RICHMOND VA. APR 28 1863 circle datestamp with matching DUE 10 straightline on fresh cover with 11-Star Flag with Verse (type F11-16, verse 13) to Wm. Anderson, Little Yadkin, N.C., with "From C.M. Anderson, Co. I. 33 Regt., N.C. Troops," soldier's endorsement at lower left; with original enclosure datelined “Camp near Fredericksburg, Va., Apr the 18, 1863” with interesting reference to Union observation balloon…"We can see them every day up in their balloon. A viewing of us." Top back flap tears, still Very Fine. $850.

Charles M. Anderson was a 21-year-old farmer from Stokes County, NC, who enlisted on August 10, 1861, at Forsyth County as a private. This letter was mailed only two days before the beginning of the Battle of Chancellorsville. Private Anderson and the 33rd Regiment fought in this battle as part of General A.P. Hill's Division of Stonewall Jackson's 2nd Corps (Jackson's last battle). Anderson was taken prisoner July 12, 1863 at the battle of Funkstown, Md. He was held prisoner at Funkstown and later transferred to Point Lookout, Md. on August 9, 1863. He joined the US Army January 25, 1864 (a Galvanized Yankee) and was assigned to Company B, 1st Infantry.