CSA 11, 10¢ blue pair, lightly creased between stamps, tied by partly struck LAKE CITY FLA AUG 4 (1863) circular datestamp on linen-lined envelope (usually used for money letters) to Davis H. Bryant Esq Lake City, E Fla, neatly docketed, trivial edge wear common to linen envelopes, Very Fine OVERPAID DROP USE. Such 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 MacBride and Mandel. $350.

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).