was opposed to the War but was obliged to enlist in the Confederate Army. He served for 14 months in the 48th North Carolina Infantry before being captured on 14 October 1863 at the battle of Bristoe Station, Va. After being released from the Old Capitol prison in Washington, D.C. 24 March 1864, he worked in an iron mill in Bethlehem, PA – a Moravian town. When the war ended, he moved to Salem, N.C., where he started Hege's Salem Iron Works. In 1877, he obtained a patent for a set of works for circular sawmills, making his iron works known across the country. Hege is the subject of my column “The Confederate Post” in the American Stamp Dealer and Collector, June 2013. [SC] [NC] $170.

MILLEDGEVILLE / Ga. //APR / 6 cds with matching handstamped boxed [due] 10, CC Type G (CV $200) on homemade cover to Mrs. Mary Cumming, Warthens Store, Washington Co, Georgia with soldier endorsement of D. R. Cumming, Hospital Steward, 12th Batt. Ga. Vols. Light Artilery (sic). Very Fine. Ex Taylor, Hall, signed J. M. Bartels. [GA] $250.

Cumming David R., Pvt., enlisted 5/14/62, Sandersville, Hospital Steward 6/3/63, Surrendered Appomattox 4/9/65 with Gen. Lee. 1850 Census lists David R. Cummings age 18 living in Washington Co. in the household of Eli Cummings.

COLUMBIA / S.C. // NOV / 24 bold blue cds on colorful floral rose design wallpaper cover in shades of pink, orange, green and beige with [due] 10, addressed to Miss R. M. Brice, Youngsville, Fairfield, So Ca; top back flap missing and bottom one detached but affixed with hinge at bottom front with side flap turned to display.  Likely from a soldier, but missing the mandated endorsement. Research might be able to ascertain the sender. [SC] $570.