State of South Carolina headed partially printed Camden Bulletin and filled out billing form for advertising dated May 1864 for $44 made out to Col. Richard Caldwell, Commissary General S.C. with two accompanying individual handwritten invoices to which are attached the proof copies of long newspaper announcements with instructions re spirituous liquors and a list of licensed and bonded agents. The backs of the newspaper clippings are as interesting, if not more so, than the front with headlines of latest news from Lee's Army, Gen. Longstreet's wound declared mortal, and many other detailed troop movements/battles of fame with commanders noted; reports signed Beauregard and Lee, news of ironclad battles, etc. In wonderful condition and truly holding pieces of history in your hands. News clippings are longer than indicated by the scans due to the limited size of my scanner bed.

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Manuscript receipt from the State of South Carolina Commissary General's Department dated Nov. 12th 1862, a bill for corn meal signed by W. Lyles noted as paid and with filing docketing on verso "Voucher No. 770".

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$1,100.

Confederate Election Ballot: For President - Jefferson Davis of Mississippi/For Vice President - Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia with 18 other nominees for the State at Large. Ballot signed on the back by John M. Floyd. A wonderful piece of Southern heritage/Americana in pristine condition. Could be a wonderful historic opening to an exhibit or collection. In September 2009 this identical election ticket listed by a Civil War memorabilia dealer for $525 "Buy it Now" price indicating that normal retail on this item is $750. This, therefore, makes the one presented here a real bargain at half retail.

Unused Adversity cover made from book fly leaf of Edinburgh (Encyclopedia) “conducted by David Brewster, L.L.D.F.R.S., with the assistance of gentlemen eminent in science and literature”, “The First American Edition” (1832), Extremely Fine

Texas, ALS, 2-page folio (ledger paper), Bonner's Ferry, (TX) Nov 30th 1862 datelined letter from Anna to soldier ) husband  (Allen A. Cameron, 18th Texas Infantry), she discusses Yankees being in possession of Galveston and other costal points, thinks Yankees will invade Texas, says that paper shortage necessitated using paper out of account books, small pox in Rusk of flu outbreak, Very Fine, ex Bleuler. Letter is much longer than appears here- will not all fit on the scanner bed and this is only one side of two full sides.

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.

PRYTANIA ASYLUM, NEW ORLEANS: "Due 3" straightline, backstamped "New Orleans La. Oct. 30, 1863" double-circle datestamp and "ADV. ." ADV(ERTISED) framed handstamp on back of cover addressed to Mrs. C. M. Pritchard at Prytania Asylum in New Orleans (the second line of address is erased creating slight erosion holes), "Hd.Qrs.Defences NO Approved M.M.S." censor's mark, "New Orleans La. Oct. 21, 1863" double-circle datestamp and slightly toned, Fine, Erin Gunter described this as a cover to a Confederate sympathizer at Prytania Asylum. Most unusual and scarce item to a New Orleans Female Orphan Asylum. Click on thumbnail images individually to enlarge.

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.

Handcarried cover, no doubt by military courier, addressed to “Chief Surgeon W.H. Murdock West Distr S.Ca., Asheville, N.C.” with notation “Introducing Surg. W. A. Holt”. Microfilm copy of official letter imprinted Medical Director’s Office dated Feby 11th, 1864 relieving Holt from General Hospital No. 8 Raleigh and giving him new orders. Little doubt this was the original enclosure or certainly related, now in archives. Lengthy interesting and unpublished war-time military bios accompany on both men who were both residents of NC. Pristine with wonderful history. 

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Confederate Soldier’s Letter (5 pages of great content) to Gen. Breckinridge from Robert S. Russell regarding his brother, a newspaperman, twice arrested and accused of being a spy. An articulate and moving plea.

Tunnel Hill [Georgia]
December 5th 63
Genl Breckinridge

Dear Sir
I just recd messages from Capt Butler stating my brother was under arrest in Atlanta and had written to you to obtain his release.
I yesterday recvd (a) telegram from him which I suppose he has been released. I will give you a brief synopsis of his case. So far as I know. He was formerly one of the editors of the Frankfort “German & Louisville Times” with Col. W. Tanner But left Ky in 1852 or 3. He has been connected with various newspapers throughout the South. At the Commencement of the War he was residing in Montgomery Ala and wrote to me before I left Frankfort saying he had joined the 3rd Ala Reg xx xxxx which time I had heard nothing from him until about a month ago. I received a letter from him dated Richmond saying he had been there in the Military Prison for some days arrested as a Yankee Spy. The circumstances of which he explains in this way. He had business in Georgia for some time on a leave of absence recovering from a service wound recd in the leg at the battle of (I think) Chancellorsville) and was returning to his Command (Hoods Div) where he was arrested at Loudon Bridge. Upon evidence found upon him as follows – a general description of Braggs fortifications position & which he assures me he intended using in a series of communications to the Richmond Examiner. He was kept for some time in prison at Richmond & after repeated requests for a hearing was at last released by Gen Winder and no explanation whatsoever given him. He then went to Atlanta where he telegraphed me to come & see him which I did. He explained everything to me there and I am satisfied has been very unfortunate & badly treated. He was discharged from the 3rd Ala some time since & reenlisted in the 15th Ala. He had Medical Certificate from Maj. Carrington Chief of the Medical Boar at Richmond ordering him to report to his regiment to be detached. His left leg is badly shattered and almost useless. He told me he was going to his regt immediately when I left him for Chickamauga & the next I heard was a letter stating his arrest upon the same old charge & after being kept in prison at Atlanta I presume has again been released without a hearing. I trust he will not again be molested or if so will at least be granted a trial. It has caused me an immense deal of trouble and mortification General and I trust it has ceased. I know the charge to be false and as his brother cannot but feel grieved & mortified that it should have ever been preferred. I hope, General, you will pardon the length of this explanation But it was rendered necessary for obvious reason.
I remain General
                Very truly your obt svt
                                Robert S. Russell

Confederate South Carolina Soldier’s Discharge document for Private James. H. Rice, Captain Hokes Company, Second (Palmetto) Regiment of So Ca Volunteers who was enlisted the 8th of April 1861 and was honorably discharged at Richmond “by reason of expiration of service at Camp Lees farm April 18th 1852. and signed by Brigadier General John Henry Winder. Winder was in command at Richmond, Virginia where he commanded Libby Prison and Belle Island Prison, as well as the the infamous Andersonville Prison in Georiga. Ink erosion and file folds, but scarce and desirable document.        

John Henry Winder was made Confederate brigadier-general and given command at Richmond, where he had charge of the Libby and Belle Isle military prisons.  Subsequently he was assigned to command the prison camp at Andersonville, Georgia. 2nd South Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company B, Butler Guards engagements in which Rice participated: Bombardment of Fort Sumter, SC; Mitchell's Ford, VA; 1st Manassas, VA; Lewinsville, VA.

CSA #7, pair 5¢ blue tied SOUTHERN EXPRESS CO. / KNOXVILLE, TENN. / AUG / 3 double circle, on cover to “Mrs. E. A. Jordan, Davisboro, Washington Co, Geo” with pencil manuscript”Paid R E”, faint diagonal cover crease affecting right stamp and cover slightly reduced at right, Very Fine 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

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Oath of Allegiance, printed form headed "Headquarters, United States Forces/Provost Marshal's Office, Chester, S.C." and filled in "Sept 09, 1865"; Mary Simpson swears to "henceforth faithfully support and defend the Constitution of the United States … made during the existing Rebellion with reference to the emancipation of Slaves. So Help Me God." Sworn to and signed by the Lieut. & Ass't Provost Marshal, slight translucent stain toward bottom, A rare piece of Americana. $270.

(Capt.) Wm. K. Bachman, German Light Artillery, a hand written document executed in Charleston, South Carolina in 1861 by Capt Wm. K. Bachman as commander of Bachman's Company of German Light Artillery, Hampton's Legions and bears the signature of Bachman.  $250.

Before the close of the Civil War, this battery commander would lead his South Carolina Company as the hard fought Hampton's Legions left their mark on such battlegrounds as the Seven Days Battles, Second Manassas, South Mountain, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg and at Gettysburg where as part of Hood's Division 1st Corps, Capt. Bachman's battery fought gallantly firing toward Meade's Union center in support of Pickett and Pettigrew. In the fall of 1863 Bachman's Co. of 'German Light Artillery' returned to South Carolina. Here Capt. Bachman and his brave mounted artillerists would fight out the war participating in the Carolina Campaigns with Wright's Div. Dept. of S.C., Ga. & Fla. Surely they would look back longingly to the early war days when the battery could claim possession of an abundance of such stores as were so dutifully recorded in these early war documents.

Incoming Blockade cover with Charleston, S.C. Jan 19 cds and STEAM-SHIP in oval, penciled “12” rate on small mourning cover to “Mrs. Margt Armstrong, Fairfield District, Wishborough (sic) P.O. South Carolina”. Top back flap missing, cover staining and some repaired nicks across the top, but a scarce and desirable use. “Wishborough” is properly “Winnsborough” and the overseas correspondent probably couldn’t read the sender’s handwriting. $1,500.

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.

Trans-Atlantic: England to Mobile, Ala. from the Norville family correspondence, posted in Liverpool 5 January 1861 and thus certainly received when Alabama was an Independent State (January 18) or after it joined the Confederacy February 4th, but there is no notation as to exact date it was received. With more research, the packets that actually carried the covers could be identified. Docketed at top “Per Steamer Asia Via Queenstown” with blue oval Liverpool forwarding on back flap. The interesting lengthy very articulate original 4-page letter is from father William J.R. Norville, a bar pilot  [sandbar navigator], to his adult son, William T. Norville, at Navy Cove, Mobile, Alabama who is also a pilot on the lower bar - filled with details of various voyages, business news, etc. The letter closes “Alabama votes for Brec(kenridge) 48-831, Douglas 13-646 Bell 27-866 Lincoln 00000”. File fold separations on the letter and cover edge worn with small piece out and quite colorful with transit markings. $450.

William T. Norville was a legendary blockade-runner during the Civil War. During that time, as helmsman, he and Andrew Dorgan helped Navy Cove resident George Cook with the testing of the second of three experimental submarines developed in Mobile, Alabama. The third one was the famous Hunley, which sank the Union sloop USS Housatonic in 1864 off Charleston. The Hunley also went down in the engagement, along with its nine-member crew. Norville was a pilot in the Confederate States Navy during the war; serving on several blockade runners and also aboard the schooner John Scott; captured 60 miles from Mobile, Alabama, January 7, 1864. From there, he was sent to New Orleans and later imprisoned at Fort Warren, Boston Harbor. He was released February 3, 1865 on taking the Oath of Allegiance. When Norville was captured, Farragut offered him a pension, a nice home and cash to pilot the Union fleet during the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1865. He refused, choosing prison instead, according to descendant Warren Norville.

Trans-Atlantic: Wales to Mobile, Ala. from the Norville family correspondence, folded letter posted in Cardiff, Wales, 28 Feb 1861 with pair of 6-pence stamps, and arrived in Mobile some time in March 1861 making this pre-blockade after Alabama joined the Confederacy. Docketed at top “Per Steamer Via Queenstown” with blue Liverpool March 1861 transit mkg and Bote-docks transit 28Fe1861 on back flap as well as bright red New York Br Pkt Mar 17 PAID cancel. The interesting lengthy very articulate original 4-page letter is from father William J.R. Norville, a bar pilot  [sandbar navigator], to his adult son, William T. Norville, who is also a pilot on the lower bar - filled with details of various voyages, business news, etc. The most interesting letter references the impending war, "...We are afraid this will be a long time in getting to you. Our last news was the 13th when it was expected that the Charlestonans would attack Fort Sumter and if so that would be a declaration of war between the free and slave states, then the mails would be stopped and your letter would be a long time getting to you...Your Father was born & raised in the Slaves States among Negroes and always been in favor of slavery and the protection of Slave property also dispises the Yankey two faced Abolionist…God bless and save the Union and may the first man who places a match to the first cannon pointed toward any Union man be blown to eternity and not a particle of him left except his ashes which may be put in a vace of quick silver and placed on the top of Washingtons monument in the District of Columbia with the words written in large letters ‘A Traitor to his Country with his name written under’"and so much more. $800.

William T. Norville was a legendary blockade-runner during the Civil War. During that time, as helmsman, he and Andrew Dorgan helped Navy Cove resident George Cook with the testing of the second of three experimental submarines developed in Mobile, Alabama. The third one was the famous Hunley, which sank the Union sloop USS Housatonic in 1864 off Charleston. The Hunley also went down in the engagement, along with its nine-member crew. Norville was a pilot in the Confederate States Navy during the war; serving on several blockade runners and also aboard the schooner John Scott; captured 60 miles from Mobile, Alabama, January 7, 1864. From there, he was sent to New Orleans and later imprisoned at Fort Warren, Boston Harbor. He was released February 3, 1865 on taking the Oath of Allegiance. When Norville was captured, Farragut offered him a pension, a nice home and cash to pilot the Union fleet during the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1865. He refused, choosing prison instead, according to descendant Warren Norville.

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.

CSA #10, 10¢ blue frameline with full frame at top, tied on cover by MOBILE / ALA double circle cancel on cover to “Miss Fannie Levich Care of W. E. Levich, Berzelia, Georgia” with manuscript notation across the top “Forwarded by Louisiana Committee at Mobile”. See my column on the subject at http://www.webuystamps.com/ASDOCT09.pdf (a copy of which is included). In May of 1863, Union General Banks ordered the deportation of all New Orleans citizens who had refused to take the oath of allegiance to the United States. Approximately 700 families from New Orleans moved to Mobile with little but the clothes on their backs. Prominent citizens of Mobile organized the Louisiana Relief Committee to supply food, medical care, shelter and transportation for these refugees. They also assumed the handling of mail for them from approximately June 1863 until early September 1864. Such covers are very coveted with less than 20 recorded. Only three are recorded with framelines. A rare and very desirable use. $6,500. Also listed in the frameline section.

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 and 13 sections

Confederate States Mail Line Way-Bill from Albany to Thomasville, Geo headed Thursday, Feby’ 23, 1865 showing four named passengers. $80.                                                                

Settlement of Estate documents including slaves, eleven pages dated Lexington (Virginia). The first document is dated Feby 10/68 from an attorney counseling that Mrs. N.E. Glasgow tend to these details now while of sound mind. It is clear she is concerned over the “dangers of up this question now, we must face it & if not now, at some future time, as therese Freedmen & others know the will & may spring the question upon you, before you are aware of it. And if they do, they would proceed against you before Judge Underwood in Richmond as they would have a right to do under the Civil Rights Bill.” It continues on it great detail, mentioning some slaves by name, and is signed J. D. Davidson. A second letter in the same hand, also from Davidson, is head Feby 27/69 to Mrs. E. Johns saying “I have been cautious & careful, as you desire me to be, in instituting your suit against your late slaves.” It goes on for four pages. Another sheet shows details of 1863 “Confederate Investment”. This is a most interesting legal correspondence that presents a window to the complications that arose after the emancipation of the slaves. There must have been a blizzard of law suits.
                                                                                                  
James Dorman Davidson (1808-1882) was 52 years old in the 1860 Census and noted as a lawyer. His wife was Hannah Greenlee. Davidson was a trustee of Washington & Lee University and dean of the Lexington bar, well known and respected in the area. He opposed secession quite vocally, but during the War he organized the home guards and was a commissary agent for the Virginia Troops. He sent four sons into Confederate service and suffered the loss of three of them killed in battle. $300.

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.

Charleston Arsenal, Autograph Letter Signed, "F.L. Childs Major C.S.A. Comdg" 1p. quarto. datelined "Charleston Arsenal, S.C., Sept. 28, 1862" and addressed to General Thomas Jordan and reads "In reply to your communication of this date I have the honor to state that I require the services of Corporal Jno. Kaufmann for repairing and cleaning arms, in which capacity he has for years been engaged at this Arsenal. He was in my employ until a few months since when he enlisted in the Army and now desires to return to the Arsenal. I need mechanics very much to perform the work expected from this Arsenal and when I find suitable men in the Army I must either have them or leave much important work undone.", Very Fine. $475.

Quartermaster's Department, Charleston, S.C., printed letterhead "Head Quarters./Quartermaster's Department., Charleston 1861" with manuscript date "March 15th", with short note, “There are 108 shell straps at the store house, and will be shipped to you by the morning boat.”, signed “By order J.M. Hatch, QMG, SCM; Andrew Harllee, Asst.", small tear at top, Very Fine.  $200.