"Hardwicksville (VA) Sept 14th (1861) paid 5 cts" all in manuscript on cover to "Lieut W. A. Perkins, Yorktown, Cumberland Troop"; which unit was also known as Co. G, 3rd VA Cav., Cumberland Light Dragoons; scarce manuscript town

"Tye River Ware House (Va) Augst 7 (1861) Paid 5 cts." all in manuscript to "Mrs. A. L. Brent, Bremo Bluff, Fluvanna (Va); docketed "one of my dear sisters last letters to me", fresh and Fine, Scarce manuscript town cancel.

SMITHFIELD/Va. PAID V red handstamped paid, New Dietz type IA on previously prepared manuscript Paid 5 cents envelope to Reidsville NC Care of Capt Matlock. Pencil docketing on verso by AEW indicates that it appeared in the A. Earl Weatherly sale October 20, 1972 and is signed "To William Boyst from Earl Weatherly 10-31-7", Unusual and scarce item in pristine condition

ARRINGTON/VA. handstamped PAID 5 on neat cover, slightly reduced at right, addressed "Care of Capt. T. C. Jordan" to Jamestown Island, Va.

PETERSBURG / VA./FEB/14 blue cds with UNLISTED matching handstamped PAID 5 on homemade cover to "Mrs. E. A. Preot, Care of A. Preot, Esq., Farmville, Va." This was Mrs. Eduard Arnaud Preot. Preot was born in Lille, France, emigrated to the U.S. and served on faculty of several female colleges. He was more illustrious in death than in life. In 1873 a keg of Preot's beer exploded in his face and killed him. Complete and interesting biography with likeness accompanies.

PALMYRA / Va. AUG/2 brown handstamped PAID (no rate) on turned cover to "James A. Sutherland, Ward I 2nd Division, Chimborazo Hospital, Richmond, Virginia". Sutherland enlisted as a private at Centreville, VA in Co. D of the 19th VA Infantry. He was wounded at Seven Pines, VA on 6-1-62, hospitalized 11-21-63 at Chimborazo with tuberculosis and absent/sick on 8-15-64. Chimborazo (1862 to 1865) was the most noted and largest military hospital in the annals of history, either ancient or modern. Inside use a 4-margin 10¢ blue #12 tied with part strike of Richmond, Va. cds addressed to "Miss Elizabeth J. Thompson, Palmyra, Fluvanna Co., Va". Top back flap attached to a side flap, but not at top, a bit rough at top. Scarce color cancel and turned use.

Click on each thumbnail at left individually to see both sides of this turned cover.

WYTHEVILLE /V A./DEC/10 (1861) PAID (no rate) to John F. Baugh, Cashier, Lynchburg, Va., Very Fine    

PETERSBURG / Va. blue handstamped PAID 5, type IIA, on pristine cover dated June 30 (1861) town cancel, slightly reduced at left. Addressed to “Mr. John E. Meade, Petersburg Riflemen, Harrison’s Farm near Norfolk, Va.”. Meade was a 20-year farmer when he enlisted on June 20, 1861 as a private into Co. “I”, 49th VA Infantry. He was wounded at Port Republic, Va on June 16, 1862 and discharged for disability on June 16, 1862. He was described as 5’3” and dark complexion. Brief military bio and info on Battle of Port Republic included, the most costly battle fought by Jackson’s Army of the Valley during its campaign.  

RICHMOND / Va./JUN/13/1851 handstamped PAID 5 on commercial cover with embossed seal on flap, addressed to New Centre, S.C., Fine, Ex-Katz 

FAIRFAX C.H. / Va. /SEP /13 (1861) handstamped PAID 10 on cover to “Mrs. Martha Owen Thomas, Griffin, Georgia, Care of Mrs. Mary Anne Stark” Soldier’s cover posted during ANV operations in the area. Prior owner note saying only 4 recorded covers, but I can not verify that; slightly reduced at left and bit edge worn. Fine  

"Austinville, Va Septr 13 (1862) Paid 10", all in manuscript on folded letter on lined paper to “Messers F & H Fries, Salem, N.C.” from William Kohler, Agt, Union Lead Mine Co.  looking for sheeting. Of all her mineral contributions to the Confederacy, Virginia's production of lead was probably the most significant. 

“North Garden, Va. Sept 30th 1861 Paid 5” all in manuscript on commercial cover addressed to “J. C. Rutherford Esqr., Healing Springs, Bath County, Va” where forwarded with a manuscript “Ford 5” directly under the paid marking with the HEALING SPRINGS /VA / OCT/ 5 (1861) cds and redirected to Lock Lomond. Wonderful use. 

"Belfast Mills, Va. Nov. 9.1861 Paid 5", all in manuscript on pristine cover to well-known nurseryman in Staunton, Va., Extremely Fine. Ex-Tobias 

"Belmead Mills March 4 62 Va Paid 5", all in manuscript on pristine cover to “Mrs. E. L. Harris, Goochland Cty, Va., Rarity 8 town, Ex-Tobias

 Breckenridge Va Feb 20 Paid 5 John F. Padigo 18th Feb 1862 (Postmaster at the time), addressed to “C. Y. Thomas, Esq., Richmond, Va.” . C. Y. Thomas was a man of more than ordinary distinction in Virginia, an attorney of ability who served in the Virginia senate before the War and struggled in vain against secession. Despite this, he held the office of commonwealth attorney during the War and was appointed by the Confederacy to distribute supplies to the needy families of Confederate soldiers. A number of covers from this correspondence are known sent to Thomas by illegal postmaster free frank from various different towns. Flap opening tear. Scarce town, Ex-Tobias

"Cascade, Va. Dec. 12th (1861), Paid 5", all in manuscript, docketed “Mrs. A E. Thornton 10 Dec 1861” on cover to “C. Y. Thomas, Esq., Richmond, Va.” . C. Y. Thomas was a man of more than ordinary distinction in Virginia, an attorney of ability who served in the Virginia senate before the War and struggled in vain against secession. Despite this, he held the office of commonwealth attorney during the War and was appointed by the Confederacy to distribute supplies to the needy families of Confederate soldiers. Flap opening tear. Scarce town, Ex-Tobias

Leatherwood Va Feb 14 (1862) Paid 5 to to “C. Y. Thomas, Esq., Richmond, Va.”  C. Y. Thomas was a man of more than ordinary distinction in Virginia, an attorney of ability who served in the Virginia senate before the War and struggled in vain against secession. Despite this, he held the office of commonwealth attorney during the War and was appointed by the Confederacy to distribute supplies to the needy families of Confederate soldiers. Valentine’s Day posting and docketing of contents: “Geo W. Bell, 13th Feb 1862”. Usual flap opening tear characteristic of this correspondence, cover staining, chip out of top right of cover face, Ex-Tobias. 

Mossingford, Va. Decr 18 (1861) Paid 5, all in manuscript on folded business and personal letter to “Mr. William Gray, Richmond, Va.” from his nephew John E. Cook, file folds, Rarity 4 town, Ex-Tobias,

Pemberton Va Aug 28th (1861) Paid 5 cts, all in manuscript on cover addressed to “Mrs. Dr. A. L. Brent, Bremo Bluff P.O., Flevanna Co. Va.”; soldier records show Arthur Lee Brent as a 40 year-old physician who enlisted on June 6, 1861 as a captain into 1st Co Virginia Fluvanna 1st Light Artillery. He resigned only weeks later. Of note is that he was married to Sallie Cocke, the daughter of Gen. John Hartwell Cocke. Ex-Tobias.

 Pleasant Gap Pd 5 Jan 1 (1862), all in manuscript on blue folded letter from William Walton to “William Orender Esq, Fulton Post Office, Surry County, North Carolina” re hiring of his “boys” and difficulty collecting debts, very fragile with splits at folds reinforced with hinges, Scarce town, ex-Tobias.

Rockfish Depot (Va) July 18th Paid 10, all in manuscript on cover to “Dr. B. P. Morris, Amherst C.H., Virginia”, rarity 5 town, Ex-Kohn and Tobias.

Sunny Side Va June 27th 1861 Paid 5, all in manuscript on folded letter to “Ro. H. Gills, Esq Comr in Chancery Curdsville, Buckingham County, Virginia” from Edward J. Brown regarding the disposition of slaves, part of which says “This woman belonged to the Estate of Henry J. Brown and on the 9th May 1859 she with other slaves were divided among his children. That year she was hired at the Institute for $75.” Amazing letter regarding the trading of slaves. 

"Ty(e) R(iver) W(are)house Aug 21 1861 Pd 5" all in manuscript on pristine homemade cover addressed to “Dr. Arthur Lee Brent, Bremo Bluff PO, Fluvanna, Va”; soldier records show Arthur Lee Brent as a 40 year-old physician who enlisted on June 6, 1861 as a captain into 1st Co Virginia Fluvanna 1st Light Artillery. He resigned only weeks later. Of note is that he was married to Sallie Cocke, the daughter of Gen. John Hartwell Cocke. Rarity 6 town; Ex-Tobias.

"Plantersville, Va. 30 July, 62 Pd 10" , all in manuscript on small homemade cover to “Mr. E. J. Gregory, Richmond, Virginia Co A 46th Reg Va Vols Wise’s Brigade”; soldier and regimental history included. Edward J. Gregory enlisted as a private and rose to 1st Lieut by 1863. In 1862 he was listed for postal clerkship, variously sick with dysentery 1863, surgery 1864 and then wounded at Petersburg July 30, 1864 at the Battle of the Crater which cost the Union around 3,793 killed, wounded, and captured, while the Confederates incurred around 1,500. Surrendered at Appomattox April 9, 1865. Ex-Tobias.

"Austinville, Va June 11 (1864) Paid 10¢" on folded letter to “Messrs F. St. Fries, Salem, N.C.” inquiring about exchanging 25-50 lbs of excellent wool for jeans and if they might send samples of cloth, signed Wm Kohler, Agt., tiny fault at lower left otherwise Very Fine, Ex-Tobias 

"Christiansville Va Pd 10 cts Oct 4th 1862" all in manuscript on tiny homemade cover to “Franklin Davis, Nurseryamn, Staunton, Viriginia”, Rarity 6 town, ex-Tobias. 

"Fabers Mills Va Paid 10 Jan 4 / 65" , all in manuscript, late use on homemade cover to Lynchburg, ex-Tobias. Scarce town.

"Macon, Va. Augst 18th Paid 10" all in manuscript to “Mr. Bennett M. Bagby Rices Depot Pr(ince) Edward Co(unty) Va” on fresh homemade cover, Ex-Tobias.

"Millboro Springs (Bath County, Va) Paid 10¢" 11th March (6)3 on pristine homemade cover to “W. Davis, Nurseryman, Staunton, Va.”, Ex-Tobias

MONTEREY / Va Oct (1861) cds with handstamped PAID 5, Dietz type I) on cover to Drakes Branch, Va. Monterey is in the Allegheny Mountains on the western upland side of the Shenandoah Valley, ex-Tobias.

"Nelly’s Ford (Va) April 4th / 63 Paid 10" all in manuscript oncover to “Franklin Davis Esq, Staunton Nurseries, Staunton, Augusta Co., Va.”, ex-Tobias.

"Oak Park, Va. Paid 5 Nov 2" all in manuscript on homemade cover to “Col. James L. Kemper, 7 Regt Va Vol, Centerville, Va.” Illustrious long military record for (later Major General) James Lawson Kemper enclosed. VMI grad. On the third day of the fighting at Gettysburg he led his brigade in the heroic charge upon Cemetery hill.  As the division concentrated in making the final assault, Kemper fell desperately wounded, his brother brigadiers, Garnett and Armistead, being killed a few moments later. He was brought off the field, but subsequently fell into the hands of the Federals.  After three months' imprisonment and when it seemed unlikely that he would recover, he was exchanged for General Graham, of the United States army. His injuries prevented further service in the field, but his gallant deeds were rewarded by promotion to major-general, and he was given command of the reserve forces of Virginia, until the close of the war. A lawyer by trade, he was elected governor of Virginia 1874-77. Ex-Tobias.

Old Church, Va Aug 7th/61 Paid 5, all in manuscript on clean cover to “Mrs. Fanny B. C. Brown, Loving Creek, Bedford Co., Va”, part top back flap missing otherwise Very Fine, Ex-Tobias  

DANVILLE / VA. handstamped PAID 5, Dietz type V, on cover  to Salem, N.C., Very Fine, signed Brian Green,.Ex-Gunter 

RICHMOND / Va. / FEB. 5, 1862 cds with matching PAID 2 handstamp on locally addressed cover, ms. note on back "W.G. Sikes 2nd Geo. hospital Feb 5th 1862", letter gives an account of his illness and begs Mr. Stephens to procure for him a furlough for 30 days, Very Fine and interesting drop rate use, top back flap missing, ex Howard Green and Erin Gunter 

BONSACK'S / Va. / SEP / 2 (1861) PAID (Dietz Type I), nice 36 mm balloon postmark, no rate. Routing instructions, “By the Va and Tennessee Railroad to Christianburg”. Top back flap tear and bit stained, otherwise fine, ex-Kohn. 

TAYLORSVILLE / VA / JUN / 10, changed in manuscript to "11" by postmaster on cover, handstamped PAID 5 addressed to “Major Wm R. Winn, Ashland, Va.”, Very Fine, Ex-Powell. Winn is show in the military records as enlisted in the 74th Militia VA Infantry. 

“Paid 10” in manuscript on cover addressed to “Capt. R. Chapman, Manassas Junction, VA, care of Col. Syd Moore, 11th Ala Regt”; reduced at left upon opening. Rueben Chapman, Jr. enlisted as a captain (date unknown) in Company H of the 11th Alabama. 

“Cascade, Va Feby the 27th (1862) Paid 5”, all in manuscript on cover to “C.Y. Thomas Esq., Richmond, Va.”, part of top back flap missing. Thomas was a man of more than ordinary distinction in Virginia, an attorney of ability who served in the Virginia senate before the War and struggled in vain against secession. Despite this, he held the office of commonwealth attorney during the War and was appointed by the Confederacy to distribute supplies to the needy families of Confederate soldiers.

PETERSBURG 5 cts blue AUG 28 (1861) cds with matching blue handstamped PAID 5 on brown embossed Martin, Tannahill & CO Grocers Corner Card of Petersburg, reduced at bottom edge, fresh and Handsome use 

STRASBURG / VA. / AUG / 28 cds on revalued handstamped PAID in boxed oval and encircled 10 over 5 rate stamps on cover to “Miss Caroline Moulden, Quitman, Brooks Co. Georgia”, horizontal file crease, Molesworth note that is only recorded example from Strasburg and that it is considered a provisional. Ex-Everett.

TUDOR HALL / SEP / 6 cds with matching handstamped PAID 10 on fresh cover to “Mrs. Susie Allen, Antioch P.O. Troup Co., Ga”, from the soldier’s correspondence of Ujanirtus C. Allen who enlisted as a Jr. 2nd Lieut in Co F Ga 21 Infantry (Army of Northern Virginia). He rose in rank to Captain before he was wounded at Cold Harbor in 1862 and killed at Chancellorsville in 1863. 

WINCHESTER / Va. / 20 / MAY (1862) handstamped PAID 5 on cover to “Powell Conrad Esq Grove Creek Marshall County, Virginia”. Winchester changed hands over 70 times during the Civil War

NORFOLK / VA / JUL / 9 / 1861 blue dc cancel with matching encircled PAID and 10 on small cover to “Miss Fanny Carry, Oglethorpe, Ga.”, reduced a bit at left otherwise Very Fine.

TUDOR HALL / Va. / SEP / 17 / 1861 cds with matching PAID 10 on fresh cover to “Miss Gennie M. James, Lexington, Georgia” with contemporary docketing up left side “Richmond Examiner Autographs”.

TUDOR HALL / Va. / SEP / 14 / 1861 cds with matching PAID 5 on fresh cover to “Mrs. Wm H. Harman, Staunton, Va.” and “Mr. Miller” at bottom left.

NORFOLK / Va. / MAR / 13 / 1862 blue cds with matching straightline FREE on cover to the postmaster of Stone Wall Mills, Appomattox County, Va., Scarce marking 

PALMYRA / Va. / JAN / 4 cds with matching handstamped PAID (no rate) in brown on homemade envelope addressed to “James A. Sutherland, Richmond, Va. Chimborazo (Hospital) 5th Division Ward B”. Sutherland enlisted as a private at Centreville, VA in Co. D of the 19th VA Infantry. He was wounded at Seven Pines, VA on 6-1-62, hospitalized 11-21-63 at Chimborazo with tuberculosis and absent/sick on 8-15-64. Chimborazo (1862 to 1865) was the most noted and largest military hospital in the annals of history, either ancient or modern. $230.

LEXINGTON / Va/ SEP / 28 (1861) cds in blue with matching handstamped PAID 5 on cover to“Major E(dmund). G. Lee Care Col. A.C. Cummings, 33rd Regt Va Vols., Fairfax Court House, Virginia” He was promoted to Brig. General in September and sent to Canada on secret service. Ill health plagued him after the war and he died in 1870. Bio accompanies.  Ex-Oswald and Monroe. $150.

RICHMOND / Va. / JUL / 11 / 1862 cds with matching handstamped PAID 10 on cover to “Thomas K. Truss, Trussville, Ala. Jefferson Co.” Trussville was named after the addressee, the youngest son of the man who founded the town. Thomas was a Capt in Co. C Alabama Barbiere’s Cavalry Battallion, Armistead’s Brigade, Local Defense Troops (Alabama Reserves) during the war.  $150.

NORFOLK / VA. / JUN / 19 / 1861 blue cds with matching handstamped "PAID" in circle and "5" rate on attractive clean blind embossed merchant corner card cover to “John E. Morecock Esq., Weldon, N.C.”, Very Fine.  $425.

RICHMOND / VA. / NOV / 21 / 1862 cds (Powell type 2b) on drop rate cover addressed “To Vice President A.H. Stephens or Hon. M. J. Crawford, Richmond Va. Care of Capt Mangham” with straight line "PAID 2" handstamp; interesting 1861 docketing on reverse regarding Col. W. Ector, Camp Dickinson, Kanawha River who "Enumerates the grievances of his men. Wants to be ordered from N.W. Virginia to some more agreeable climate for the winter.", expert corner repair at top left (just affecting postmark), missing bottom flap, Very Fine, a very scarce rate handstamp.  $575.

NORFOLK / Va. / NOV / 5 / 1861 blue cds neatly struck on 3-page printed folded circular with matching handstamped PAID (2¢) in circle from the Quartermaster Generals Office, Virginia Forces, trivial internal splits at fold junctions, Very Fine. The letter instructs company commanders to "...now balance the year's receipts in favor of the State of Virginia and against the Confederate States, to whom you will account thereafter." Addressed to “Lt. Col. F. H. Archer, Smithfield, Isle of Wight Co., Va”. Truly exceptional condition for a Confederate military circular. Lt. Col. Archer was in service with field and staff of the Virginia 5th Battalion Infantry Reserves. Ex-Cipolla. A beauty.  $1,500.

RICHMOND / VA. / JUL / 11 / 1861, cds (Powell type 6) with matching handstamped PAID 10 in circle on pristine cover to “Mrs. Eliza Forney, Jacksonville, Ala.”, addressed by General William H. Forney (1823-1894) to his wife, slightly reduced at right, Very Fine.  $400.

LEXINGTON / Va. / MAR / 22 [1864] cds with matching handstamped PAID 10 on an adversity cover fashioned from a land auction broadside addressed to “Lt. W. W. Davidson, Dublin Depot, Pulaski Co., Va.” with original 3-page letter headed Lexington, March 21st 1864 to “My Dear Son” from his mother saying, in part, “The Yankees had not troubled him (William). His negro boy Lewis went off two years ago and is in the Yankee Army…my dear child I am afraid I will not have anything to send you. Every thing is so scarce. We have not been able to get a pound of butter since Charlie left us…Dorman Campbell is still with us. He had hoped to get a place at the Camp of Instruction but did not succeed. He does not know what he will do.” A nice duo. $250.

Click on thumbnails at left to enlarge. Only first page of the letter is shown.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA / SEP / 21 [1861] PAID with manuscript rate “10”, light blue strikes of Dietz type I on outer folded lettersheet addressed to “Capn. Philip B(arraud) Cabell, Care of Gen. P(hilip) St. Geo(rge) Cocke, Commanding 5th Brigade, Fairfax C. House, Va.”, dynamite military address with a sad statistic – Cocke was the only Confederate general to commit suicide during the Civil War – a West Point graduate and a brigade commander at First Manassas, he returned to his home in poor health a few months after the battle and committed suicide the day after Christmas 1861. Cabell was a volunteer aid to General Philip St. George Cocke, educated at the University of Virginia and from the very influential Cabell family.   Written up in my American Stamp Dealer & Collector column in May 2007 – downloadable at http://www.webuystamps.com/ASDMAY07.pdf $250.00

“Palmers Springs Va Paid 5 3rd July [1861]” scarce manuscript cancel on pristine cover addressed to “H.E. Coleman, Esq, Company F 14th Reg., Jamestown, Va”. The 14th VA infantry was a Gettysburg Pickett’s Charge regiment (Aremistead’s Brigade of Pickett’s Division, but Lt. Coleman was not there as he was discharged 8-7-62 after furnishing a substitute. Very Fine cover with obscure use from Mecklenburg County, VA. Military record included: Coleman was a 31 year-old planter who enlisted as a sergeant at Lombardy Grove, Va. He was promoted to Adjutant in July 1861. $200.

“Lowry, Va. Dec 24th / 61 Paid 5” manuscript cancel on fresh homemade cover to “John F. Baugh, Esq, Merchants Bank, Lynchburgh, Va.”, the illustrating copy in the Virginia Postal History Society  Catalog. Said by a prior owner to be the only recorded marking for this town before or during the Civil War, which I have not confirmed. Scarce Bedford County town. $200.

EMORY / Va. / NOV / 8 [1861] blue cds with matching PAID 5 on small ladies cover to “Miss Lou Keither, Athens, E. Tennessee” with embossed flower basket at upper left, small sealed tear at top through paid marking, a charmer, ex Emerson and Kaplan $150.

YORKTOWN / VA. / NOV / 1 [1861] cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 on cover to “Mrs. C. M. Avery, Morgantown, NC”, reduced at left otherwise fresh and Fine, ex Kaplan $100.

TUDOR HALL / Va. / NOV / 4 [1861] cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 on cover to “John W. F. Weaver, Olin Irdelle Co, NC”, slightly reduced at left, ex Kaplan  $110

STRASBURG / VA cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 on turned cover to “Mrss Bettie A. Childress, Jetersville, Amelia Cty, Va” with mandated soldier’s endorsement “From Sergt A. M. Childress Co B 23rd Regt Va. Vols.” Inside use is a cut down legal size cover with part of Winchester cancellation visible but no postage remaining, addressed to Strasburg. Alfred W. Childress records included. He enlisted 5-16-61 as a private and was promoted to 2nd Lieut 4-21-61, hospitalized and sick multiple times and resigned 11-15-62. ex Kaplan $150.

RICHMOND / Va. / AUG / 17 / 1861 cds with matching  handstamped PAID 10 on cover to “Mrs. Rosina Harber Car J. P. T. Philips, Esq, New Orleans, La., use of 10¢ rate over 500 miles, Fine, ex Kaplan $100.

RICHMOND / Va. / SEP / 17 / 1861 cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 Cts on cover to “Col. Kemper 7th Reg Va Vols, Fairfax CH, Va.”, James Lawson Kemper was the 7th regiment's original commanding officer and led the unit until promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General on June 3, 1862. He commanded a brigade in Pickett's Division and was badly wounded and captured on July 3, 1863. Later exchanged, his wounds prevented further active field duty. He subsequently commanded the Virginia Reserve forces and was promoted to the rank of Major-General to date from September 19, 1864. He surrendered and was paroled at Danville, Virginia on May 2, 1865, ex Kaplan $150.

RICHMOND / Va. / JUN / 24 / 1861 cds with matching handstamped PAID 10 on commercially made cover with lovely watermark, addressed to “Mrs. A. C. Davidson, Union town, Perry County, Ala”, ex Kaplan  $90.

RICHMOND / Va. / JUN / 9 / 1861 cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 on clean cover to “Dr. A. G. Grimon, Orange C House, Va.”, ex Kaplan $90

NORFOLK / Va. / SEP / 21 / 1861 blue cds with matching handstamped PAID 10 on small fresh narrow commercially made cover to “Miss E. J. Goelet, Demopolis, Ala.”, Very Fine, ex Kaplan $200.

LEXINGTON / Va. / NOV / 30 [1861] blue cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 on pristine cover to “Revd George Wm White, San Marino Dinwiddie, Va.”, Very Fine, ex Kaplan $250.

FAIRFAX C.H. / Va. / SEP / 23 [1861] cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 on cover to “Mr. W. L. Scott, Manassas Junction, Va. in care of Col. Kirkland, 11 Regiment N.C. Volenters (sic)” with docketing up the left side “at the Junction or any other place they are quartered at” signed Joel F. Alan. William L. Scott (military record included) 32 years old when he enlisted in Co M of NC 21st Infantry. He was promoted to Lt. Col. 2-1-62. Although it says “11 NC” in address, it is likely in error as the 21st fought at First Manassas and Scott is listed therein, top flap missing otherwise Very Fine, Ex Kaplan $200.

LEXINGTON / Va. / OCT / 31 [1861] blue cds with matching PAID 5 on overall illuminated ad cover with corner card of Greenlee Davidson attorney, addressed to Mrs. Davidson Care Mason Matthews, Lewisburg, Greenbrier Co., [West] Va., large tear through cds at top and top back flap replaced, none the less a Very Fine appearing cover, ex Kaplan $200.

[Petersburg, Virginia] blue straightline PAID and red crayon “2” drop rate on cavalry soldier’s letter to “Miss Agnes Lyon Care of Maj D. Lyon, Petersburg, Va”. Unevenly opened at right. Letter is from Thomas Boisseau Booth, who was a 21 year-old farmer and 1860 graduate of VMI when he enlisted in Co. I 3rd Virginia Cavalry. He was a courier for Gen. Semmes and wounded 5-9-62 in the retreat up peninsula. Scarce drop rate and excellent letter contents. $600.

Long soldier’s letter of 8 pages headed “Cavalry Camp September 8th, 1861” – full typed transcription accompanies. Some rather amusing contents, to wit, “A man from Prince George by the name of L. L. Lee and about half crocked came to our camp just before the burning of Hampton. Stayed with us about two days and went off somewhere I know not where. To my surprise as we passed Bethel on our way to Hampton who should I see but Mr. Lee. He followed us down and while we were down there he got off some way or other and went towards Old Point where he was taken and carried to the Rip Raps as a prisoner. None of us knew he had gone there until a few days ago he came to out camp and told us he was just from Fortress Monroe. Upon being asked how he managed to get away he said he preached, wrote and talked to them so often and so much they had to turn him out to get rid of him. He says he has nearly converted Old Wool and he thinks a few more visits down there will convert him and he will come to General Magruder and ask his pardon for the sin he has committed in taking up arms against him. And finally he says he has made the Yankees open their eyes by telling them God is against them and he will fight our battles for us. I think they have had evidence enough of this already.”

WYTHEVILLE / VA dateless double circle cancel, two strikes at upper left with third ghost strike, matching double strike of PAID handstamped on fresh cover addressed in peacock blue ink to Mrs. Sophia Buchanan, Rural Retreat, Wyth[e] Co Va, 1989 CSA certificate #01844 as handstamped paid (no doubt submitted as potential provisional), Very Fine and unusual  $250.

NORFOLK / VA. / OCT / 11 / 1861 blue double circle cancel with matching PAID 5 C. on cover to Mrs. Jno Herbert Claiborn, Kennedy’s PO, Va., flap faults otherwise Fine $180.

RICHMOND / VA / JULY / 20 / 1861 cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 Cts on clean cover to Capt. Jayhugh Wills, Buchanon, Botetourt Va, flap tear otherwise Very Fine $110.

RICHMOND / VA / JULY / 31 / 1861 cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 Cts on clean cover to G. W. Mordecai, Esq., Raleigh, NC $90.

SUFFOLK / Va. / JUL / 5 [1861] cds and matching handstamped PAID 5 to Mrs. D. H. Hamilton, Jr. Hillsboro, N.C. on neat cover, flap faults otherwise Very Fine $180.

[Tudor Hall, Va.] manuscript “Paid 5” on cover addressed to “Mrs. William King, Care Alexr H Rutherford Esq, Richmond, Va.” with archivist pencil docketing “Manassas Jct, June 1st 1861” – the First Day of the Confederate Postal System. Orderlies collected outgoing mail at the company level along with the correct amount of money for postage from each soldier (before the soldier’s due priviledge was instituted July 31, 1861). Some earlier collectors espoused these as provisional markings (they are not). With the military activity in the area, the postmaster saw postal proceeds go from $47.53 the preceding year to $7,800 for a four month period beginning July 1861. Note that the cover shows a relatively neat and fully written out “Paid 5”, which quickly degenerated to “Pd 5” with the weight of all the extra work, done by the postmaster mostly with no help. Ex Don Preston Peters. Many of the covers in the Peters collection have their letters at Duke University. As there is no postmark on this cover, the best an expertizing body could do would be “no opinion” with regard to the date of mailing, thus this cover is offered on its own merits. While likely June 1, there is no incontrovertible proof thereof and it is therefore offered at a fraction of what a proveable example would command.  $500.

[Tudor Hall, Va.] manuscript “Pd 5” on cover addressed to “Mrs. William King, Care Alexr H Rutherford Esq, Richmond, Va.” with archivist pencil docketing “Manassas Jct, July 28th 1861. Orderlies collected outgoing mail at the company level along with the correct amount of money for postage from each soldier (before the soldier’s due priviledge was approved July 29, 1861). Some earlier collectors espoused these as provisional markings (they are not). With the military activity in the area, the postmaster saw postal proceeds go from $47.53 the preceding year to $7,800 for a four month period beginning July 1861. Piece of cover edge ripped away at bottom right of the front. Ex Don Preston Peters. Many of the covers in the Peters collection have their letters at Duke University. $75.

[Tudor Hall, Va.] manuscript “Pd 5” on cover addressed to “Mrs. William King, Care Alexr H Rutherford Esq, Richmond, Va.” with archivist pencil docketing “Manassas Jct, July 12th 1861. Orderlies collected outgoing mail at the company level along with the correct amount of money for postage from each soldier (before the soldier’s due priviledge was instituted July 31, 1861). Some earlier collectors espoused these as provisional markings (they are not). With the military activity in the area, the postmaster saw postal proceeds go from $47.53 the preceding year to $7,800 for a four month period beginning July 1861. Cover a bit reduced at left otherwise Very Fine. Ex Don Preston Peters. Many of the covers in the Peters collection have their letters at Duke University. $110.