FREE – OFFICIAL BUSINESS. Confederate States of America Post Office Department, Third Auditor’s Office, Dietz type I imprint signed by J. W. M. Harris. “FREE” is part of the imprint, consequently the Richmond postmark appears without the necessity of a handstamped “Free” marking. Postmarked January 24 (1865) and addressed to “W. T. Avery, Special Agent, P.O.D., Greensboro, Ala”. Pristine use. $525.

U.S. 3¢ Nesbitt entire with Confederate States of America Post Office Department Official Business Chief of the Finance Bureau type V imprint used with type 6 RICHMOND / VA. // MAR / 17 (1864) cds and straightline FREE, signed Jno L. Harrell on official business addressed to “P.M. Harrington, Harnett Co., NC” with docketing up left side “Instructions in regard to Confederate money”. Backstamp of illustrious former postal stationery student Marcus White. $550

Confederate States of America, Post Office Department, Chief of the Finance Bureau imprinted official envelope signed Harrell to P.M. at Hales Ford, Va. with straightline FREE on 3¢ star-die #U27 $350.

RICHMOND / Va. / JUN  cds with matching straightline FREE on Confederate States of America Post Office Department, Chief of the Appointment Bureau official used on 3¢ star-die entire and signed by B. N. Clements, head of same. Official Business to the postmaster at Pioneer Mills, Cabarras Co, N.C., flap faults otherwise Fine $450.

RICHMOND / Va. // OCT / 9 cds with matching straightline FREE used over 3¢ Nesbitt Confederate States Post Office Department / Chief of the Appointment Bureau official envelope signed by B.N. Clements to P.M. Fredericksburg, Va. with two notations of “Iron Mail Key” on the face (not sure to what this refers unless possibly a post box). Nesbitt entires are much scarcer than Star-Die envelopes.  The Postmaster General and various Post Office officials were afforded the franking privilege which was abolished in most other areas of mail. Ex Hedin. $650.

FREE (printed “rate”) on Confederate States of America / Post Office Department / Auditor's Office imprinted (Dietz type XIII) cover without signature or postmark thus assumed Richmond, addressed the Postmaster at Halesford, Va., reduced at left, Scarce. $250.

CSA 12-KB, 10¢ dark blue Keatinge & Ball tied GORDONSVILLE / Va. / 22 (no month visible) on “O.B.” (Official Business) ms cover to the postmaster at Halesford, Va.; small tear at top   $90.

CSA 11, 10¢ blue (top right corner missing) tied RICHMOND / Va. / NOV / 28 [1863] cds on blue cover with manuscript “Q.M. Generals Office / Official Business” to Mr. Ro[bert]. M. Livingston, Mobile, Ala. with docketing up left side “Q M General Nov 27 1863”. On verso is penciled “Gen. Alexander R. Lawton letter enclosed”. Unfortunately, the letter appears to have been separated over the years. Lawton was seriously wounded early in the morning of September 17, 1862, while defending his portion of the Army of Northern Virginia line at the Battle of Antietam. In August 1863, Lawton became the Confederacy’s second Quartermaster General. $350.

CSA 7, 5¢ blue vertical pair tied RICHMOND / Va. / DEC / 3 cds over Confederate States of America / Treasury Department / First Auditors Office semi-official imprint (Dietz type I); addressed to W. J. Houston, Esq, Atlanta with manuscript routing endorsement "A.&W.P. R.R. Office" (Atlanta West Point Rail Road) at bottom left, pair moved to side to reveal imprint, bit reduced at top. $300.

CSA 12-AD, 10¢ blue, tied Army of Northern Virginia FIELD CANCEL  over “Official Business” imprinted semi-official cover to Mrs. Mary E. Schooler, Guiney’s Deport, R & F Rail Road, Caroline Co, Va; most of top back flap missing. $190.

Confederate use of captured U.S. Ordnance Bureau envelope utilized by South Carolina Militia forces after the capture of the Charleston Arsenal in December of 1860 by the 17th Regiment of Infantry, South Carolina Militia (S.C.M.). Handcarried to “Capt Thomas Ryan, Com[manding] late U.S. Arsenal” of the 17th South Carolina who had taken possession of the Arsenal. Pencil docketed April 26 [1861] two weeks after the firing on Ft. Sumter in Charleston Harbor on April 12, 1861. A nice collateral addition to a Confederate postal history collection. Same imprint and hand-carried to late U.S. Arsenal sold in Siegel sale 1065 (lot 471) of the Calhoun Collection for $550 plus 15% buyer premium in 2014.  $150.

RICHMOND / Va. // SEP /18 / 186(?) CDS with matching handstamped PAID 10 in circle on Confederate States of America, Treasury Department imprinted cover to W. H. Gaines, Gaines Landing Ark[ansas]., back flap tear from opening, Very Fine. Ex Oswald and Felton. $450.

Confederate States of America, / General Post Office Department, / Auditor's Office. / Free. / Official Business, Auditor. imprint with "B. Baker" signature free frank and addressed to Postmaster in New River, La., slightly reduced at left & open at left and top. Scarce use.  $525.

Confederate States of America, / Post Office Department, /Official Business. / Chief of the Finance Bureau., official imprint signed by "A. Dimitry" on 3¢ Star Die #U27 entire to P.M. at Disputanta, Va.; cancelled by Richmond Va. cds with matching partial "FREE" handstamp, Extremely Fine. $500.

CSA 11-AD, 10¢ blue adversity use (cut off another cover and reused contemporaneously) tied CHARLESTON / S.C. // MAY / 9 cds (scarcer 29 mm postmark) on semi-official imprinted cover of Confederate States, Head Quarters, Department of So. Ca., Ga. and Fla. with Official Business scratched out; addressed to Mr. Jno. F. Ficken, Jr., Co. “B”, German Arty, Battery White, Georgetown, S.C.; back flap opening tears, Ex Judge Harry Lemley with his typewritten description and research. $450.

Ficken (or Ficklin or Ficklen) was in Melcher’s Company South Carolina Artillery (Company B, German Artillery – also – German Co. B, SC Light Artillery Company).

Much more information on Ficklin and Battery White is shown on linked page.

CSA 12c, 10¢ bluish green tied bold RICHMOND / VA. // MAY / 20 cds over 3¢ star-die entire with imprint of CSA P.O. Department, Chief Clerk P.O. Department. Addressed by PO Chief Clerk Benjamin Fuller to his wife in Fayetteville, NC care of Wm Bell, Esq. Personal use of official envelope. $450.

U.S. 3¢ star-die entire with Confederate States of America / Post Office Department, / Official Business. / Chief of the Finance Bureau which has “Finance” crossed out and “Contract” written in(CSA Catalog type CON-04a, CV $600) used with RICHMOND / VA. // SEP / 10 cds and matching straightline FREE, signature of H. St. George Offutt, addressed to “Asa Holland, P.M., Halesford, Va”, flap faults and bit of soiling. $375

CHARLESTON / S.C. // MAR / 15 / 1861 cds with matching PAID 5 in circle on legal cover with manuscript “Official Business, Medical Purveyor’s Office”, addressed to Surgeon J. Walter Hill, 19 Regt SCV, Camp Simons, most of top back flap missing and trifle reduced at right, still Very Fine semi-official use. Camp Simons #1 was at Rantowles Station on the Charleston & Savannah Railroad while Camp Simons #2 was at the village of Ravenel, also positioned on the railroad. Detailed bio accompanied and partly appears on linked page. $300.

Surgeon John Walter Hill mustered in to Capt. J. Abney’s Co Edgefield Reserves, 22nd SC Infantry and had a long stint with the 6th Texas Cavalry.

Much more information shown on linked page.

CSA Post Office Department, Chief of the Finance Bureau imprinted official cover on 3¢ Nesbitt, CSA Catalog type FIN-02a, unused, backstamped “Collection / Marcus White / Worcester, Mass.” with his usual accompanying detail sheet including die, type, size, knife and watermark. Sold by Christie’s in sale of Weill Bros. stock 1989 for $363. CCV $500 as used. Superb. Quite scarce on Nesbitt. $300.

RICHMOND / Va. // MAY / 16 / 1862 cds with FREE understood on CSA Post Office Department, Chief of the Appointment Bureau imprinted envelope (CSA Catalog APP-06b) signed by B.N. Clements and addressed to “Postmaster, Littleton, New Hanover Co, NC” on official POD business, missing back flap, bit of edge wear and slightly reduced at top. $375

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, / SURGEON GENERAL'S OFFICE / OFFICIAL BUSINESS imprinted envelope (CSA Catalog Type WD-MD-10 – the listing copy) used from Richmond to Richmond as a drop letter with a black "PAID" and manuscript "2." The Richmond postmaster could not find his Paid 2 handstamps or this use is after the time period that they stopped being used (because they were lost, broken or worn out).  Peter Powell's Confederate States of America Markings and Postal History of Richmond, Virginia lists July 24, 1863, as the last date that a handstamp "Paid 2" marking was used. This item is from the collection of noted Confederate collector Sam Zimmerman who indicated that he bought it out of Kaufmann Sale 100 in 1984 for $440. Scarce rate and scarce imprinted envelope. $525.

RICHMOND / Va. // MAY / 16 / 1862 cds with FREE understood on CSA Post Office Department, Chief of the Appointment Bureau imprinted envelope (CSA Catalog APP-06b) signed by B.N. Clements and addressed to “Postmaster, Littleton, New Hanover Co, NC” on official POD business, missing back flap, bit of edge wear and slightly reduced at top. $450.

SUMMITT/MISS “tobacco juice brown" (degraded black) balloon cancels plus manuscript "Due 10" in pen as well as blue crayon “Due” on Executive Office, Shreveport, La. Semi-official imprint on cover to “Gen. Mansfield Lovell, Columbia S. Carolina” - two clear strikes of docketing on back indicates it was sent March 15, 1864, and that the sender was Governor H. W. Allen, slightly reduced at right and small flap faults, otherwise Very Fine, Rare and Showy use to and from serving Major General Lovell and immediately former Major General Allen, then Governor of Louisiana, during the War. “Favor of W. D. Winter, Esq.” who apparently carried the letter from Shreveport to Summitt, was a Louisiana planter appointed by Gov. Allen as an agent to obtain supplies from the families of soldiers and for the State Guard. $1,500

Major General Mansfield Lovell was appointed major general in the Confederate army.  Governor Henry Watkins Allen (1820-1866) was a member of the Texas state house of representatives, 1853; Brigadier General in the Confederate Armyand Governor of Louisiana, 1864-65.

Much more information shown on linked page.

Confederate States of America, Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief of the Finance Bureau (CSA Catalog type FIN-02c) imprint used with RICHMOND / VA. // OCT / 24 [1862] cds and signed Jno L. Harrell on official business addressed to “PM, Fort Defiance, No.Ca.” with docketing up left side “$33.82 Due from Ft. Defiance / Paid Feb 9th J. Horton Mail xxx.” “Free” was understood as CSAPOD official business mail was sent free of charge, slightly reduced at left. $450.

CSA 4, 5¢ blue tied neat COLUMBIA / S.C. // JUN / 30 [1862] - the LAST DAY OF THE 5¢ RATE before the universal 10¢ rate on July 1, 1862. Used on STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, HEAD QUARTERS imprinted cover (CSA Catalog Type S-SC-17) addressed to Mrs. Wm. H. Gist, Unionville, SC. Back flap restoration, expertly silked. $450.

William Henry Gist was the 68th Governor of South Carolina from 1858 - 1860 and a leader of the secession movement.

Much more information shown on linked page.

CSA 1, 5¢ green (tiny faults) tied RICHMOND / Va. cds on all-over illuminated semi-official of the STATE OF VIRGINIA / OFFICE OF THE SECOND AUDITOR (CSA Catalog S-VA-06 with CV of $750). Addressed to Francis Jordone Esq, Orange Ct. House, Virginia. Back flap opening tears. $450.

CSA 1, 5¢ green, Stone 2, position 34 (plated by E. S. Knapp) tied by YORKTOWN / Va. // APR / 20 [1862] cds with second strike on semi-official of QUARTERMASTER’S OFFICE / CAMP PICKENS (MANASSAS.) with printed “Official Business” and scrolls to either side (CSA Catalog type WD-QM-30). Imprint pencil strengthened. Addressed to Mrs. George T. Whittington, Care of Whitmer & Brothers, Main Street, Richmond, Va. Posted during McClellan’s Siege on Yorktown. Military records included. Ex Brandon. $325.

George T. Whittington served in Co. C, 19th VA Battalion Heavy Artillery.

Much more information shown on linked page.

CSA 3, 2¢ green, large margins all around, some gum staining, tied by RICHMOND / Va. // DEC/ 26 / 1862 cds on legal-size drop cover with scarce "Confederate States of America Adjutant and Inspector General's Office" semi-official imprint (CSA Catalog type WD-AG-07), addressed to [Col] William H. Hidell who was private secretary to Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens, docketing on reverse "Gen. S. Cooper Adjt. & Insp. Gen. Dec. 26, 1862", missing back flap as usual for this correspondence, some wear and staining, still a very presentable and extremely rare use. It appears that a pair of stamps was originally under the 2¢ stamp. It was not uncommon for pairs of 5¢ stamps or single 10¢ issues to overpay the drop use when carried to Richmond from out of town by courier and dropped in the mail for local delivery. My personal speculation is that a pair of uncanceled stamps was removed for use elsewhere and the appropriate 2¢ drop rate stamp use instead. Fascinating backstory which will be written up in one of my columns. $1,850.

General Samuel Cooper was adjutant and inspector general of the Confederate States army throughout the entire war. When President Davis fled Richmond after Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox, Cooper fled with him. Much more information shown on linked page.

Colonel William Henry Hidell (1843-1906) served as the personal secretary to Alexander Hamilton Stephens, Vice President of the Confederate States of America.  Much more information shown on linked page.

Listed in both Imprints and CSA 3 Covers

CSA 11-AD, 10¢ blue pair used with light RICHMOND / Va. cds on 3¢ star-die entire #U27 with official imprint of the Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief of the Appointment Bureau (CSA Catalog type APP-04), private use to Mrs. M. D. P. Wise, Methodist Female College, Columbia, S.C. Light crease in left stamp and tiny tear at bottom margin. Opening flap tears. $350.

Margaret Douglas Pettitt Wise (1803-1866) was mother to George D. Wise. His uncle was Brig. Gen. Henry A. Wise (also Virginia governor).

Treasury Department, C.S.A. Treasurer’s Office. Imprints; two envelopes of standard (5 3/8” x 3 1/8”) and legal (8 ¾” x 3 ¾”) size, both pristine white commercially made envelopes with embossed flap tips, Superb matched set. Plantation Collection. $100.

Treasury Department, C.S.A. / Treasurer’s Office. imprint on pristine unused blue legal size envelope (8 ¾” x 3 ¾”), similar to Dietz Type V, Superb. $50.

CSA 11-KB-v4, 10¢ deep blue under-heated printing plate variety tied SPARTANBURG / S.C. // APR / 7 cds on imprinted State of South Carolina Adjutant and Inspector General’s Office semi-official cover (CSA catalog type S-SC-11, CV $400), to Mrs Judith Kilcrease, Longmires, S.C. $280.

US #U27, 3¢ star-die entire imprinted with Confederate States of America, Post Office Department, Chief of the Appointment Bureau official envelope signed B.N. Clements (CSA Catalog Type APP-02a, CV $500) to Postmaster, Silver Creek, Lawrence Co, Miss.; small flap tears otherwise Very Fine. $400.

FREE straightline handstamp on US U26 entire overprinted Confederate Official Confederate States of America. Post Office Department, Official Business. Chief Clerk P.O. Department signed B[enjamin] Fuller, tied RICHMOND / VA // APR / ? / 1863 cds to PM Glymphville, S.C. TYPE UNLISTED IN CSA CATALOG. Top back flap faults, Ex Marcus White, David Kohn, Arnold Rosenberg and Harold Katz. $500.

CSA 8, 2¢ brown red tied by RICHMOND / Va. // SEP / 23 / 1863 cds on legal size semi-official cover with manuscript “Treasury Department C.S.A., Second Auditor’s Office, Official Business,” to Mrs. L. C. W. McDowell, Care of Capt. G. A. Barksdale, Richmond, Va., light water stain at left cover edge and slightly reduction.  $1,400.

George A. Barksdale served as Quartermaster in Field & Staff of the 16th Virginia Infantry.

Listed in both Imprints and CSA 8 Covers

CSA 11c, 10¢ greenish blue (4 large balanced margins) tied bold beautifully struck blue GREENSBOROUGH / N.C. // DEC / 10 cds on semi-official imprint cover of Chief Enrolling Office, 6th Congressional District, Greensborough, N.C. (CSA Catalog type WD-CN-15 with CV of $500.), with “Official” at upper left, to J. W. Hunter, Salem, N.C. Top back flap missing, a lovely and scarce use. $550.

GREENSBOROUGH / N.C. // FEB / 13 [1862] blue cds with matching PAID 5 on state semi-official imprint cover of Quarter-Master’s Department, Greensborough, N.C. (CSA Catalog S-NC-115 with CV of $400), addressed to Capt. or Lieut. Col. Wm. L. Scott, 21st Regmt. N.C. Vols., Manassas, Va., with contents docketing of W. S. Moore. $400.

William L. Scott served in Co. M, 21st N.C. Infantry, Department of Northern Virginia (later ANV).

More info on linked page.

CSA 11c, 10¢ greenish blue (irregular margins and lower right corner torn off/attached pre-use) tied bold beautifully struck blue GREENSBOROUGH / N.C. // JAN / 9 cds on semi-official imprint cover of Chief Enrolling Office, 6th Congressional District, Greensborough, N.C., with “Official” at upper left (CSA Catalog WD-CN-15 with CV of $500). Addressed to Capt. Thos. A. Martin Asst. En. Officer, Wilson, N.C. Some folds and light stains but overall Fine use. $375.

Thomas A. Martin served in Co. E., NC 13th Infantry, Army of Northern Virginia.

Much more info on linked page.

CSA 12a, 10¢ milky blue (4 margins, faint stain at center) tied blue grid with matching blue RALEIGH / N.C. double circle datestamp on “Official Business. / Quartermaster’s Department, / Raleigh, N.C.” imprinted semi-official type UNLISTED in CSA CATALOG, fresh Very Fine use to Cashier of Hillsboro Savings Bank, Hillsboro, N.C.  $750.

CSA 12-KB, 10¢ dark blue tied neat CHARLESTON / S.C. // JAN / 30 [1865] cds on Confederate States. head Quarters Department of So. Ca., Ga, and Fla. imprinted envelope with “Official Business” crossed out (CSA Catalog Type WD-ZA-24, CCV $750.) Addressed to Mrs. H. W. Felden, Care of J. H. Sap, Esq., Greenville, S. Ca. Small tears at left top and top into imprint. Late use. $375. 

CSA 11-AD, 10¢ blue (4 large margins all around) tied lightly struck RICHMOND / Va. cds on clean legal envelope (9” x 4”) to Henry Norgrove Esq, Lexington, Va., with ms. at top “Treasury Department, 2nd Aud[itor’s] Office, Off. Business,” small tear at top away from stamp and markings. $200.

Henry Norgrove was a tailor and clothes merchant. He served in the Lexington Patrol during the war.

Much more info on linked page.

Listed in both Imprints and CSA 11 Covers

RICHMOND / Va. // JUL / 31 CDS with matching FREE used on CSA Post Office Department Office imprint envelope signed B. N. Clements of Chief of the Appointment Bureau (CSA catalog type APP-04d, CCV $500) to P.M. of Abbeville, SC, cover refolded at top and slightly trimmed at bottom. Ex Fisher. $325.

RICHMOND / Va. // NOV / 20 [1861] cds with matching handstamped PAID 5 Cts on General Head-Quarters Adjutant General’s Office-Virginia (CSA catalog type S-VA-12, CV $500), to “Col. Jno. R. Copeland, 59 R[egt]Suffolk, Nansemond Co,” with pencil docketing “Robert Skinner on the Keeling f___.” After the war, Copeland was President of the Farmer’s Bank of Suffolk. Top back flap missing, sealed tear at left into state seal and small tear at top right, not into imprint. Ex Lemley and Jackson. $325.  

CSA 11-AD, 10¢ blue tied neat blue COLUMBIA / S.C. // JUL 26 on State of South Carolina Executive Department state imprint (CSA catalog type S-SC-03, CCV $500) addressed to “Miss Julia de Lagnel, Chester C.H., So.Ca.,” tiny repair at lower right cover corner otherwise Very Fine, Ex Cantey and Monroe. $400.

CSA 12, 10¢ blue (4 nice margins) tied beautifully struck RICHMOND / VA. // MAY / 21 cds at upper left of pristine semi-official legal cover with imprint Confederate States of America, Subsistence Department. (CSA catalog WD-SD-03, CV $350), to Maj. P.W. White, Chf C.D., Quincy, Fla., missing side flap. $325.

Major Pleasant Woodson White was the Chief Commissary for the State of Florida.

Detailed information on linked page.

CSA 12-KB,10¢ deep blue (overinked) tied RICHMOND / VA. // JAN / 23 cds on cover with imprint of Confederate States of America Subsistence Department, Office of Chief Commissary of Virginia. Addressed to “Maj. S. T. Stuart, CO 5 Lindsay’s Turnout V.C.R.R. (Virginia Central Railroad) with docketing re contents “Applications of Graves & others for commendation. Held info for additional testimony as to facts. T. H. ?.” Small tear at top into imprint. $600.

FREE straightline with Richmond, VA., Feb 6, cds on Confederate States of America, Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief Clerk P.O. Department (CLK-03b) on US U27, 3¢ star-die with B. Fuller signature, to PM Pickens C.H., S.C., Very Fine, Ex Marcus White. $450.

CSA 7-R-v3, 5¢ dark blue vertical pair with FILLED IN FRAMES at right and top of top stamp tied RICHMOND / VA. // DEC / 4 cds on Confederate States of America, Executive Department, (Official Business.) (ED-03, CCV $750) imprinted envelope used privately to Mrs. May J. Brownlee, Greenville Augusta County, Va., small part top back flap missing, Scarce imprint! $500.

CSA 7-R, 5¢ dark blue pair (small faults) tied RICHMOND / VA. cds on Confederate States of America, Executive Department, (Official Business.) (ED-03, CCV $750) imprinted envelope used privately to Genl. N. G. [SHANKS] Evans., Charleston, S.C., top back flap missing and small edge faults, Scarce imprint! Ex Antrim. $350.

Brigadier-General Nathan George (“Shanks”) Evans - Gen. Fitzhugh Lee wrote of him: "'Shanks' Evans, as he was called, was a graduate of the military academy, a native South Carolinian, served in the celebrated old Second Dragoons, and was a good type of the rip-roaring, scorn all-care element, which so largely abounded in that regiment.  Evans had the honor of opening the fight (First Manassas), we might say fired the first gun of the war."

Much more detailed information on linked page.

CSA 11, 10¢ blue tied RICHMOND / VA // DEC / 15 [1864] (4 margins – large to close) on semi-official imprinted cover Office of Commissioner of Taxes. Official Business. (TD-14, CCV $350) OVERPAID DROP RATE to Charles J. Linton, Richmond, Va., Very Fine, Ex Judge Emerson, Cole, Thacker, Gimelson. $300.

CSA 11c, 10¢ greenish blue tied neat blue PETERSBURG [VA] NOV / 14 cds on cover with manuscript “O.B. / Tax in Kind” and “Chg box” which number runs under the stamp which overhangs the top causing tiny corner crease (4 large to huge margins), fresh, to James Epps, Esq, Hicksford, Va., Epps was the Tax Assessor, 7th District, Ex Gimelson. $200.

ADAMS RUN / S.C. // OCT 20 (date in ms) neat cds and matching PAID (no rate) on legal size TURNED COVER with ms “O.B.” at upper right as well as “Chg A.A.G.” at upper left (Assistant Adjutant General). Cover is addressed to Saml J. Hay, Agt & C, Green Pond, S.C. Inside is semi-official imprint of Head Quarters, 2nd Military District, Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Official Business. It is addressed simply to “Hospital.”  Imprint is UNLISTED in current CSA catalog; similar imprint catalog $750. File fold at center and pressed out wrinkles typical of this size envelope, fully exploded to show inside; 1976 letter from former Adam’s Run collector Dan Telep accompanies. LL $200.

Listed in both Imprints-1 and South Carolina Stampless

Samuel J. Hay was a railroad agent for the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. Much more information on linked page.

Executive Department, Tallahassee, Florida imprinted cover used with Tallahassee CDS in 1866, as docketed at left side, tiny remnant of U.S. 2¢ Blackjack under CDS, drop use to Henry Wells, Tallahassee. Rare imprint used the year after the war ended. Henry Wells (1837-1905) served in the Confederate Army during the war, both 2st Florida Cavalry and 4th Florida Infantry. Ex Briggs. IMPT-1/MISC-1  $75.

Naval Commandant's Office, Charleston, S.C., Official Business., semi-official imprint (CSA Catalog ND-26, CV $1,000) on legal-size cover addressed to Lieut. Commanding J.H. Rochelle, of the ironclad C.S. St[eame]r Stono, delivered outside the mails in 1863. Ex Kathleen Staples. Virtually identical cover sold in Rumsey sale 59 in December 2014 for $5,750. A comparative bargain at $1,250.

Detailed bio of James H. Rochelle on linked page.

CSA 12d, 10¢ dark blue tied blue CHARLOTTE / N.C. cds on semi-official cover with imprint of Head-Quarters, Dep’t North Carolina. Official Business. (CSA Catalog, Type WD-ZA-12, CV $500) Addressed to Wm Baird L]l]oyd’s PO, Essex Co[unty] Va., Ex Weatherly. $400.

CSA 11, 10¢ blue with large to huge margins all around, fresh color and proof-like impression, tied by WADESBORO / N.C. // 19 ? CDS on cover imprinted "Official Business, Chief Enrolling Office, Seventh Congressional District, Wadesboro', N(C) (WD-CN-15), addressed to L.M. Scott, Esqr., Greensboro N.C., slightly reduced at right just into end of imprint, Extremely Fine Gem stamp on a rare semi-official imprint cover, Molesworth note on verso saying the only one recorded, to which I cannot attest, but likely as it is the LISTING COPY. $600.

Levi M. Scott was a teacher, lawyer, postmaster and NC State Representative. He was postmaster of Greensboro in 1851. Much more information on linked page.

CSA 12, 10¢ blue (4 large even margins) tied NEW MARKET / Va. // NOV / 8 (1864) CDS on Headquarters Middle Military Division, Official Business semi-office envelope (CSA catalog type WD-ZC-01, CV $750) with imprint crossed out to use for private correspondence, to Revd. James P. Boyce, Greenville, S.C., docketing in two different inks across left half of the cover from his brother, Ker Boyce, who was Captain/Major and Assistant Brigade Quartermaster with the 12th Georgia Battalion, Ex Harrie Mueller and  Doug Baker. $350.

James Petigru Boyce bio on the linked page.

Treasury Department, C.S.A. Treasurer’s Office imprint, unused legal (8 ¾” x 3 ¾”) size, Very Fine, Ex Benson. $30. 

CSA 7-R, 5¢ blue vertical pair, tied by light strike of RICHMOND Va. CD on cover to John M. Kirkland, Hillsborough N.C.with "Confederate States of America, Treasury Department" imprint (TD-02, CV $350), slightly reduced at right, some slight wear, Very Fine. $300.

CSA 7-R, 5¢ blue vertical pair, tied by light strike of RICHMOND Va. CD on cover to John M. Kirkland, Hillsborough N.C.with "Confederate States of America, Treasury Department" imprint (TD-02, CV $350), slightly reduced at right, some slight wear, Very Fine. $300.

CSA 11-AD, 10¢ dark blue (4 large margins) tied RICHMOND VA. cds on pristine semi-official cover with imprint of Office of Commissioner of Taxes / OFFICIAL BUSINESS. (CSA Catalog WE-04) addressed to J. L. Robinson Esq Franklin NC. $400.

CSA 11-AD, 10¢ blue tied by bold “Cranberry Plains (Va.) April 24” manuscript postmark on Confederate States of America War Department, Nitre and Mining Bureau Official Business semi-official (WD-NM-04, CV $500) addressed to George Hutton Jamestown Guilford Co NC / Via Salem. Cranberry Plains (now Hillsville) was between Fredericksburg and Richmond, Va. Fresh and attractive use from a scarce town. $500.

CSA 11c, 10¢ bluish green tied small clear RAPIDANN STATION VA circular datestamp on commercially-made envelope imprinted OFFICIAL BUSINESS with “UN” penned in front of it, to Colonel Jno C. Higginbotham (sic), Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Va. UNLISTED IN CSA CATALOG. Although we do not know the department source, this deserves a mention in a future catalog. $250.

John Carlton Higgenbottom served as an officer in Company A, 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment. Detailed information on linked page. 

CSA 11, 10¢ blue (4 margins) tied neat RICHMOND / VA. // MA- / 27 cds on imprinted Confederate Executive Department semi-official (CSA Catalog type ED-03 with CV of $750 without regard to autograph value) ADDRESSED IN THE DISTINCTIVE HAND OF CSA PRESIDENT JEFFERSON DAVIS to “Col. W. C. P. Breckinridge, 9th Ky Cavalry, Grigsby’s Brigade, [Kelly’s Division, Wheeler’s Corps, Army of Tennessee] Oxford, Ala.” This was undoubtedly official business, as noted in the imprint. Even the president had to pay postage. Only the post office was allowed send official business mail free of charge. Important military address. Breckinridge was a member of one of the most prominent political families in America. He was aligned militarily with Gen. John Hunt Morgan. General John Warren Grigsby was chief of staff of Wheeler’s Cavalry Corps by 1865; his brother was command of the Stonewall Brigade. Top back flap missing and bit of edge wear. While some correspondence from the Executive Department was addressed by clerks, the distinctive characteristics of Davis’ hand are seen most readily in the A, the down strokes of the “y” and “g”, the B and the K. Ex Ralph Swap. $2,300. Listed in both Imprint Covers-1 and Miscellaneous-1

 U.S. 3¢ star-die entire with Confederate States of America Post Office Department Official Business Chief of the Finance Bureau imprint (FIN-03, but different bureau chief signature) used with RICHMOND Va. OCT 28 cds and straightline FREE; signed B.N. Clements, Appt (Appointment) written over “Finance;” official business addressed to P.M. Troublesome, Rockingham Co. N.C.Obviously, Clements used whatever stationery he could get. A nice adversity use. Ex Ralph Swap. $500. Troublesome NC was the site of Troublesome Creek Ironworks, established in 1770. 

CSA 11, 10¢ blue (4 margins) tied neat RALEIGH NC JUL 19 (1864) double-circle datestamp on cover with state imprint Subsistence Department, Raleigh, N.C. / Official Business (S-NC-36, CCV $400) to Maj. A.A. Harbin, Mocksille, Davie Co(unty) N.C.; matching letterhead dated July 16, 1864, stating two thousand musket cartridge are being sent by railroad by order of Gen. Gatten. Major/Colonel Harbin served in the North Carolina Home Guard Regiment in State Service. Very Fine, Ex Ralph Swap. $450.

CSA 3, 2¢ green tied by bold CHARLESTON / S.C. // FEB / 7 / 186- cds on CIRCULAR RATE semi-official cover with manuscript endorsement "Medical Purveyors Bureau, Charleston S.C. Official", to A. A. Surgeon James Morrow, Bee's Cross Roads, St. Andrews Parish, S.C., with original 1863 official enclosure referring to enclosed invoices from Francis Lee, Surgeon & Medical Purveyor, to Acting Assistant Surgeon James Morrow, slight edgewear and minor toning spots, Very Fine. The envelope is unsealed, as mandated for a circular, because St. Andrews Parish was considered part of Charleston – but it was not properly a circular, rather a drop use. Warren census No. SC-009 and illustrated in his 2011 Congress Book article, ex Keeling, 2005 PF certificate. $3,000. Listed in both CSA 3 and Imprints, Section 1

RICHMOND Va. MAR 5 1862 boldly struck CDS with matching DUE 5 on OFFICIAL BUSINESS. imprinted legal-size envelope signed by “C.B. Gibson, Surg. PACS “(Provisional Army Confederate States) at upper left. Addressed to Capt. L.P. Miller Company K 21st NC Regiment, Manassas; bit of soiling and minor wrinkling but nice medical use. $375.

Dr. Charles Bell Gibson and Captain Francis P. Miller bios on linked page.

Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief of the Appointment Bureau. (APP-02a, CCV $500) on U.S. 3c Red Star Die entires (U27), canceled by bold clear RICHMOND Va. JUN 30 1863 circular datestamp and straightline FREE with signature of B.N. Clements, addressed to P.M. Pickens C.H., S.C., Extremely Fine. Ex Weill Brothers Stock. $500.

Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief of the Appointment Bureau. (APP-04d, CCV $500) on U.S. 3¢ red star-die entire (U26), canceled by indistinct RICHMOND Va. circular datestamp and neat straightline FREE with signature of B.N. Clements, addressed to P.M. Pleasant Mound, Laurens Dist., S.C., bit of staining. Ex Wiseman. $300.

Post Office Department, Official Business, Chief of the Appointment Bureau. (APP-04d, CCV $500) on U.S. 3¢ red star-die entire (U26), canceled by light RICHMOND Va. DEC 4 circular datestamp and neat straightline FREE with signature of B.N. Clements, addressed to P.M. Fredericksburg, Va. Very Fine, Ex John R. Hill, Jr. $375.