VERY FINE. AN ATTRACTIVE AND SCARCE TURNED COVER BEARING 20-CENT AND 10-CENT ENGRAVED ISSUE STAMPS.
Apparently the first use of this cover exceeded the half-ounce weight limit, while the second use did not.
Ex Muzzey and Hastings.
VERY FINE. A REMARKABLE CONFEDERATE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPRESS COVER SENT BY AN OFFICER IN THE ARMY OF TENNESSEE, USING A CAPTURED UNION PATRIOTIC ENVELOPE.
The 6th Texas Infantry, known as the "Matagorda Coast Guards," was mustered into service in 1861 and served throughout the entire war. In January 1863 the 6th Texas fought in the battle of Arkansas Post (or Fort Hindman), where a large number of its members were captured, including Lieut. Holt (he was exchanged six months later). The 6th Texas was reorganized in July 1863 and transferred to the Army of Tennessee.
Another cover from Lieut. Holt -- an identical Liberty and Flag captured envelope, prepaid 40c for Trans-Mississippi Express service -- was mailed by him at the time of the Battle of Chickamauga, in November 1863, to his mother in Matagorda (ex Everett, Siegel Sale 754, lot 450). After the battle most of the troops involved retreated to the area around Dalton, Georgia, and spent the winter there. This cover was sent from Georgia by Lieut. Holt in early March 1864. The pair of 20c stamps is the only indication of postage on the cover, but because the datestamp does not tie the stamps and appears to be a Charlotte N.C. marking, we must offer this "as is". Nevertheless, the Philatelic Foundation opinion states that the pair's use on this cover is "Genuine", while declining opinion as to the identity of the originating postmark.
Krieger census no. E21. Ex Weatherly, Antrim and Dr. Brandon. With 2015 P.F. certificate