"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    

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  

“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 

"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 

“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. 

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.

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.

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.

“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. / 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.

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.

NORFOLK / VA // JUN / 1 / 1861 double circle cancel with matching blue handstamped PAID / 5 – all markings struck twice, addressed to “Lancelot M[inor]. Blackford, Esq., Box No 6, Lynchburg [Va[ with docketing up left side “B.L[ewis]. Blackford Recd. 3 June 1861” – historic June 1, 1861 date so important to postal historians as the first day of the Confederate postal system, a must in any comprehensive collection - the Minors and the Blackfords were inter-married and very familiar to Confederate postal historians. These two Blackfords were brothers. Lancelot enlisted in the Virginia Rockbridge 1st Light Artillery on 9-2-61 and was later promoted to 24th VA Infantry Field & Staff as adjutant. He was a graduate of UVA and post-war was principal for the Episcopal High School, Alexandria, Va. $2,500.

NORFOLK / Va. // AUG / 27 / 1861 CDS in blue with matching handstamped PAID 5 on pristine folded letter to Hon. A. H. Stephens, Vice President, C.S.,  Richmond, Va.; back flaps fully intact with usual contents docketing, from Thomas M. Le Baron who sends a letter of introduction to the Revd I. Prachensky of Alabama, a Catholic priest who wishes to aid and comfort those of his belief as a flating chaplain and would not interfere with any of those already confirmed; he speaks English, French and German. Extremely Fine, lovely use. $200.

NORFOLK / VA. // MAY / 23 / 1861 blue double circle postmark with matching straightline FREE on all-over illustrated advertising cover of Atlantic Hotel, Norfolk, Va. A .G. Newton, Proprietor – late of Newton’s Hotel, Alexandria, Va.; addressed to Post Master, Stone Wall Mills, Appomattox Co., Va.; ink stain at center and slightly reduced at bottom by folding, otherwise wonderful  Showpiece with scarce Confederate Free $1,000.

PETERSBURG  VA. / 5 cts // AUG / 20 [1861] blue integral rate postmark  on commercially made envelope with matching handstamped PAID 10 to Mrs. D. D. Nesbitt, Marietta, Cobb Co, Georgia. With  pencil docketing up left side “Bob 1861 Virginia, Cobb’s Legion”. This doubtless Robert Taylor Nesbitt of Co. B., Cobb’s Georgia Legion. Rare integral rate marking. $600.

Goshen Bridge [Va] manuscript postmark Sept 7th with manuscript “Paid 10” at upper right, to Mr. S. A. Bacon, Lexington [Va] on turned cover; inside a grid canceled 3¢ Nesbitt entire used with STAUNTON / Va. // AUG / 9 cds to Mr. H[enry]. A. Goodloe, Goshen Bridge. Quite scarce manuscript cancel. Henry A. Goodloe was the Confederate Postmaster at Goshen Bridge. $200.

LIBERTY / Va. // 27 / JUN with manuscript “Paid 5¢” at upper right on cover addressed to Fayette Hewitt, Care B.H. Clements, Chief Appmt Bureau, P.O. Department, Richmond, Va., Great address to a stellar Confederate officer. In 1867, after the war, Hewitt was appointed Quartermaster-General with the rank of Brigadier General, and worked arranging the claims of the commonwealth against the United States. Long detailed bio included. $220.

Captain Fayette Hewitt, Staff, Kentucky Orphan Brigade. The State of Kentucky was a border state and the State's soldiers who went South were referred to as Orphans, as they could not return home during the war.  Hewitt was from Elizabethtown, Kentucky.  His great contribution to Civil War history is that he preserved the records of his Orphan Brigade, allowing the comprehensive history of the Brigade to be written.  Hewitt served as a staff officer for Generals Albert Pike, Benjamin Hardin Helm (who ironically was a brother-in-law to U.S. President Abraham Lincoln) and, after Helm was killed at Chickamauga, Joseph Lewis. 

NORFOLK / VA // AUG / 26 / 1861 blue double circle postmark with matching handstamped PAID 5 on cover to Miss Sallie M. Corbin, Care of Nicholas Mills, Esq., Richmond, Va.; part of top back flap missing  $180.

CULPEPER C.H. / Va. // 1861 cds with matching handstamped PAID and ms “10” on cover to Mrs. S. Y. Cirttenden, Travellers Rest, Greenville, South Carolina, sealed bottom flap tears $150.

BROWNSBURGH / Va / NOV  / 28 [1861] cds with month inverted and ms day, manuscript “Paid 5” on cover to Mrs. Susan Clayton, Deerfield, Va., Very Fine $200.

BROWNSBURG / Va. / JUL / 12 cds with manuscript “Paid 10” rate to “Mrs. Ann E. Finley, Clark[s]ville, Mecklenburg Co., Virginia” on fresh cover possibly from her son George Williamson Finley , slightly reduced at left. Finley enlisted a captain as part of the Army of Northern Virginia. He was taken POW at Gettysburg and confined variously at Fort Delaware, Johnson’s Island, Point Lookout, Hammond Hospital and Hilton Head where he was part of the ”Immortal 600” intentionally put under fire of their Confederate artillery in Charleston Harbor as retaliation for poor treatment of Union POW’s. Finley decided to become a minister while a POW and entered Union Theological Seminary in 1866. Interesting detailed soldier, personal and regimental histories accompany.  Ex Hedin.  $300.

RICHMOND / Va. // AUG / 4 / 1861 cds with matching handstamped PAID / 5Cts on cover addressed to Mrs. M. P. Andrews, Care of Rev.Chas W. Andrews, Shepherdstown, Jefferson County [West] Virginia, postmarked "Richmond, Va./Aug. 4, 1861" cds with interesting routing instructions at bottom left “Care of N. B. Meade, Esq., Winchester  in case communication is stopped with Shepherdstown” During the early years of the War, military control over many of the small towns in Western Virginia often swung back and forth between opposing forces and the writer was astute enough to realize this. Ex Monroe and pictured in his book, page 55)   $500.

ABINGDON / Va. // JUN / 1861 cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 on somewhat soiled cover to Mr. Ambrose H. Winston, Woodville, Jackson So., Ala.; bit reduced at right. $125.

FOREST DEPOT / Va. // OCT / 1 [1861] rimless cds with matching handstamped PAID / 5 CENTS 2-line straightline on amber cover addressed to Dr. Richard N. Hewitt, 42nd Regiment Va. Vols., Care of Col. J.S. Burks, Huntersville, Pochohontas Co [West] Va; small flap faults and minor staining. 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. Triple threat - scarce handstamped paid into West Virginia with excellent medical military address. Ex Kohn and Hambrecht.  $600.

Dr. Richard Newton Hewitt (1827-1908) was born in Otter Oaks, Va. and received his M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 1849. He enlisted in 1861 as a 1st Sergt. In Co D, 42nd Virginia Infantry. He was discharged only a week later for what was likely rheumatic fever. He practiced medicine in Campbell County, Va after the war. Hambrecht notes one unsubstantiated reference which claims he was a Surgeon, C.S. Army in the Division of Gen. W.W. Loring, Army of West Virginia.

Dr. Jesse Spinner Burks (1823-1885), a VMI graduate and member of the Virginia legislature 1853-54,  enlisted as a colonel in 42nd Va. Infantry 7-15-61 and was commissioned into Field & Staff 6th VA Brigade 9-8-61. He resigned 7-21-62 due to severe hernia contracted at the Battle of Kernstown. He was a postwar farmer and financier.

WINCHESTER / VA / JUN / 14 / 1861 double circle cancel with matching handstamped PAID 5 on clean cover to Mrs. E. T. H. Mann, Gordonsville, Va., flap tear and tiny edge tear at top. 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 $90.

WINCHESTER / VA / NOV / 9 [1861] cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 on somewhat rumpled cover with part of side flap missing, addressed to Rev. Robt. R. S. Hough, Front Royal, Warren Co., Va.  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 $90.

PETERSBURG Va. // 5 cts / OCT / 16 [1861] integral rate blue cds (although hard to see on this copy) with matching PAID 10 in circle on cover to N. P. Ward, Esq, San Felipe, Texas – Trans-Mississippi to Texas (10¢ rate over 500 miles); flap tears.  $350.

PETERSBURG  Va. / 5 cts // AUG / 19 (integral rate stamp, date inverted) [1861] blue cds plus matching PAID 5 on clean cover to Mr. John E. Meade [Jr.] Care of Capt Dodson, Petersburg Rifle Company near Norfolk. $450.

Private John E. Meade was 20 years old when he enlisted 5-8-61 at Petersburg in Co E 4th Battalion VA Infantry; he was transferred to Co. E 12th VA Infantry (Petersburg Rifles) on 3-19-62 and died of disease 12-31-62. The Meade family papers are at UNC, Chapel Hill.

PETERSBURG  Va. / 5 cts // AUG / 19 (integral rate stamp) blue cds plus matching PAID 5 on clean cover to Mr. John E. Meade [Jr.] Care of Capt Dodson, Petersburg Riflemen, Norfolk, Va. $325.

Private John E. Meade was 20 years old when he enlisted 5-8-61 at Petersburg in Co E 4th Batallion VA Infantry; he was transferred to Co. E 12th VA Infantry (Petersburg Rifles) on 3-19-62 and died of disease 12-31-62. The Meade family papers are at UNC, Chapel Hill.

PETERSBURG / Va. // MAR / 25 [1865] cds in black with matching PAID 10 on clean cover to Mrs. Jas. A. Smithson, Macfarlands, Lunenburg [County] Va. with penciled “Rehoboth” above “Macfarlands”, slightly reduced at right. Wonderful brief enclosure from “E.M.” saying, in part, “Mary Ann has come and says Ruffin has come. He was the negro that Mr. G sold – said his Master gave him a pass to go where he chose & he came back to his old home & his sisters are coming as soon as the cars commence running…five soldiers staid here last night from the [Petersburg] battlefield said the Lunenburg & Charlotte Cavalry was cut all to peaces.” The Siege of Petersburg was June 15, 1864 – April 2, 1865 dating this to 1865 as well as the fact that the black Petersburg cancels are only known late in the war. This is the latest known use for a Petersburg PAID cancel. They likely had to resurrect the device as the supply of stamps ran out. It is doubtful there was much mail in those last days with almost all lines of communication cut off. $550.

SUFFOLK / Va. // JUL / 1 [1861] neat cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 addressed in the distinctive hand of (later Confederate Maj. General) William Dorsey Pender to his wife in Salem, NC. See my column “The Confederate Post” in the October 2011 issue of The American Stamp Dealer & Collector regarding a similar cover and his illustrious career. $900.

William Dorsey Pender (1834-1863) at twenty-nine was the youngest and the fastest-rising Major General in the Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg. He had just been placed at the head of "Powell" Hill's old Light Division, one of the two best divisions in the army. Along with Maj. Gen. John B. Hood, who commanded the only division which could match the Light Division, Pender was the man for whom Lee and others predicted a great future. Privately, Lee was quoted as saying that Pender was the most promising of the younger officers of the Army and in line to replace Stonewall Jackson. Unfortunately, his first battle as Major General was his last and he was killed in action at Gettysburg.

LEXINGTON / Va. // OCT / 12 [1861] with matching handstamped PAID 5 on cover to “Major E. G. Lee care Col. A. S. Cummings, 33d Regt. Va. Vols., Fairfax Station, Virginia. Considered a provisional only when unused. There is no way to prove it was prepared in advance if used.  $280.

Brigadier-General Edmund G. Lee (1835-1870), a second cousin of Robert E. Lee, graduated from William and Mary College and received a law degree from Washington College. With the earliest volunteers, he went to the front as second lieutenant of the Second Virginia Regiment.  Soon promoted first lieutenant, he was appointed aide-de-camp on the staff of Stonewall Jackson, of whose brigade the Second formed a part at First Manassas. On September 20, 1864, then Col. Lee was promoted brigadier-general, and he and his wife went to Canada on secret service for the government.

“Gladesboro Va / Jan 13 [1862]” all in manuscript with matching “5cts Paid” on homemade cover to Miss Ella B. Yonce, Wytheville, Va., bit rumpled. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library.  $100.

“Gladesboro Va / Feb 24 [1862]” all in manuscript with matching “5cts. Paid.” on homemade cover to Miss Sue V. Yonce, Wytheville, Va., bit reduced at left otherwise Very Fine. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $160.

 “Gladesboro Va / Nov 10th 1862” all in manuscript with matching “10 cts paid” on on adversity cover fashioned from postal form, to Mrs. Allie Yonce, Wytheville, Va., bit reduced at left otherwise Very Fine. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library.  $160.

“Gladesboro Va / Nov 24th 1862” all in manuscript with matching “10 cts paid” on adversity cover fashioned from postal form, addressed to Miss Fannie Yonce, Wytheville, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $180.

“Gladesboro Va / Nov 4th” all in manuscript with matching “paid 10.” on adversity cover fashioned from postal form, addressed to Miss E. Lane Yonce, Wytheville, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $170.

“Gladesboro Va / August 28th 1863” all in manuscript with matching “paid 10” on turned cover fashioned with inside a cut down larger addressed envelope, addressed to Miss Fannie A. Yonce, Wytheville, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $140.

“Gladesboro Va / Aug 17th 1862” all in manuscript with matching “paid 10 cts” on turned cover fashioned with inside a cut down larger addressed envelope, addressed to Miss Fannie A. Yonce, Wytheville, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $150.

“Gladesboro Va / April 30th 1863” all in manuscript with matching “paid 10 cts” on adversity cover fashioned from postal form, addressed to Miss Fannie A. Yonce, Wytheville, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $200.

“Gladesboro Va / April 16th 1864” all in manuscript with matching “paid 10 cts” on turned cover fashioned with inside a cut down larger addressed envelope, addressed to Miss Fannie A. Yonce, Wytheville, Va.; bit rumpled. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $120.

“Gladesboro, Va” all in manuscript with matching “Paid 10 cts” on cover to Mrs. Allie Yonce, Wytheville, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library.  $150.

“Gladesboro Va / August 25th” all in manuscript with matching “paid 10 cts” on turned cover fashioned with inside a cut down larger addressed envelope, addressed to Mrs. Kate B. Morehead, Dublin, Pulaski Co, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $120.

“Gladesboro Va / Oct 27th 1862” all in manuscript with matching “paid 10 cts” on adversity cover fashioned from postal form, addressed to Mrs. Allie Yonce, Wytheville, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $200.

“Gladesboro, Va Sept 2x” all in manuscript with matching “paid 10 cts” on cover to Miss Fannie Yonce, Wytheville, Va., bit rumpled. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library.  $140.

“Gladesboro Va / Oct 14th 1862” all in manuscript with matching “Paid 10 cts” on adversity cover fashioned from postal form, addressed to Miss Fannie A. Yonce, Wytheville, Va. The William B. Yonce Papers, 1827-1893 are in the Duke University library. $200.

CULPEPER C.H. / Va. // APR / 3 cds with matching handstamped PAID on clean folded letter to A B. Blakey Esq, Madison CH, Va.; business letter (no year date) is from SS Bradford and mentions Confederate money. $110.