NASHVILLE / Ten. // AUG / 9 / 1861, blue CDS with matching PAID and "5" handstamps on cover to L.M. Blackford, University of Virginia, docketed "Am. Letter Express / Recd Aug 14 1861/Ackn" at left; flap torn, Very Fine, ex-Brandon. In the Brandon sale (Siegel), this contained two American Letter Express notices. It is listed in the Walske-Trepel Special Routes census as across-the-lines use # S-AX-19, but probably originated in Nashville. Either way, it is a desirable use. $550.

Lancelot Minor Blackford enlisted in the Virginia Rockbridge 1st Light Artillery on 9-2-61 and was later promoted to 24th VA Infantry Field & Staff as adjutant. He was a graduate of UVA and post-war was principal for the Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va.