US 3¢ star-die #U27 tied LYNCHBURG / Va // MAY / 4 / 1861 cds with blind embossed Grocers & Commission Merchant corner card of M. Hollins & Co. / No. 7 D Main St. / Lynchburg, Va.; addressed to Genl. James Hoge, Dublin, Va. with contents docketing up the left side, slightly reduced at top with back flap missing, horizontal fold across bottom. Ex Thayer. Scarce Independent State Use (only independent for 20). CCV $300 without regard to corner card. [VA] $325.

General James Hoge was commissioned Brigadier General of the 19th Brigade of Virginia Militia State Troops, as they were then called, on 19 February 1831. His commission was signed by Governor John Floyd. His previous military commissions as colonel, lieutenant colonel, major and captain, were dated respectively, May 17, 1823, June 26, 1819, May 5, 1815, and March 21, 1807, and signed in above order by Governors Pleasants, Preston, Nicolas, and Cabell. He was ordered to take the greater part of his own company and details from all other companies of his regiment, the 75th Virginia, numbering 147 men, and go to Norfolk in the War of 1812.  He commanded at Crany Island. On account of a fearful fever which broke out in camp, he and more than half of his men were prostrated and many of the men died. He was twice a representative in the House of Delegates from Montgomery County, Virginia, and once served his district in the State Senate. He was Democratic elector on four presidential tickets, 1825, 1837, 1841, and 1845. His father's small farm promised limited division among the eleven children, so he bought the interests of all the others, and from this beginning he made a large fortune, not less than a quarter of a million, which was wonderful, considering the times and conditions of the country. He built a house near his father's old dwelling, Belle Hampton, in 1826 and 1827. Hoge was described as a full 6‘2” tall, weighing 220 lbs., erect, and in all respect proportioned; smooth shaven, full face, with piercing, though merry black eyes, and heavy brows. His dress was tailor made and ever spotlessly neat. In brief, he was magnificent in appearance, and this was universally acknowledged. Around him on public occasions would gather groups of admiring friends to see him and hear him talk. He was easily a leader among men. On all occasions he rode the finest horses and dressed in the most splendid uniforms.