CIVILIAN FLAG OF TRUCE AND TRIME COIN PASTE-UP: Mott-Bostick correspondence--two matching covers from the Mott-Bostick correspondence addressed to Mrs. Smith-Mott, Hamilton N.Y., both franked with 3¢ Rose #65 tied by Old Point Comfort / Va. 1863 double-circle datestamps affixed over the spot where PASTED "TRIME" (3¢) SILVER COINS originated and were covered with a square of paper (both stamps defective from removal, coins no longer present but in one case the outline of the coin impression remains). SCARCE PAIR OF CIVILIAN FLAG-OF-TRUCE COVERS EVIDENCING COIN PASTE-UPS TO PAY POSTAGE AND RARE CONTENT ADD-ON BY AGENT OF EXCHANGE MULFORD. Ex Walske and Fisher (on Fisher exhibit pages) $1,200.

FIRST COVER WITH ORIGINAL LETTER from daughter to mother headed "Greenwood [SC] December 12 [1862]" and docketed "No. 7" to identify the cover in the series. Letter complaining that she has written weekly by flag of truce but has only heard back once. Pencil note headed "Flag of Truce Steamer James River Jany 7 / 63" signed from Capt. Jno E Mulford, Agent for Exchange at Old Point Comfort (later promoted to Brigadier General John Elmer Mulford). Mulford writes “My dear Mrs. Smith, I recd these letters today both in the same package. I therefore enclose them in one envelope – I am sorry to see Mrs. B_ does not get your letters regularly – but it is at no fault of mine, for I place all your letters in the hands of Confederate Officer myself & if they are detained by anyone it is by them ~ I shall advise you to continue to write here in hopes that some, if not all will reach her. “ SECOND COVER with no contents but origin identified by first cover, stamp tied by Annapolis / Md //Jan / 29 / 1863 circular datestamp, docketed "No. 12", both with small back flap tears. Walske note on verso indicating that cover was delivered on the SS New York.

The Mott-Bostick correspondence is the subject of the Jan-Feb 1974 Confederate Philatelist in Dr. Edward Greenwald’s interesting article “Civilian Flag of Truce Mail - The Mott-Bostick Correspondence” which describes this most interesting correspondence as well as flag of truce explanatory tables. A lot was deduced from the many original letters that were present with some of the covers. Mulford was the Assistant Agent for Exchange at Ft. Monroe and made Bvt. Brig Gen USV July 4, 1864 for special services and highly meritorious conduct. What makes this correspondence interesting is that Mulford held several positions during the war related to flag-of-truce arrangements. Mulford was a friend of Mrs. Bostick and not only expedited the transfer of letters across the lines but often wrote comments on the letters or covers – of which this is an example. Greenwald mentions only ever seeing two covers with notes such as this. This correspondence is also heavily mentioned in Laurence Shenfield’s book. 

POW-3 LL