VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THIS EXTREMELY RARE HANDSTAMPED "PAID", WHICH IS ONE OF THE FEW NEGATIVE TOWN MARKINGS USED IN THE CONFEDERACY.
The extreme rarity of the Pine Level handstamp -- only three are believed to exist -- makes it impossible to draw any definite conclusions regarding its status; however, it is possible that the marking was applied to envelopes in advance of sale and, if so, they could be classified as a postmaster's provisional.
Ex Simon and MacBride
VERY FINE AND RARE CONFEDERATE MILITARY COVER TO CHOCTAW NATION, INDIAN TERRITORY.
Colonel Peter P. Pitchlynn was the Principal Chief of the Choctaw Nation and a prominent representative of the Five Civilized Tribes located in Indian Territory. When the Civil War broke out, Col. Pitchlynn was in Washington D.C. attending a meeting with President Lincoln. Although pro-Union, Col. Pitchlynn honored the wishes of his people to join the Confederate cause. He commanded the Choctaw forces with headquarters at Fort Towson in Doakesville. Col. Pitchlynn and his contemporary, Stand Watie -- the only American Indian to attain the rank of General in the Confederate Army -- are reported to have been the last Confederates to surrender to Federal forces, on June 23, 1865. (Reference: reprint of Judge Harry J. Lemley Confederate Philatelist articles, John W. Kaufmann sale, Oct. 22, 1977).
Ex Dr. Brandon.