CSA 2-H, 10¢ dark blue Hoyer & Ludwig (Scott 2b) vertical pair (4 large even margins) tied blurry blue PORTSMOUTH VA double-circle postmark on cover with imprint of Tuskegee Light Infantry, Company C, Third Regiment Alabama Voun(teers) Entrenched Camp, Near Norfolk, Va. The last line has been corrected in pen to “Oak Grove, Portsmouth.” Addressed to Mrs. Sarah K. Johnston, Tuskegee, Ala. Cover reduced at right into the imprint and edge neatly restored. Quite Scarce. SCV $1,700 for pair on cover without premium for UNLISTED IMPRINT. Ex Alfred Caspary and David Burton. $850.

The Tuskegee Light Infantry was a unit of the Confederate Army during the Civil War. They were part of Company C of the 3rd Alabama Infantry Regiment. The unit was involved in several key battles, including Fair Oaks, Antietam, Gettysburg, and Chickamauga. LTC Samuel B. Johnston (1838-1862) was killed in action at the Battle of Seven Pines (AKA Fair Oaks). It is likely that this letter was sent home to either his wife or mother. More research needed. Portsmouth fell to Union troops on May 10, 1862. Johnston died on June 1, 1862.