CSA 7-R, 5¢ blue, two pairs (one vertical top sheet margin, other horizontal) paying DOUBLE RATE, tied RICHMOND VA. MAY 29 1863 CDS, Powell type 4d, on cover to Mrs. Humes Care of Rev. Thoms. W. Humes, Knoxville Tenn. Van Dyk McBride pencil note on verso. Ex Harry Muldrow. $225.

Thomas William Humes (1815 –1892) was a clergyman and educator, active in Knoxville, Tennessee. Although he was a slave owner, Humes helped several slaves in Knoxville purchase their freedom during the late 1840s and 1850s. He also opened a school for Knoxville's free blacks and freed slaves. Elected rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in 1846, Humes led the church until the outbreak of the Civil War when he was forced to resign due to his Union sentiments. Humes dubbed the Confederate occupation of Knoxville a "reign of terror.” He was named president of East Tennessee University in 1865; he held that position until 1883. During his tenure, he led the school's expansion and transition into the University of Tennessee.