CSA 4, 5¢ dark blue and 5¢ milky blue (two singles, different shades) tied RICHMOND Va. JUL 1862 cds on cover to Dr. George W. Bagby, Mr. James Evans, Farmville, Virginia. Restored piece at upper left cover edge and top back flap missing. Ex Cox and Burton. $180.

George William Bagby (1828-1883) was named editor of the Southern Literary Messenger in 1860 and used the journal to promote Southern secession before and during the Civil War. He was a 32 year-old physician when he enlisted 25 Apr 1861 as a private in Co. A, Virginia 11th Infantry. He was discharged 23 Sept 1861 due to chronic dyspepsia from which he suffered all his life and which eventually killed him; he also served in Co. F, Virginia 3rd Battalion Reserves Infantry. He tied his fortunes so closely to the Confederate cause that in April 1865 he fled Richmond aboard the same train that carried Confederate president Jefferson Davis and his entourage to Danville.