CSA 11, 10¢ blue (4 margins) tied PAID 10 from LAKE CITY FLA. on cover “From Capt. Winston Stephens” and docketed Sept 22, 1864, addressed to Davis H. Bryant Lake City, E Fla, Care of Maj Routh Q.M. Lake City; back flaps sealed with red sealing wax. Such OVERPAID DROP uses were often caused by traveling soldiers carrying letters as favors for soldiers in the field and dropping them in the mail stream of the city at which they arrived. Such uses are often seen in larger hub cities such as Richmond. Ex Briggs and Mandel. $250.

Stephens-Bryant Family Papers are well known to Confederate postal historians. In the 1970s, the covers were sold through Kaufmann Auctions—very memorable sales—and the correspondence was written up in the Confederate Philatelist. Winston J.T. Stephens (1820-1864) was a plantation owner, militia officer, and Confederate army officer. His wife was Octavia Bryant Stephens (1841-1908). Their letters, as well as those of other family members, are housed at the University of Florida. Much information about the family may be found online. Other family members include Henry H. Bryant (1847-1930), Davis H. Bryant (1839-1913), and William A. Bryant (1837-1881).