CHARLESTON S.C. OCT 8 1861 with matching PAID 5 (CC type E) on handsome all-over orange advertising cover of Charleston Hotel / D. Mixer (Proprietor) Charleston S.C. to Peyton G. Coles, North Garden, Albemarle Co(unty) Virginia with note at lower left “From W.A. Avent.” Signed J.M. Bartels, Jan. 1926. Tiny tear at upper right, W. Eaves N.Y. manufacturer imprint on back flap and lower right of front, sealed flap tears. Lovely ad use. Renowned for its opulence and grace, the Charleston Hotel was an iconic symbol of the city’s antebellum glory until demolished to put a motor lodge in its place in 1959 - I have no words. I actually have memories of staying in that motor lodge decades ago. And, as time marches on, today it is a bank (1989). Ex Raysor. $950.

Peyton Skipwith Coles, Sr. (1826-1887) was a gentleman farmer who owned Tallwood near Keene, Va. It remained in the Coles family from 1810 until 1897 when he sold the property to William D. Waters of St. Louis, Mo. He reserved 184 acres on the north side of Tallwood to erect a new house which he called Coleswood. Coles married Julia Isetta Coles (1831-1907) in 1852 and they had 11 children. He was made a Master Mason in 1866 and was elected Grandmaster of Masons of Virginia in December 1879. He served two years. Peyton was made a Knights Templar in 1867 and was elected Grand Commander of Virginia in 1880, serving two years. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in 1869. Elected Grand High Priest of Virginia, December 1880. He served two years.