CSA 9a, 10¢ milky blue "T-E-N" with 4 margins, tied by WINCHESTER / Va. // JUL / 11 cds on cover to Mr. Crookshank (sic), Editor of the Reporter, Talladega Ala., part of letter enclosure accompanies and is signed by “A.M., the oficers (sic) in --- the 5 Ala Rgt,” saying that “Lieut. Caldwell…is well liked by his men,” tiny (almost invisible) hole at top, stamp with small scrape at bottom, Very Fine appearance. SCV $1,500. $800.

Marcus Henderson Cruikshank (1826–1881) was a lawyer and a Confederate politician who served in the Second Confederate Congress, 1864-65. He served as the mayor of Talladega during the secession period and early part of the war. He was also editor of the Alabama Reporter, centered in Talladega and Birmingham, as well as of the Watchtower. He died in 1881 when he was thrown from his horse. Cruikshank family papers are housed at UA.