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Sale 907 — Confederate States Stamps and Postal History
Sale Date — Thursday, 16 March, 2006
Category — Flag-of-Truce and Prisoners
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
3057
Flag-of-Truce via Norfolk Va.. Blue "Norfolk Va. Jan. 10" double-circle datestamp and "Paid 5c" in circle handstamp on cover to Leesburg Va., ms. examiner's initials, sender's notation "Postage within", minor edgewear, Very Fine, Norfolk was an early and short-lived exchange point for mail between the North and South
E. 400-500
450
3058
Charleston S.C. Feb. 2, 1862. Clear strike of double-circle datestamp on cover endorsed "via Norfolk and Flag of Truce" to New York, 3c Rose (65) tied by "Old Point Comfort Va. Feb. 23" double-circle datestamp, "Paid 5" in circle handstamp for Confederate postage, some edgewear, Very Fine, this is an extremely unusual combination of markings and U.S. postage for a northbound flag-of-truce cover via Norfolk
E. 750-1,000
0
Back to Top3059
3c Rose (65). Tied by segmented cork, "Old Point Comfort Va. Jun. 18" double-circle datestamp on cover to Hoboken N.J., ms. examiner's initials at top left, few toned spots, Very Fine censored civilian flag-of-truce usage
E. 300-400
375
Back to Top3060
"For Flag of Truce". Ms. notation on cover to Philadelphia, well-struck "Old Point Comfort Va. May 10" double-circle datestamp with "Due 6" in circle, cover tear at top and some toned spots, missing part of top flap, Very Fine strikes, with 1998 P.F. certificate
E. 200-300
160
Back to Top3061
3c Rose (65). Tied by quartered cork and Richmond Va. circular datestamp on U.S. Christian Commission "Soldier's Letter" imprint cover from a captured Confederate soldier recovering at a U.S. Hospital to his sister in Pacolet Depot S.C., unusually-worded endorsement "Confederate Soldier's Letter. By Flag of Truce Boat", well-struck "Old Point Comfort Va. Oct. 21" double-circle datestamp, neat "Due 10" marking for Confederate postage, with original Oct. 19, 1864 enclosure on Christian Commission letterhead, mentions his recent amputation and states "I have written to you & Pa & Capt. Lyle since my arrival here, but I suppose they are all on this side the lines, as no flag of truce boat has passed.", stamp with small nick at top, otherwise Fine, this is a remarkable example of mail from a captured Confederate soldier while recovering from his wounds at a Federal hospital, which appears to have bypassed censorship and normal handling for prisoners' letters
E. 750-1,000
3,500
Back to Top3062
Camp Douglas. Oval examiner's handstamp on orange cover with 3c Rose (65) tied by blue segmented cork and matching "Chicago Ill. Oct. 17" double-circle datestamp to Keene Ky., fresh and Very Fine, attractive cover
E. 200-300
210
Back to Top3062A
Camp Morton Ind. Front only addressed to imprisoned member of 45th Virginia Vol. at Camp Morton in Indianapolis with directive "Care of Commanding Office of Post, Camp Morton, who will open", United States Express Co., Nebraska City Neb. black on green express label affixed at upper right, red and blue crayon notations, faults, still presentable and very rare use of private express company to deliver mail to a Confederate prisoner-of-war held at Camp Morton, the addressee (Private Robert H. Anderson) was captured at Piedmont Va. on Jun. 5, 1864, and exchanged Mar. 4, 1865
E. 500-750
675
Back to Top3063
Fort Delaware. Clear strike of oval examiner's backstamp on orange cover to Union Mills Va., 3c Rose (65) tied by grid, "Delaware City Del. Apr. 30" circular datestamp, Confederate postage paid by 10c Blue, Die A (11), margins to in, tied by "Richmond Va. May 13" datestamp, missing top flap, Very Fine flag-of-truce cover sent via Fortress Monroe
E. 750-1,000
0
Back to Top3064
10c Blue, Die B (12). Large margins all around, cancelled by ms. "X" on orange flag-of-truce cover to "Citizen Prisoner at Fort Warren Mass., also with 3c Rose (65), s.e. at left, tied by quartered cork and "Old Point Comfort Va. Feb. 7" double-circle datestamp, Very Fine, attractive usage
E. 500-750
0
Back to Top3065
Johnson's Island. Prisoner's endorsement "From J .W. Lapsley, 1st Lt. Co. E. 51st Ala., Prisoner of War, Johnson's Island, Ohio" on small cover to his wife at Tuscaloosa Ala., ms. "ExA" censor's mark, 3c Rose (65) tied by "Sandusky O. Jul. 12, '64" double-circle datestamp and target, also tied by "Richmond Va. Jul. 20" circular datestamp, forwarded to Shelby Springs with 10c Grayish Blue, Die A (11 var), an unusual and distinctive shade, large margins, tied by bold "Tuscaloosa Aug. 18" circular datestamp, well-struck "X" handstamp of Tuscaloosa at rightA VERY FINE AND EXTREMELY UNUSUAL FRANKING, SHOWING THE COMBINATION OF UNITED STATES AND CONFEDERATE STAMPS NORMALLY FOUND ON PRISONER-OF-WAR COVERS, BUT IN THIS CASE REQUIRED FOR FORWARDING WITH THE 10-CENT STAMP CANCELLED AT TUSCALOOSA.
It is theorized that the Tuscaloosa "X" mark was applied to soldiers' mail during the Dalton-Atlanta campaign (see Confederate Philatelist, May 1961). Its use on this prisoner-of-war cover is extremely unusual and rare. Signed Brian Green
E. 3,000-4,000
3,750
Back to Top3066
Point Lookout. Clear strike of large oval Paterson examiner's marking on cover to Greenwood Depot Va., 3c Rose (65) cancelled by target, "Point Lookout Md. Jan. 23" circular datestamp, also with 10c Blue, Die A (11) tied by Richmond Va. datestamp, ms. "Via Fortress Monroe & Flag of Truce" at top left, some slight toning most noticeable around 3c stamp, still Very Fine, an unusually clear strike of the oval examiner's marking and an attractive cover
E. 1,000-1,500
1,600
Back to Top3067
Point Lookout Md. Light strike of large oval examiner's handstamp on orange cover to Morganton P.O. N.C., 3c Rose (65) tied by target, "Point Lookout Md. Jan. 28" datestamp, also neat "Richmond Va. Feb. 1" and "Due 10" markings for Confederate postage, with 1864 enclosure (dated Oct. 25 so may not be original), minor edgewear, Very Fine
E. 300-400
425
Back to Top3068
Point Lookout. Prisoner's letter with 3c Rose (65) tied by target and by "Point Lookout Md. May 25, 1864" double-circle datestamp on cover to Halcombs Rock Va., Richmond circular datestamp also ties stamp, bold "Due 10" handstamp and ms. examiner's marking, missing part of top flap, Fine
E. 300-400
400
Back to Top3069
Point Lookout Md. Inbound letter to a prisoner, bearing 3c Rose (65) tied by blue target and matching "Baltimore Md. Jun. 9, 1864" double-circle datestamp, with original contents, Very Fine
E. 100-150
250
Back to Top3070
Rock Island Barracks. 3c Rose (65) tied by target and "Rock Island Ill. Jan. 28, 1864" double-circle datestamp on buff cover to Jacksonville Mo., clear strike of examiner's handstamp, stamp with rounded corner at top right, otherwise Fine, with 1974 P.F. certificate
E. 300-400
375
Back to Top3071
Military District of Washington D.C. Red examiner's handstamp and censor's signature on cover to Greenwood Depot Va., U.S. stamp removed in transit and "Richmond Va. Nov. 16, 1863" circular datestamp struck in its place, "Due 10" straightline, endorsed "per flag of truce boat Via Fortress Monroe" at left, Very Fine
E. 500-750
1,050
Back to Top3072
Jefferson Davis as Prisoner of War to his Wife. Cover addressed in the hand of the former President to his wife, "Mrs. Varina Davis, Augusta, Georgia," additionally Davis writes, "Favor of Hon. J. Speed U.S. Atty. Genl." in a tiny hand, Speed's signature is at upper right, "J. Speed Atty genl", which served as both free frank and censor's mark, datestamped Dec. 9, 1865, in Washington D.C., small piece out of back, expertly restoredVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A REMARKABLE CIVIL WAR USAGE, SENT BY JEFFERSON DAVIS, FORMER CONFEDERATE PRESIDENT AND IMPRISONED LEADER OF THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. ONE OF ONLY THREE KNOWN POSTALLY USED LETTERS SENT BY JEFFERSON DAVIS AS A PRISONER OF WAR.
A fourth example is known, but it was privately carried outside of the mails. Accompanied by CDV of Jefferson Davis, circa 1863, from Brady photographic negative. A similar example realized $8,500 hammer in our Robertson Sale 887
E. 7,500-10,000
6,500
Back to Top3073
Office of the Provost Marshal General, Armies Operating Against Richmond, Va., Official Business. Imprint on cover addressed to Robert M.T. Hunter, a Confederate Senator, evidently as a prisoner on board the U.S. Gunboat Burnside, no other markings, Very Fine, rare imprint and an even rarer usage, Hunter was a Confederate Senator (whose portrait is on a $10 Confederate bill) and was one of three members of the Confederacy who met with Lincoln and Seward at the Hampton Roads Peace Conference on Feb. 3, 1865, he was arrested by Federal forces later in 1865 and imprisoned without trial at Fort Pulaski until 1866, the General Burnside was built in 1862 and sold to the War Department in 1863, she became flagship of the upper Tennessee River Fleet where she patrolled the river to Whitesburg, Decatur, and Chattanooga, this letter was likely sent to Hunter as a prisoner on his way to Fort Pulaski
E. 750-1,000
700
Back to Top3074
Robert M. T. Hunter. Thirteen covers addressed to former Confederate Senator Hunter as a prisoner at Fort Pulaski Ga., incl. nine with U.S. 3c Rose (65), one with "Steamboat" handstamp, one adversity cover made from illustrated envelope, several defective but still a worthwhile group, Hunter turned down the position of Secretary of State in Fillmore's administration, he was a U.S. Senator before joining the Confederate government, one of three Confederate commissioners at the 1865 Hampton Roads Peace Conference, he was imprisoned at Fort Pulaski later in 1865 and was released in 1866
E. 750-1,000
700
Back to Top3075
Robert M. T. Hunter. 11 covers, mostly post-war usages to him or his wife at Layton's Landing or Baltimore, mixed condition, still some Fine
E. 200-300
210
Back to Top3076
Confederate States, Navy Department, Official Business. Imprint on legal-size cover addressed to "Flag Officer Sam'l. Barron, Cmdg. Naval Forces, James River", missing part of top flap, cover tear at right and some edgewear, otherwise Fine
E. 300-400
375
Back to Top3077
Confederate States, Navy Department, Official Business. Imprint on orange legal-size cover addressed to "Flag Officer Sam'l. Barron, Commanding Naval Defences of Va., Richmond Va.", missing top flap but with some notes on back possibly listing the number of ships he has at different locations, some edge faults, otherwise Fine, scarce usage, Barron held this position for only a very short time before being captured
E. 300-400
400
Back to Top3078
Confederate States, Navy Department, Official Business. Imprint on oversize cover addressed to "Flag Officer Saml. Barron C.S. Navy, Comdg. James River Squadron, Richmond Va.", original contents accompanies which is Navy Dept. General Order dated Nov. 22, 1862 and detailing the hierarchy of command, cover defective but enclosure pristine
E. 750-1,000
850
Back to Top3079
"Due 2". Ms. rate on cover addressed to "Commodore Sam. Barron, C.S. Navy, Norfolk", military origin indicated at top right, fresh and Very Fine
E. 500-750
280
Back to Top3080
Samuel Barron. 39 items, mostly pre- and post-war, incl. covers addressed to him, some with imprints such as "C.S. Navy Department, Office of Ordnance and Hydrography", some carried privately, decidedly mixed condition, few appear Fine-Very Fine
E. 1,500-2,000
750
Back to Top3081
"Commodore Samuel Barron, Governor's Island, Care of Commanding Officer". Address on cover to Barron as prisoner of war, no postal markings, some slight edgewearVERY FINE. A REMARKABLE COVER TO FAMED CONFEDERATE NAVAL COMMANDER, SAMUEL BARRON, AS A PRISONER OF WAR HELD ON GOVERNOR'S ISLAND, NEW YORK.
Samuel Barron left his powerful position as Chief of the Bureau of Detail in the U.S. Navy to offer his services to the Confederacy. He eventually became commander of the naval defenses of Virginia and North Carolina, basing his position at Fort Hatteras. He arrived there the day after the start of a Union bombardment and was forced to surrender the following day, when he was taken prisoner. He was exchanged eleven months later, and served most of the rest of the war in France overseeing the building of blockade-running ships for the Confederacy. According to http://www.rootsweb.com/~nchyde/FTCLARK2.HTM: "After some hours of negotiation, articles of capitulation were signed aboard Stringham’s flagship, the USS Cumberland. The overall Confederate loss was great, as Barron surrendered some 700 men, 1,000 rifle-muskets and muskets, 31 artillery pieces and two forts...The captured officers and enlisted men of 7th and 10th Regiments were first sent to a military prison on Governor's Island, New York. After about two months, the prisoners were transferred to Fort Warren in Boston harbor...Upon their parole in 1862, the soldiers were returned to North Carolina and those who opted to remain in the Confederate Army were reformed as the 17th Regiment North Carolina Volunteers..."
E. 1,000-1,500
525
Back to Top3082
"S. Barron Esq. C.S.N. Fort Warren Mass." Address on cover to Barron as prisoner of war, ms. "Ex. J.D." examiner's mark, cover tear at leftVERY FINE. A REMARKABLE COVER TO CONFEDERATE NAVAL COMMANDER, SAMUEL BARRON, AS A PRISONER AT FORT WARREN, MASSACHUSETTS.
As outlined in the previous lot description, Commodore Barron was captured and held by the North as a prisoner. After his release, he travelled to Europe to make arrangements for the blockade-running operations of the Confederacy.
E. 1,000-1,500
525
Back to Top
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