RICHMOND / Va // JAN / 9 [1862] with matching DUE 5 (CSA Catalog type O) on cover to Mrs. William W. Boyce, Winnsboro, So. Carolina. Small edge faults across top and small piece replaced at top right. Scarce MEMBER OF CONGRESS frank to allow mail to be sent postage due. At upper right “Fr Wm. W. Boyce M.C.” and inside “Write often my dear.” Van Dyk MacBride description in pencil on verso. $350.

Congressmen were permitted to send letters without prepayment of postage, which was to be paid on delivery by the recipient. Such letters were to be endorsed with the signature of the congressman. It was not widely used as congressmen were likely reluctant to have their constituents pay to receive their letters. (Confederate Congressional Act of July 30, 1861, Chapter II, Section 3)
 

Listed in Miscellaneous-2 and Virginia Stampless, Section 3