Hendersonville N.C. June 3 (1861). Clearly-struck circular datestamp (some letters in watery ink) ties 3c Dull Red, Ty. III (26) on lady's small cover to Bowman's Bluff N.C., obsolete Federal stamp not recognized, blurry "Hendersonville N.C. June 5" circular datestamp and manuscript "Pd 5" Confederate rate applied two days later, neatly docketed on back "Annie -- Rec'd June 6th 1861"

EXTREMELY FINE. A VERY RARE EXAMPLE OF CONFEDERATE "OLD STAMPS NOT RECOGNIZED" TREATMENT OF A LETTER PREPAID WITH UNITED STATES POSTAGE AFTER JUNE 1, 1861.

The Federal demonetization of all United States stamps issued before the new 1861 series resulted in use of "Old Stamps Not Recognized" markings on letters originating in the North with obsolete postage affixed. In the South, Federal postage stamps were not accepted as prepayment for the Confederate rates effective June 1, 1861. Markings used to reject prepayment were applied in manuscript, or letters were simply marked postage due or held for postage. This cover was mailed by a young lady (Annie) to another young lady (Harriet) on June 3 with the old United States 3c stamp affixed (upside down -- deliberately?). The postmaster at Hendersonville held the letter until the 5c required Confederate postage was prepaid. Examples such as this are extremely rare.

Ex Birkinbine and Walske

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