Forwarded by the Adams Express
Co. from Indianapolis, Ind. Black on glazed yellow label tied by
"Richmond Va. Jul. 5, 1861" circular datestamp with "Paid/5 Cts."
handstamp on 3c Red Star Die entire to Lexington Va., ms. "Paid
2/-" (two bits, or 25c) express fee, shallow opening tear along top
edge has been expertly repaired, lightly cleanedVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THIS ADAMS EXPRESS OFFICE LABEL ON A COVER CARRIED ACROSS THE LINES AND MAILED WITHIN CONFEDERATE TERRITORY. A REMARKABLE USAGE.
On May 27, 1861, Postmaster General Montgomery Blair issued orders suspending mail service from the North to disloyal states, effective June 1. Within two weeks the American Letter Express Co., followed by Adams Express Co. and Whiteside's Express, advertised thru-the-lines mail service, which continued until August 26, when all commercial exchange between the North and South was banned.
This cover originated in Indianapolis and was carried by Adams Express Co. outside the mails into Confederate territory. Although the Federal post office did not actually handle the letter, 3c U.S. postage was required and paid by the Star Die entire. At Richmond, the express company paid 5c Confederate postage, and the Richmond postal markings were applied, conveniently tying the Adams label to the cover. We know of no other cover on which the Adams label is tied by a Confederate postmark, nor do our records show any other similar usage.
Ex Peters and J. David Baker. (Image)
Adams Ex. Co. * Louisville, Ky.
* Jul. 25, 1861. Bold circular datestamp on 3c Red Star Die entire to
Handsboro Miss., partly clear "Grand Junction Ten. Jul. 30" circular
datestamp and bold "Paid 5" C.S.A. rate, Very Fine, Grand Junction is a
short distance east of Memphis (southwest of Nashville and north of
Handsboro) -- it is a most unusual postal entry point for express mail (one
other in our records, sent from Louisville Jul. 30)
(Image)