Texas, 18th Texas Infantry, ALS, 2-page octavo; from soldier / master to his slaves, undated and of unknown origination; detailing what he expects of them while his away in the army to include farming, animal husbandry, maintenance and household duties, highly unusual and rare letter; small fold splits otherwise Very Fine, “Nelson, Emilina, Tyler & Perry by being obedient and kind to your Miss Ann and mind what she tells you and taking good care of anything making all you can you will always have the good wishes of your Master Allen." Signed Allen A. Cameron. Probably included with a letter to his wife; ex Bleuler. Scan is only of the second side with quoted part and signature.

(Leatherwood, Va.) “Mrs. Matilda F. Gravely Dec 2nd 1864” (Benjamin F. Gravely was postmaster at Leatherwood and owner of large tobacco farm) to frequent correspondent “C.Y. Thomas Esq, Martinsville Henry Co Va”. Either this is a handcarried envelope from Postmaster Gravely or an illegal use is was known with these correspondents; used on turned unused green embossed cameo corner card of “Alleghany Springs Virginia Booth Colhoun & Co Proprietors.” Ex-Tobias.

U.S. 3¢ Star Die entire #U27 used with ADAMS EXPRESS, NEW ORLEANS, APR 20, cds to New York, with embossed albino corner card of “H. A. Schuermann / New Orleans” and manuscript. 'per Adams Express' notation, 1861 docketing at left; slightly reduced at top with missing back top flap, fresh, Scarce use 

SOUTHERN EXPRESS COMPANY, RICHMOND, VA., imprint on buff cover to “J.P. Hawkins, Agt, Danville, Va.”, with manuscript 'Expense $1.55' marking; reduced bit at left otherwise Extremely Fine, Ex-Wiseman. This is an internal business company express cover. Hawkins worked for Southern Express from at least 1862 to May 1865. General Orders No. 77 dated October 22, 1862, exempted Southern Express employees from conscription. He worked as an agent on the Virginia Central and the Orange & Alexandria railroads and wrote about his wartime work. His diaries are housed in Navarro College's Pearce Civil War Collection.   Hawkins’ wartime express activity is available on historynet.com from a reprint of an article by Julie Holcomb in the May 2003 issue of America's Civil War. A wonderful and scarce use.

France to New Orleans, August 1861, Folded letter from Paris to New Orleans with sender's route instructions "for Adams & Co Express N.Y.", France 80¢ Napoleon tied by diamond of dots, "Paris 4e/24 Aout 61" double-circle datestamp, red "PD" in frame handstamp, red "New York Paid 15 Sep. 11" credit datestamp, received in New York after termination of express routes, sent to U.S. D.L.O. with "Dead Letter Office P.O. Dept" double-oval backstamp, ms. "Recie le 28 Juin 1862" indicating the letter finally reached address after U.S. forces occupied New Orleans in April 1862, some wear and ink erosion, still Fine, accompanied by a check in addressee's hand which matches docketing on back, a fascinating use, intended for thru-the-lines express mail but eventually delivered by the U.S. post office, Ex-Gunter  $2,000

Click on thumnails at left individually to enlarge

ADAMS EX. CO. / * LOUISVILLE, KY. * JUL / 10 / 1861 bold cds with "10" inverted,U.S. 3¢ dull red #26 cancelled by blue grid, matching LOUISVILLE KY /JUL / 11 / 1861 dc on thru-the-lines cover to New York City, ms. "40/1" express charge (40¢), faint toning, stamp with diagonal crease at bottom left, Fine, rare without any indication of Confederate origin or postage paid, Ex-Roser, Gallagher & Walske with 2001 P.F. certificate $1,250.

U.S. 3¢ rose #65, uncanceled and overlapping edge of faulty cover at bottom left. Envelope addressed to  “William T Shepherd CSA, Co. B, Squad 3, Paducah [Kentucky] Care Walter Stebbins CSA Co __  Cairo, Ill” Routing at top by writer “Walter please forward immediately [to] Shepherd”. See http://www.taylorsbattery.org/battery_then.htm - a picture of 5 men in Taylor's Battery, organized in Cairo in 1861. The caption indicates shows William T Shepherd and Walter Stebbins together in uniform. Stebbins was cousin to Shepherd and they  served in Co. B Squad 3 of the Illinois 1st Light Artillery. Shepherd’s letters were published after the war: To rescue my native land: the Civil War letters of William T. Shepherd. Cario was on the border of Kentucky, mostly in Union hands in that area. Why it is addressed “C.S.A.” is a bit of a mystery; these are clearly Union men, although there is was also a William Shepherd in the Confederate 7th Kentucky Cavalry.  $60.

Impression from the original Archer & Daly steel plate. The cracked steel plate was in the possession of August Dietz and this impression was included as the centerpiece of the deluxe version of his 1929 opus, The Postal Service of The Confederate States of America.  The soft piece of steel shows an intaglio of Archer & Daly’s 10¢ and appears to have served as a matrix for trial impressions of the 20¢ transfer roll as well as parts of a 20¢ note of the Planters Insurance Trust and Loan Company. Archer & Daly produced a number of Southern banknotes. There is a faint bend at one end of the impression. A wonderfully collectible showpiece. $150. Also listed in the CSA #11, 13 and proof sections

Baltimore Section and Columbus Section of Ten Cent Altered plate – proof of each on opposite sides of paper. The altered plates, the 2¢ and the 10¢, were shipped through the blockade to Richmond. De La Rue did not print any stamps from these plates. When the plates arrived in the Confederacy, they were never used by the Confederacy. The subsequent history is speculation. One theory is that they were were captured by the North during battle. Supposedly, a federal soldier took the 10¢ altered plate and cut it into sections to give as Rebel souvenirs to friends. According to August Dietz. Frank Baptist - who printed the 5-cent stamps for Archer & Daly in 1863 - positively identified the plates. He superintended the souvenir printings of the Altered Plate. The "Columbus Section" was so called because it was moved to the Ohio State Museum in Columbus. Through the years, there have been many printings from various sections of the original plate. The Columbus Section is one of the most well known and common, the Baltimore section much more scarce. $100.

Also listed in the CSA #6 and proof sections

Click on thumbnails at left individually to enlarge. You will immediately note the differences in the two sections / sides - see the "notches" at left on the Columbus section.

Confederate Letter just after cessation of combat headed “HdQrs District of Carolina, Columbia, April 22nd 1865” addressed to Major John Jenkins, 3rd S.C. Cavalry writing to say “that the agreement for a cessation of hostilities does not interfere at all with the collecting and reorganizing absentees & deserters, or any other matter of detail within our own lines. Very Respectfully Yr Obt Servant Wm W. Harne Major & C.S. & A.A.A.G.” Military records show the 3rd SC as mustered out only days later on April 26, 1865 at Durham, NC. Wonderful historic military letter. $350.

Carte de Visite of Robert E. Lee by E. & H.T. Anthony. The waist-length image of Lee in uniform is a little light and background is uneven, with a couple small edge chips to photo. From a CDV album that belonged to Miss Nora du Rack of St. Louis, Missouri in the 1860s. $220.

Handcarried wallpaper cover of gray, white and hot pink floral design, addressed to attornies in Vicksburg, Miss “per S. Neblett”. The notations on the back indicate that this was carried into besieged Vicksburg outside of the mail. The reverse has pencil "I refuse to a receipt of an assignment of the Forney case. S. N." Ink on the reverse indicates "Important--Forney Case." If this was intra-Vicksburg, it is likely the address would not be so complete. $400.

Appomattox Court House Parole dated April 10, 1865. Confederate Pass for paroled prisoner signed by Major James M. Crow at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, one page light blue lined paper, 7.75" x 4.25", Very Fine.  $3,750.

The day following General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House, Major James M. Crow, 9th Alabama, writes a pass for this Confederate chaplain, who had been a Union prisoner. "The bearer M.L. Whitton (sic), Chaplain 9th Ala Regt. A Paroled Prisoner of the Army of Northern Virginia has permission to go to his home and there remain undisturbed. - Jas. M Crow - Maj(or) Commdg 9th Ala, - Forney’s Brigade" Darkly penned and signed. Light show-through of stain on verso; vertical folds. A handwritten pass, unlike the normal printed form, is very unusual and penned only for noncombatants such as this chaplain. This is a remarkable Civil War document that is of museum quality and importance.

Chaplain Moses Lee Whitten lived in Standing Rock, Stewart County, Tennessee in 1860. He was then 27 years old, listed as a Methodist minister and lived in Colbert County, Alabama in 1870 according to online sources. The 9th Alabama infantry, organized at Richmond in May, 1861, enjoyed the distinction of having a joint resolution of thanks given it by the Confederate Congress in February, 1864. It was engaged in the siege of Yorktown, April 5 and May 2, 1862; at Williamsburg, May 5th, and at Seven Pines, May 31st and June 1st. This regiment won imperishable renown at Gaines' Mill and Frayser's Farm, was under fire at Second Manassas, and assisted at the capture of Harper's Ferry, September 12 to 15, 1862. It was also engaged at Chancellorsville and Salem, May 1-3, 1863, and suffered very heavy loss at Gettysburg. It was in the battle of the Wilderness, May 5-7, 1864, Cold Harbor, June 1st to 12th, and fought in the trenches at Petersburg for nearly 9 months.

In Critical issues in American religious history: a reader by Robert R. Mathisen, J.J. D. Renfroe, a chaplain with the 10th Alabama, said that "Mr.Whitten of the Ninth remained at Gettysburg with the wounded."

Liverpool MY 11 61 clearly struck circular datestamp and "19 Cents" debit handstamp on folded printed market report with letter and additional printed market report enclosure, addressed to D. H. London in Richmond Va., carried on the Cunarder Persia, departing Liverpool on May 11 and arriving in New York on May 21, "N. York Br. Pkt. 24 May 22" 24-cents due datestamp, diverted to the U.S. Dead Letter Office where "Dead Letter Office P.O. Dept. No. __ July 29" large oval datestamp was applied, blue "Baltimore Md. Jul. 30" circular datestamp on back and "Due 3" in circle handstamp on front for U.S. postage paid upon release to addressee (or his agent). Very fine. A rare transatlantic letter from England to Confederate Virginia, which was diverted to the United States Dead Letter Office after the Washington-Richmond mail route was suspended. Only three such covers are reported. On April 27, 1861, the regular water route to Richmond was suspended by the United States government, leaving only the Orange & Alexandria Railroad open for mail via Richmond. The last route through Virginia was suspended on the evening of May 23. This cover was received in New York on May 22, but did not reach the U.S.-C.S.A. border in time. It was diverted to the U.S. Dead Letter Office and held there until called for on July 29. The 24¢ transatlantic postage, plus an additional 3¢, was collected from the addressee or his agent when the letter was released. The addressee, Daniel H. London, was a prominent Richmond merchant and pro-slavery, states' rights advocate, who served as president of the Southern Rights Association of Richmond. This letter and enclosures were sent by the British firm of Eyre Evans & Co. Ex-Kilbourne and Walske. $3,000.

U.S. #30A, 35)5¢ Brown and 10¢ Green straddle-pane margin, minor perf toning, tied by grid cancels applied at New York, red "New York Paid 12 Jun. 25" credit datestamp, red "Etats-Unis Serv. Br. Pkt. Calais 9 Juil. 61" transit datestamp and red "P.D." in frame, Paris and Bordeaux backstamps, carried on Cunarder Arabia, departing Boston on June 26 and arriving at Queenstown on July 6. Folded cover with part of letter from Albin Rochereau, a merchant and battalion chief in the French Legion, an organization of French citizens in New Orleans who defended the city during the Civil War, Rochereau's embossed corner card and docketing confirm place and date of origin, addressed to Bordeaux, France, carried north by Adam's Express (no markings since it was carried inside another envelope), A colorful and choice cover sent from Confederate New Orleans to France, using Adams Express to cross the lines. Although Adams Express Company typically put mail into the post office at Louisville, there are examples of mail that was carried by Adams all the way to New York City without any express markings. Such covers can only be identified as Confederate in origin by the contents, as in this prime example. Signed Ashbook, ex-Walske. $4,000.

U.S. 3¢ Star Die entire #U26 -  American Letter Express Co. southbound to Mann S. Valentine in Richmond Va., sender's routing "Via Nashville, Tenn.", manuscript "Collect Chgs 55¢ Due Winston & Johnston" and "Pd 2/- Ch" (two bits, or 25¢ express fee), This originated in Europe, based on the two enclosures: an envelope addressed to "Mrs. E. A. V. Gray, Care of M. S. Valentine, Richmond, Va., America" and slip of paper with notation "Pay postage 30¢, Express charge 25 [Total] 55. John P. Winston". Very Fine. An outstanding Southbound thru-the lines express cover that originated in Europe and was carried by the American Letter Express Company from Louisville to Nashville . Based on the "Pay postage 30¢" notation on the enclosure, it is surmised that the original letter was mailed from Europe to the United States. It was directed to Winston & Johnston, who are listed in the 1861 Williams' Cincinnati directory ("WINSTON & JOHNSTON, John P. W. & AVm. B.J., Wholesale Dry Goods, 113 W. Pearl"). John P. Winston apparently arranged to have the American Letter Express Company carry the letter across the lines to Nashville, where it entered the C.S.A. mails for Richmond. The addressee, Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Valentine Gray, was the daughter of Mann S. Valentine and the wife of William Gray. Later in the war, letters were sent by blockade runners from Europe to Mann S. Valentine, Elizabeth A. V. Gray and William Gray. Special Routes Census No. S-AX-26. Ex-Walske. $2,500.

Incoming blockade-run use from Germany via Nassau: CHARLESTON / S.C. / JUN / 29 / 186- (1863) bold cds and "STEAM-SHIP" in oval handstamp with pencil "12" rate (10¢ plus 2¢ ship fee) on folded letter datelined "Bremen 3d June 1863" transmitting duplicate of Feb. 14 letter and tobacco sales report, from H. H. Meier & Co. to James Thomas Jr., prominent Richmond tobacco merchant, thin paper with slight ink erosion and small splits otherwise Very Fine. $3,500.

Carried on Cunarder Scotia, dep. Liverpool Jun. 6, 1863, arr. New York Jun. 16; then Cunarder Corsica, dep. New York Jun. 20, arr. Nassau Jun. 24; then blockade-runner Fannie dep. Nassau Jun. 24, arr. Charleston Jun. 28. The Fannie was owned by the Importing & Exporting Company of South Carolina (William C. Bee); active May 1863 to April 1865, 20 for 20 in successful trips; survived the war.

Incoming blockade-run use from Nassau to Milledgeville Ga. via Wilmington. Pristine cover addressed to Gov. Joseph E. Brown in Milledgeville Ga., manuscript "Ship Letter" endorsement but no postal markings, indicating hand-carriage from port of Wilmington, receipt docketing "Receipt for freight on Steamer Charlotte, Nov. 1864", with original enclosure (few small tape stains) datelined "Nassau N.P. 2 Dec. 1864" from J. C. Bailie, who worked for Adderley & Co. in Nassau, reporting on shipment of goods on steamer Charlotte. Carried on blockade-runner Blenheim, dep. Nassau Dec. 2, 1864, arr. Wilmington Dec. 6. The Blenheim was active Oct. 1864 to Jan. 1865, 4 for 5 in successful trips; captured by the U.S.S. Tristram Shandy at Wilmington on Jan. 25, 1865. Ex-Walske. $2,000.

Outgoing blockade-run use from Savannah Ga. to Rome (Italy) via Charleston and Nassau. Mar. 19, 1863 origin date on cover to Mrs. John Lorenzo Locke in Rome, in care of Baring Brothers (bankers), entered British Mails with red "Nassau Paid MR 27 63" circular datestamp, 12p double 6p packet rate paid in cash, red crayon "10" credit (2p retained by Bahamas P.O.), red London (May 4) transit datestamp, May 11, 1863 receipt docketing, minor edgewear, Very Fine. Carried by blockade-runner Gertrude, dep. Charleston Mar. 23, 1863, arr. Nassau Mar 27 (last voyage before its capture); in Nassau forwarder prepaid double 6p packet rate to G.B. (just before increase to 1sh on Apr. 1, 1863); forwarded under cover to Rome with no further markings; carried on Cunarder British Queen, dep. Nassau Apr. 12, arr. New York Apr. 16 (last sailing on this route); then Cunarder Africa, dep. New York Apr. 22, arr. Queenstown May 3; the Gertrude was active Feb. 1863 to Apr. 1864, 2 for 3 in successful trips; captured by U.S.S. Vanderbilt, flagship of the Flying Squadron, on Apr. 16, 1863, near the Bahamas, but well away from the Confederate coastline. $2,000.

Fort Brown Tex. to Kassel, Germany. Buff cover from Confederate officer Albert Moye to his mother in Kassel, pencil receipt docketing "d. d. Matamoros I 62" (Jan. 1862) gives date and place of origin, no forwarder markings, entered mails with red "Zeebrief Rotterdam 11/7 1862" (Jul. 11) oval datestamp, "Emmerich/Oberhausen 11 7 W" framed datestamp and "Cassel 12/7 1862" receiving datestamp on back, postage due from addressee with various rate markings in blue manuscript. A rare cover from a Confederate officer at Fort Brown, Texas to Germany, carried across the Rio Grande to Matamoros, then under cover to Rotterdam where it received the ship-letter entry marking. 'Without markings applied en route, it is impossible to determine how this cover reached Europe. It was received at Rotterdam as a private ship letter ("Zeebrief") and entered the mails to Germany. Ex-Walske. $2,000.

Set of 15 cards of the entire set of Confederate general issue stamps (3 ½ by 5 ½”),  printed by August Dietz, fresh, Very Fine set $200.

Also listed in the CSA #1 section

Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard carte-de-visite ¾ pose in full uniform (pre-war U.S.), arms crossed, by Anthony, New York, Very Fine $150.

Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard carte-de-visite ¾ pose in full uniform (pre-war U.S.), arms crossed, couple little chips at top otherwise Fine $60.

Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard carte-de-visite ¾ pose in full uniform (pre-war U.S.), arms crossed, couple little chips at edges otherwise Fine $60.

“Fort Warren March 18th / 64” headed prisoner-of-war letter (no cover) from Captain Frank M. Battle, 21st Tennessee Cavalry. Letter written to Mrs. Susan L. Taylor of Newport, Kentucky, a philanthropist to Southern soldier incarcerated at Northern prison camps. Letter transcribed in full and expresses shame in having to asked for charity saying that “you wrote to me kind and encouraging letters and appeared to me more like my own Mother than a stranger…none of my relatives were allowed to send me anything, no Express being allowed to pass from Nashville to Confederate prisoners”  $850.

Frank M. Battle entered Confederate service as a private in Company B, 20th Tennessee Infantry, serving with that regiment until his discharge for disability October 15, 1861. After his health improved, he joined the service again, this time in the cavalry as a scount under Gen. Joseph Wheeler. There are some very interesting articles published in the Confederate Veteran about his exploits. One tells how he donned women’s clothing to go into Nashville to spy on the Yankees and another when he personally accompanied Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest into battle. In July 1863, Gen. Wheeler gave Capt. Battle permission to raise a Cavalry company in middle Tennessee. By July 29th, Battle had recruited eighty men when he was captured in Wilson County, Tenn. He was first sent to the military prison in Louisville, KY, then to Johnson’s Island October 13, 1864 and on Feb 19, 1864 he was transferred to Ft. Warren in Boston Harbor. There, he was placed in close confinement in irons and held as hostage for a Yankee POW, Capt. S. Harris, 3rd U.S. Cavalry being held in irons at Knoxville, Tenn., convicted of being a spy. Battle remained for eight months this way until President Davis finally yielded to the exchange after heavy pressure from old family friend Gen. John C. Breckenridge and some Tenn. congressmen. When he returned to Richmond after his echange in the spring of 1865, Gen. Breckenridge gave him a commission in the command of Gen. N.B. Forrest with whom he surrendered in Gainesville, Alabama.

Officer’s Letter to an unidentified General Officer: long railing 3-page letter docketed as from Lieut. Miles W. Lewis of Hancock [Georgia] to “Dear Gen.” headed “Camp Etowah, Rome Ga Oct 8th 1863” first giving the election report and then launching into an articulate and heartfelt missive: “I feel saddened in reference to our prospects as a nation than I ever have in my life…but I fear that the Government (or rather its agents) is pursing a course that will end in our starvation & annihilation on the one hand or on the other hand I fear if we avoid this we will lose our liberties in achieving our independence. Look at the Provost Marshals & guards all over this county – an office unknown to our Constitution & laws….it is excused on the grounds of necessity. This is always the plea of tyrants. What good do they do? Do they ever arrest a spy? Never. Do they arrest desserters? Never. And now if they disregard military law (not martial law) would effect all this, if inforced. Now to the subsistence question, our military authorities are pursuing a suicidal policy...I wish to get a position in which I can be of more service to the Conty than I possibly can be in the Army. I am unfitted by nature for military life, both physically and mentally…I apply to you and to Gov[ernor] Brown conjointly for some such position.” The letter goes on and on reviling the government, politics, and the future of the Confederacy, giving examples of why things won’t work out. The only Miles W. Lewis shown in military records enlisted 4-1-62 as a private in Co. D, 22nd Georgia Infantry and died of his wounds in Gettysburg 7-22-1863. This writer signs as “Lieut M. W. Lewis Co. C, Mills Reg[iment]. Rome Ga” $300.

CSA #12c 10¢ greenish blue strip of 5 (large pieces missing) tied on three back flaps of Trans-Mississippi cover (50¢ preferred rate) by multiple strikes red ADAIRSVILLE / GA / OCT cds. The cover is addressed to Mr. Jas Nicholson, Bastrop, Texas Via Meridian, Miss. with the endorsement “From W. Nicholson “Terry’s Texas Rangers” and notation “50cts Postage paid on the back to go through by mail” also in pencil “50 cts postage Nov 3, 1863.” This is listed item E4 in Richard Krieger’s monograph The Trans-Mississippi Mails After the Fall of Vicksburg. It incorrectly states the point of origin as Ringgold,Georgia. Ringgold did not have a red cancellation. Checking the movements of Terry’s Texas Rangers in the Diary of Ephraim Shelby Dodd of the Rangers at http://www.terrystexasrangers.org/diaries/dodd_es/index.html the Rangers were at Ringgold on October 3, 1863, Adairsville on October 24, 1863, October 25th went to town and sent a letter, crossed the river at Freeman’s Ferry on October 29, 1863 and November 3-6 were “starting down the country.” The partial strikes make the cancellation and date difficult to determine, but I see the cancel as Adairsville rather than Ringgold. Also the later docketing of November 3 would make it far less likely to be Ringgold where the Rangers were a full month before. There are at least four other Trans-Mississippi covers known from this correspondence. A genuine fully sound cover would command a few times the price of $2,500.

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.

William Nicholson was born at Staten Island, NY around 1840. He resided at Bastrop, Texas in 1860 with relatives and was occupied as a clerk. He mustered into Company D at Houston, TX on September 7, 1861 and suffered a slight forehead wound near Mossy Creek, Tennessee on December 29, 1863. He was killed near Rome, Georgia on October 13, 1864 and is 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.

Incoming blockade-run use on folded letteraddressed to “William Gray, Esq., Richmond, Virginia” with WILMINGTON / N.C. / DEC / 17 [1863] cds and straightline SHIP with ms “22” double ship rate. The folded business letter is headed “Liverpool 21st Nov 1863” with routing “Per Scotia”. The Scotia (Cunard Line) left Liverpool November 21, 1863. It left New York December 4, Cunard branch line to Nassau. The blockade-runner Syren left Nassau December 13, 1863 and arrived Wilmington December 16th on one of her 33 successful blockade-running trips – the record for the most blockade-run trips made by any vessel during the war. As the average number of successful runs during the war was only four, the record of the Syren was equivalent to eight average steamers. Comes with a beautifully written up exhibit page and drawing of the vessel. 1979 CSA certificate signed Morris Everett and his initials on verso so also in his collection. $3,250.

Syren was a 169’ sidewheel steamer built at Greenwich, Kent England in 1863 and specifically designing for blockade running. She was owned by Charleston Importing & Exporting Company. The Syren began her career rather late in the war with her 5 November 1863 maiden voyage from Nassau to Wilmington. Much of her success can be attributed to the daring captains and pilots who ignored many of the norms of blockade-running. Rather than leaving port only at the time of the new moon, she frequently departed at the quarter moons (see phases of the moon page) and often in poor weather. With these elements of surprise operating in her favor, slipping through the naval squadron guarding the harbors became easier. It is reported that the Syren at one point made three round trips to Charleston while the other blockade-runners, awaiting a new moon, never left port.

Scotia, a 195' iron hull sidewheel steamer, was owned by Leech, Harrison and Forwood Company. She made 2 successful blockade runs, but 24 October 1862 was captured by USS Restless near Charleston, sold in Prize Court and sent back into blockade-running service as the Fannie & Jennie

Handcarried wallpaper cover of green, gray and white floral design; addressed to Jas E. Hagood Esq Pickens C.H., S.C. with original letter headed “Home, 18th July 1862” from J C Grisham enclosing $10 sent by Mr. Symmes for Deed instructing that he should pay himself and send George Symmes Deed also. $250.

Inv-10139 Buckingham Female Collegiate Institute all-over green illustrated college cover to Mr. Wm. C. Agee, Gravel Hill, Buckingham [ Co] Va, stamp missing at upper right; original enclosure headed “Howards Grove Jan 19th / 62” (Howard’s Grove was part of Richmond) from C. R. Fontaine asking that various items be sent to him such as a new pair of boots, standing collars and “better paper and envelopes. You may think I had as well get these in Richmond. I would, but they are very high and the envelopes made now in the South are very indefinent.”  Ex Hall and Morgan. $600.

Clement R. Fontaine enlisted at Buckingham County, VA as a 1st Lieut in Co. F, 20th Virginia Infantry. He rose to to Colonel and also had service in Co. A, 57th Virginia Infantry. Colonel Clement R. Fontaine was promoted to command the latter regiment in 1864 and served until the end of the war, participating in many famous conflicts. Military records included. Click on thumbnails at left to enlarge

Handcarried floral wallpaper cover in shades of deep rose, green and tan; addressed to Mrs. F. A. Davie, Chester, South Carolina. Could be turned to show the bright rose if that is preferred. Pretty! $250.

Br PACKET / BOSTON // 10 FEB / 24 [1861] cds and T18 / LIVERPOOL / JA 26 / 61 cds and other markings on incoming Trans-Atlantic  outer folded lettersheet posted the First Day of Louisiana Independent Statehood (January 26, 1861) and arriving after Louisiana joined the Confederacy.  A nifty cover with small stain and tiniest tear at top.  $750. Also listed in the Independent State and CSA Use section

[ohn] Tyler signed “Free Frank” on pre-war mourning cover (front only with nick out at bottom) with blue Norfolk, Va cds and matching straightline FREE to David Gardiner, Castleton (Eastern Shore) Staten Island, New York. The addressee was Tyler's brother-in-law. Julia Gardiner Tyler was the second wife of President John Tyler and served as First Lady for the last eight months of his term (1844-45). Julia Gardiner wasa vivacious New York actress whose father was a U.S. senator; Julia met Tyler in late 1842, shortly after the death of his first wife, Letitia. Although she first turned down President Tyler's marriage proposal, the death of her father in 1844 made her change her mind. One of their sons was named David Gardiner Tyler in memory of her late father. Tyler was the only U.S. President to be elected to the Confederate Congress, but died before serving. A great ancillary piece.  $650.

Robert E. Lee signed Carte de Viste taken by Boude & Miley, Lexington, Va. Lee is facing left in civilian clothing, one of the last photos taken of Lee in January 1870 about nine months before he died; in fabulous condition and strongly signed “R.E. Lee” by him on the face of the CDV. Very popular and collectible.  Superb. $4,000.

“Boston Corbett, Sergt Co. L., 16th N.Y. Cavalry” rare clipped signature from Lincoln’s avenger who shot John Wilkes Booth in the Garrett barn near Port Royal, Virginia April 26, 1865. Corbett was one of the military men sent to pursue John Wilkes Booth after Booth assassinated Lincoln on April 14, 1865. On April 26th, Booth and his accomplice, D. Herold, were surrounded in a barn in Virginia. The barn was set ablaze, Herold surrendered, but Booth stayed put. Corbett had a clear shot at Booth and took it, striking him in the neck. Stanton's desire was to take Booth alive, but Corbett's neck wound to Booth proved fatal a few hours later. Since no orders preventing it had been given, Corbett was never disciplined for shooting Booth, and he shared equally with his fellow troopers in the federal reward money. Self-castrated in 1858 so as to curb his lusts, Lincoln's avenger was a temperamental religious fanatic with a tendency towards violent gunplay whenever God was, in his opinion, mocked. Corbett's post-war antics finally landed him in the Topeka Asylum for the Insane, however he escaped in 1888 and shortly thereafter vanished from the historical record. Sgt. Boston Corbett should have been a wildly popular celebrity in the postwar North, but his religious fanaticism alienated nearly all with whom he came in contact. He died a fugitive. Paper thinning (including small hole clear of signature) where it was removed from a prior mounting. Very Rare! $1,000.

General Jubal A. Early small ALS in response to request for signature. It reads: “Lynchburg, Virginia, January 21st, 1882 With the compliments of J.A. Early”. Very clean and exhibitable 4’ x 5”. General Early lead the 24th Virginia at the Battle of 1st Manassas as a Colonel. Later, as a General of the Army of Northern Virginia, his cavalry burned the town of Chambersburg, Pa. After surrender, he went in disguise to Mexico and later returned to Lynchburg to resume his law practice.  $250.

S[amuel] B[ell] Maxey (Confederate General) signed post-war cover franked with cork canceled 3¢ U.S. banknote to Texas on corner card of U.S. Senate Chamber and postmarked United States Senate Post Office Jan 31, 1870. $125.

Samuel Bell Maxey spent his early years in Kentucky. Maxey was appointed to United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1846; he served in the regular army in the Mexican War until its close in 1848. In 1849 he resigned and returned to his home in Kentucky, where he studied law under his father, Rice Maxey. In 1850 he entered law practice with his father and in 1857 they moved their families and business to Paris, Texas. In 1862 Maxey was made a Brigadier General in the Confederate Army and served briefly in the Trans-Mississippi Department. In December, 1863, he was made Commander of the Indian Territory where he served until February, 1865. The culmination of Maxey's life came in 1874 when he was elected to the United States Senate.

“Very Truly Yours, H.P. Bee, Brig. Gen. P.A.C.S” small clipped signature mounted on small part of index card, apparently from war dated letter signed by Gen. Hamilton P. Bee (1822-1897) while in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States. He was the older brother of Gen. Barnard Bee. This lesser known general fought in the Mexican War with the Texas Rangers and served gallantly during the Battle of Pleasant Hill in which he routed Gen. Banks expeditionary forces. He had two horses shot out from under him during that fight. Rather than surrender, he went to Mexico after the war not returning to Texas until 1876. Nice. $350.

U.S. 3¢ Dull Red #26 canceled by blue pen cancel with BATON ROUGE / LA. / JUN / 5 / 1861 CDS and matching PAID and 10 handstamps on cover to Huntington [Long Island] N.Y., from the Waller correspondence, blue pencil "10", manuscript "Recd 14th June" docketing, top edge of cover restored and one backflap added, stamp has faults. Extremely Showy. One of the last pieces of regular mail to cross the border from the Confederate States into the U.S. Mailed from Baton Rouge on June 5 and would normally have passed through Memphis, Tennessee. However, since the U.S. suspended service at that office on June 6, the letter was routed through Nashville and arrived at Louisville around June 10. It was sent north without penalty. The 10¢ C.S.A. postage paid the over-500 miles rate, and the sender affixed the 3¢ 1857 stamp to pay U.S. postage once the letter crossed the border..Ex-Everett, Gunter and Walske. $3,500.

Incoming blockade-run use from England into Charleston S.C. to New York via Nassau. Narrow cover addressed to Miss Sabina E. Wells at New York City street address, entered British Mails with red "Nassau Paid SP 12 64" circular datestamp, red crayon "4" pence rate, "N. York Br. Pkt. 5 Oct. 1" integral-rate circular datestamp with 5c due for British Packet mail, slight toning and edgewear, couple minor creases, Fine, the Wells correspondence originates in Charleston, based on New York Oct. 1, 1864, arrival date, carried on blockade-runner Fox, dep. Charleston Sep. 9, 1864, arr. Nassau Sep. 12; then Cunarder Corsica, dep. Nassau Sep. 25, arr. New York Oct. 1; the Fox was owned by Fraser Trenholm & Co.; active May 1864 to May 1865, 18 for 18 in successful trips; survived the war. $1,300.

Outgoing Blockade-Run Cover to England Via Nassau,1863 cover from Charleston to Liverpool from the well-known Burckmyer correspondence ("No. 13"); manuscript "Too Late" & red Nassau / Au 24/ '63 / Paid cds at bottom left and red crayon "1/10" due marking, backstamped with Liverpool arrival marking, Walske / Trepel book states, "two 6d Bahamas stamps removed", despite a repair in the area of where stamps might have been placed, it is difficult to see any evidence of stamps replaced, some aging and usual wear; blockade cover with the rare "Too Late" endorsement. $700.

Oath of Allegiance for Confederate Officer Frank H. Hannum, 2nd Lt. C.S.A. at Pulaski, Tennessee. Hannum had just been released as prisoner of war from Johnson’s Island, Ohio. Rare  5” X 6” printed and filled in oath dated September 30, 1865. See much more about Hannum and his correspondence in my article at http://www.webuystamps.com/CP1Q2010_HANNUM.pdf   $350.

ALS (autographed letter signed) from William T. Presley in 1st Alabama Cavalry headed “Near Musle Shoals Ala / October 12th 1863”. An excellent 3-page first-hand soldier’s account of famous raid in Middle Tennessee saying, in part, “…wore out from marching.We have been on a raid into Middle Tennessee. We have been about two weeks in our saddles night and day…we crossed the Tennessee River here at Musle Shoals…and never saw men and horses as near wore out in my life in the two weeks we did not average two hours sleepto one night except what we slept on our horses as we rode along…We burnt about seven hundred of the enemies wagons laoded with commissaries and captured about fifteen hundred prisoners and between them four thousand mules. We all lived high on old Abe’s rations…I send you a ring in this letter”  (ring was taken from the plunder)There is an imprint of the ring on the letter which describes all in great detail. From Willie (William T. Presley) to his wife Henri). Transcript of letter included. $600.

Gen. Joseph Wheeler set out on October 1, 1863 with his cavalry and rode toward Walden's Ridge. On October 2 at Anderson's Cross Roads, Wheeler surprised a train of 800 mule-drawn wagons, plus sutler's wagons. The Southern horsemen easily overwhelmed the few guards and began to carry out their orders to "kill the mules and burn the wagons." Soon, whiskey was discovered in the sutler's wagons and Wheeler's men began pillaging the wagons for new clothing and other booty. The officers were either unwilling or unable to stop what became an eight hour orgy of plundering.

Alexander H. Stephens M[ember of] C[ongress] Free frank to his brother "John L. Stephens Esq., La Grange Ga" with blue Crawfordsville Ga. Aug 29 [1847] cds.  John L. Stephens (1815-1856) was Alexander Stephen's half-brother, an attorney and planter. The envelope was addressed by Georgia Congressman Alexander H. Stephens. Alexander H. Stephens was the Vice President of the Confederacy.  $150.

[General] Jos Wheeler signed postal card headed Wheeler Ala, July 15, 1878 to Major W. A. Walthall at Beauvoir (to become the home of former CSA President Jefferson Davis the following year) saying he sent all the papers by Express to Mississippi City. “Fightin’ Joe Wheeler” commanded the entire cavalry of the Army of Tennessee, was wounded 3 times and it is said 16 horses shot out from under him and with 36 of his staff officers killed.  $110.

"Via Confederate Goverment Mail, Shrevesport, La." manuscript route designation and "paid 40 cts" rate on outer folded lettersheet addressed in another hand to "Doug. J. Carter, 19th La. Regt., Gibson's Brigade, Stewarts Division" with "Richmond Va." added as a fifth line in the same hand as Trans-Mississippi routing and rate, lightly crossed out and, in a third hand, redirected to "Army of Tenn.", which routed the cover to Jonesborough Ga., reinforced with document repair tape along top and bottom folds, slight staining. Illustrated in Krieger book (No. W40) and Special Routes (p. 105). Signed Brian Green. Ex Murphy and Walske.  The only recorded cover with this Confederate Government Mail route designation. $3,750

Douglas John Carter was enlisted with the 3rd Regiment Texas Cavalry in 1861 and transferred to the 19th Louisiana Infantry in June 1862. Carter served as its Chief Musician until the unit's surrender in May 1865. Carter's residence was in DeSoto Parish La., and this cover probably originated there in August 1864. Historical background is provided in "An Unusual Trans-Mississippi Express Mail Cover" by Brian and Patricia Green (now Patricia  Kaufmann), Confederate Philatelist, May-June 1973.

Incoming blockade: Liverpool to Charleston S.C. via Nassau. Cover addressed to "Theo. D. Wagner Esq., Messrs John Fraser & Co., Charleston So. Ca.", the letter (which no longer accompanies) was datelined Liverpool June 5, 1863, from C. Prioleau, manager of Fraser Trenholm & Co. office. The addressee, Theodore D. Wagner, was president of the parent company John Fraser & Co., carried outside mails with notation "Baltic", slight toning, Very Fine. Ex Walske $600.

Routing: carried on Cunarder Scotia, dep. Liverpool June. 6, 1863, arr. New York June 15; then Cunarder Corsica, dep. New York Jun. 20, arr. Nassau June 24; then blockade-runner Raccoon, dep. Nassau July 15, arr. Charleston July19; on this trip the Raccoon ran aground off Sullivan's Island, but the crew and mail were saved (they burned the ship). This was the first Fraser, Trenholm & Co. departure after June 24, 1863, which would have been used by a Fraser & Co. representative; the Raccoon was active December to July 1863, 2 for 3 in successful trips. 

Outgoing blockade:  Savannah, Georgia to Rome (Italy) via Charleston and Nassau. Docketed Savannah Jan. 22, 1864 on cover to Mrs, John Lorenzo Locke in Rome, in care of two forwarders including Baring Brothers, unnamed forwarder in Bahamas dropped it unpaid into the Bahamian mails on Feb. 1, marked 2sh due, comprising 1sh packet postage plus 1sh penalty (accounting at upper right, retained 7p of 2sh), some edge faults across top otherwise Very Fine and colorful blockade use. Ex Walske $2,000.

Routing: carried by the Alice, departing Wilmington Jan. 27, 1864, arriving Nassau Feb. 1, carried on Cunarder Corsica, departing Nassau Feb. 15, 1864, arriving New York Feb. 20, then by Cunarder China, departing New York Feb. 24, arriving Queenstown Mar. 7, Baring Bros. paid 2sh, crossed out their name and re-mailed the cover on Mar. 8 at local post office on Lombard Street, prepaid 1sh10p (double 11p to Italy via France), received at Rome on July 14, the Alice was owned by the Importing & Exporting Co. of South Carolina and was active May 1863 to Mar. 1865, it was 24 for 24 in successful trips and survived the war.

Alexander H. Stephens M[ember of] C[ongress] Free frank to his brother "John L. Stephens Esq.La GrangeGa" with ms Crawfordsville [Ga} Oct 1. John L. Stephens (1815-1856) was Alexander Stephen's half-brother, an attorney and planter.The envelope was addressed by Georgia Congressman Alexander H. Stephens between 1843 and 1856. Alexander H. Stephens was the Vice President of the Confederacy. Stained fault at bottom.  $120.

Jefferson Davis / Alexander Stephens electoral ticket - Commonwealth of Virginia: 3 ¼ x 5” gray paper ballot with single tiny spindle hole at center indicating it was actually used and reverse ink signature of voter “John Bell”. Top 6 lines read “For President / Jefferson Davis, / of Mississippi / For Vice President / Alexander H. Stephens, / of Georgia.” Below are names and counties of electors.  $400.

CSA General: “Sincerely Yours,  Joseph Wheeler” signed clipped card. Fightin’ Joe Wheeler” commanded the entire cavalry of the Army of Tennessee, was wounded 3 times and it is said 16 horses shot out from under him and with 36 of his staff officers killed.  $90.

CSA #11, 10¢ blue strip of four tied by four clear strikes of 7-bar army grid cancel on cover to J. C. Freman Esq., Care of Henry Germany Esq., Clinton La., some overall wear, corner flaws, flap tears and small pre-use sealed tear in left stamp. One of five recorded Trans-Mississippi Express covers with Army Field Office cancellations and the only one originating from the Army of Northern Virginia. Listed in Krieger as E53. Four of the five covers recorded by Krieger with army field cancellations come from the Army of Tennessee. Only this cover has the grids used by the Army of Northern Virginia in the field. Three other covers have targets or grids of uncertain origin. Fabulous pedigree of Ex Simon, Matz, Corwin and Walske. 1983 PF certificate #0117097. A postal history jewel!  $8,000. Also in the Engraved CSA #11 Section.

“S. R. Gist” clipped signature of Confederate Brig. General States Rights Gist on lined paper, mounted on back of calling card of Mrs. D. M. Driscoll. Rare as killed at the Battle of Franklin, thus no opportunity for post-war autographs.  $1,000.

Brigadier-General States Rights Gist was a descendant of Marylander Gen. Mordecai Gist, who distinguished himself at the battle of Camden in 1780 and at the Combahee in 1782. He subsequently resided at Charleston, at his death leaving two sons who bore the names of Independent and States. South Carolina seceded on December 20, 1860 and in early 1861, Gist was named Adjutant and Inspector General of the South Carolina state army. He was at Fort Sumter and when Gen. Bee was killed at 1st Bull Run, Gist succeeded him in command of his brigade. He returned to SC as Adjutant General, was appointed Brig. General C.S.A. on March 20, 1862, served on the SC coast, then was sent to Vicksburg in May of 1863. He commanded Walker's division at Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, then led his own brigade in the Atlanta campaign. He accompanied Hood on his invasion of Tennessee. During a suicidal charge at Franklin on November 30, 1864, Gist was killed instantly while leading his men on foot after his horse was shot.

“G. G. Vest” signature on small card. George Graham Vest (1830 –1904). Vest, a lawyer as well as a politician, served as a Confederate Congressman and Missouri Congressman during the Civil War, and finally a US senator. He proposed the secession ordnance that was passed by the Missouri legislature in October 1861. The following year, he briefly served as  judge advocate with the Army of Missouri, commanded by former Governor Sterling Price. He served in the House of Representatives of the Confederate Congress from February 1862 to January 12, 1865, when he resigned, having been appointed to fill a vacancy in the Confederate Senate. He was the last member of the Confederacy to act as a member of the US Congress. $250.

[General] J.B. Hood signed CDV with E. & H. T. Anthony on verso. Very rare classic Anthony photo with marvelous bold signature.  $2,750.

John Bell Hood was one of Lee's most effective and respected brigadier generals. Hood commanded the legendary Texas Brigade in the Seven Days Battles, Antietam, Second Manassas, and Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded, permanently losing the use of his left arm. In late 1863, Hood's service under Lee in the Army of Northern Virginia ended when he was assigned to the Army of Tennessee to serve as a division commander under Gen.Braxton Bragg. At the Battle of Chickamauga on September 20, 1863, Hood received his most serious wound, resulting in the amputation of his right leg. On February 1, 1864 Hood was promoted to lieutenant general and assigned to serve as a corps commander under General Joseph E. Johnston. On July 17, 1864 Hood received a temporary promotion to full general, and in a highly controversial move, President Jefferson Davis relieved Johnston as commander of the Army of Tennessee, replacing him with Hood. Hood commanded the defending Confederate forces in the siege of Atlanta from that time until evacuating the city on September 2, 1864. On November 30, Hood's forces suffered staggering losses in a decisive defeat at Franklin, Tennessee. After a humiliating retreat to Tupelo, Mississippi, Hood resigned his command on January 23, 1865, reverting back to his permanent rank of lieutenant general.

John Wilkes Booth, war date CDV of Lincoln’s assassin seated holding his cane. This is the photo used on Booth’s wanted posters shortly after he assassinated President Lincoln on April 14, 1865.  $275.

“John H. Reagan / Texas” autograph on small card. John Henninger Reagan (1818 –1905) is most famous to Confederate postal historians as the Confederate Postmaster General. He was also a leading  U.S. Texas politician both before and after the war. Much biographical material may be found online about Reagan. $150.

“Belle Boyd / Rebel Spy / 1891” autograph of the most notorious and ablest of Confederate female operatives during the War - "La Belle Rebelle." Soon after the start of the War, she shot and killed a Union soldier who had pushed her mother, but was acquitted of the crime. Shortly thereafter, she became a courier for Generals Beauregard, Turner Ashby and  Stonewall Jackson, carrying information, delivering medical supplies and confiscating weapons. Belle made a few heroic rides through battle fields in order to get her secrets across the lines to the South. Belle had a "joyous recklessness," as one reluctant admirer phrased it. Belle Boyd was imprisoned in 1862 in Old Capitol Prison and in 1863 in Carroll Prison, but was released for health reasons (typhoid fever). In 1864, she was sent to England as a diplomatic courier, but captured aboard a blockade runner, Greyhound, and passed through the lines to Canada. From there she sailed to England to work with the Confederate Secret Service network.  This is one of the most popular, scarce and sought after autographs of the Confederacy. $2,000.

Hand carried wallpaper cover in shades of white and gold with 3-D effect geometric pattern, addressed to Rev. C. C. Pinkney who was rector of Grace Church in Charleston, SC; manuscript pencil docketing up left side “D. Jennings War prices”; open 3 sides; Ex Northcutt.  $250.