Sternes Correspondence

STERNES CORRESPONDENCE: A feature article in the February 2019 issue of the American Philatelist (AP), this is a Civil War love story between Arba Sternes (1810-1871) of Columbia, SC, and Julia Keziah (Treadwell) Lowman (1830-1909) of Eufaula, Ala. The correspondence begins a week before South Carolina seceded from the Union and mostly ends in August 1861 when they are married. It picks up again briefly in 1863 when Julia is traveling for her physical and mental health (mineral springs / family).

Rather than intermixing these cover offerings in their normal categories, I have chosen to group them together chronologically on one page. Between the AP article and this page, the story is more fully told. All of the letters are shown via links on the full description pages.

This correspondence is arranged chronologically rather than numerically. Contrary to my usual practice of removing sold items, I will leave this page up with SOLD tags instead, so that you can enjoy the story they tell.

THE ENTIRE CORRESPONDENCE WILL STAY TOGETHER. IT WAS SOLD AS ONE LOT.
January 30, 2019

11101

Fort Motte SC / Dec 12 [1847] / [due] 10]” all in manuscript on thick two-page folded letter to B.F. Treadwell, Eufaula P. Office, Barbour Co., Ala.” headed “St. Mathews, S.C., Dec. 10th, 1847.” It opens “Dear Brother,” signed John P. Margart to Julia’s brother, Benjamin F. Treadwell, a Lutheran pastor. Margart mentions the purchase of a Negro woman and two children for $950 and asks that to be remembered to Mrs. T[readwell] and Julia and her husband, thus Julia was clearly married to Mr. Lowman at a young age, as she would only have been 17-years old in 1847. Also included with the cover is an 1858 receipt for clothing, including military garb, addressed to Capt. B. F. Treadwell. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11096

3¢ red Nesbitt entire (U11) tied grid with EUFAULA / Ala. // DEC / 14 [1860] cds, to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC, 1” sealed tear at left edge, most of top back flap missing, 8-page letter from Julia Lowman. She says, in part, “…a few moments after you took leave of us at the Depot I raised my head to look at George, and to my surprise his face was suffused with tears, and he almost sobbed audibly. I said, what is the matter, do you hate so much to part with Mr. Sternes? He answered, yes Ma, don’t you? …I have acknowledged more to you or in other words expressed sentiments toward you that I never in all my life did to any gentleman, not one, except, no, not even the fine looking dashing young man that struck my youthful fancy, won my hand, and led me to the altar, and who might have secured the affection of as warm a heart as once pulsated in human breast had he not proved so unworthy.” Written one week before South Carolina seceded from the Union. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11097

3¢ red star-die entire (U26) tied grid and EUFAULA / Ala. // JAN / 22 [1861] cds, to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC, an UNLISTED INDEPENDENT STATE USE (the only one in the correspondence). Part of back flap (half or less) missing and tiny repaired nick at top right of entire; 4-page letter from Julia Lowman saying, in part, “circumstances would not permit me to make any definite engagement…I own no property independent of my Parents and for that reason am determined not to enter into any matrimonial alliances at this time.” She hastens to add, “[I] did not mean to imply that you have made any such solicitations.” Julia mentions: “Last night our Cannon, together with the report of several in Georgia, for you know the Chattahoochee only separates us from that state, gave us the signal that they too had seceded. Our troops are encamped within a hundred and fifty yds of our dwelling awaiting further orders from the governor. Several companies from different positions of the state have already joined them. We are saluted every morning by the sound of the drum and the firing of guns.” Alabama seceded January 11; Georgia seceded January 19; both joined the CSA February 4, 1861. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11099

3¢ red star-die entire (U26) tied grid and EUFAULA / Ala. // FEB / 7 [1861] cds, to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC, UNLISTED Confederate Use of U.S. Postage, 3-page letter to “My Dear Precious One” from Julia Lowman with usual endearments and, “sorry to hear that you had been kept out all night patrolling the streets,” a bit of poetry, and, “George (her son) tells me that our Rifle Company have received orders and will start on Saturday for Pensacola. From what I understand of Gen. Scotts movements at Washington, we may be certain of war.” SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11098

3¢ red star-die entire (U26) tied grid and EUFAULA / Ala. // FEB / 25 [1861] cds, to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC, UNLISTED Confederate Use of U.S. Postage, 4-page letter to “My Dearest Friend” from Julia Lowman with last page cross-written to make 5 pages of content. Small part of back flap tip missing. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11091

3¢ red star-die entire (U26) entire tied grid and EUFAULA / Ala. // MAR / 4 [1861] cds, to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC (tiny tear at top edge and back flap tear); 4-page letter from Julia Lowman with additional content in cross-writing, second briefer 2 ½ page lettersheet saying she missed getting the letter to the post office because of severe weather. She notes that those widows over his way better watch out as they have a formidable rival over her way. Also talks about difficulty in getting mail from the East due to the contractor in Cuthbert (Ga.) and the railroads and the terrible burning of Mrs. Treadwell through some ghastly accident (next letter relays news of her death). UNLISTED Confederate Use of U.S. Postage. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11090

3¢ red star-die entire (U27) entire tied grid and EUFAULA / Ala. // MAR / 6 [1861] cds, to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC, UNLISTED Confederate Use of U.S. Postage. Enclosed is 4-page letter dated the same day plus 3-page poem. She is sorry he is so lonely and should not deprive himself of company of the ladies because of her (sorry, not believing that…) SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11092

3¢ red star-die entire (U27) entire tied grid and EUFAULA / Ala. // MAR / 11 [1861] cds, to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC, UNLISTED Confederate Use of U.S. Postage, part back flap missing. Enclosed is 4-page letter dated the same day saying how sorry she is to hear of the unfortunate death of Mrs. Treadwell (a burn victim, per prior letter). “The Northern or Columbus mail goes out every night …and next day leave Columbus for Macon while your letters lie over in Cuthbert until the regular time for the Driver to come plodding along with his Team which consumes the better part of a day when they could be brought by Steam in an hour or two…20 or 30 lades of this place left here last Friday for Pensacola to get to Columbus, a distance of 50 miles and to avoid 20 miles staying they took the train to Macon which would require them to travel 240 miles to get to Columbus. Their husbands had sent dispatches for them to come. I do hope and trust there will not be any fighting…I don’t think Mr. Lincoln has sufficient courage apart from Genl. (Winfield) Scott, but I do not pretend to be a judge of the matter.” She is thinking of taking a trip to Apalachicola. The Siege of Pensacola last from January 8–November 23, 1861. Learning that the Union Army had taken New Orleans, Confederate forces abandoned Pensacola in May 1862. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11095

3¢ dull red (26) used with grid (stamp replaced) and EUFAULA / Ala. // MAR / 22 [1861] cds on UNLISTED Confederate Use of U.S. Postage, top back flap missing, pale green lined envelope with small stain at top, 4-page letter plus cross-written half page, headed Eufaula March 21 [1861]. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11089

3¢ dull red (26) tied grid and EUFAULA / Ala. // MAR / 27 [1861] cds on small darling embossed laid-paper envelope (4 ¼” x 2 ½”) to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC, UNLISTED Confederate Use of U.S. Postage, small 4-page letter to “My Dear Arba” from Julia Lowman, dated the same day. She mentions just getting off the boat from Columbus, it arrived for 2 or 3 days late, ran aground several times during her trip, etc. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11094

3¢ red star-die entire (U26) entire tied grid and EUFAULA / Ala. // APR / 8 [1861] cds, to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC, UNLISTED Confederate Use of U.S. Postage, opening back flap tear extends over the top down through the postmark 1 ¾”. Enclosed two 4-page letters headed April 6 and April 8, in which she discusses the barriers to their romance. Mentions getting his letter in only 3 days so thinks there has been an alteration to the mail and must be going by train. Also, “…an Army of 8 hundred men came up the river from below yesterday bound for Pensacola by the way of Columbus and Montgomery. There was 500 on one Boat and 300 on another…tell me if Fort Sumter is abandoned, for we have so many fake rumors (“fake news,”Civil War style)” SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11093

3¢ dull red (26) tied grid and EUFAULA / Ala. // APR / 21 [1861] cds on small black-bordered MOURNING COVER (4 ¼” x 2 ½”) to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC, UNLISTED Confederate Use of U.S. Postage, heavy contents file fold at right; small 8-page letter to dated April 21 [1861] with Julia Lowman’s 8-page letter dated the evening before and relaying sad news of both her brother and divorced husband. At the lower left of the envelope is penned “In haste” and, indeed, the stamp was torn off at bottom and seemingly hastily affixed. She calls her brother’s death an “unexpected event,” but prior missives seem to belie that assertion. She notes that he was buried with full military and Masonic honors. Of perhaps even more importance to their relationship, she relays: “Mr. Lowman [her former husband] died a happy death, was converted to God before his spirit took its flight from the world, exhorted his children to be Temperate, Virtuous and above all to put their trust in God and meet him in Heaven. He exhorted all his friends in the same manner, inquired about me and told the children to tell me that I must forgive him. Oh, that I could have been there just to have told him that he had long been forgiven…the children got home on Tuesday just in time to see their uncle before he died…what is there now to prevent your coming? Can we not arrange everything satisfactorily between us? I am satisfied I have your love and sympathy and what more need I care for. I forgot to mention that Mr. Lowman left his property to George & Thornton (her sons by Lowman). It consists of 5 Negroes and I believe 2 or 3 Thousand dollars in money left in care of Mr. John Lowman to manage, as I have a great deal on my hands to attend to.” Thus, the tide seemed to be turning for their love-match, albeit by reason of sad events. Pivotal piece in this correspondence. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11087

3¢ dull red (26) (lower left corner crease) tied grid and EUFAULA / Ala. // APR / 22 [1861] cds on small MOURNING COVER (4 ¼” x 2 ½”) to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC, UNLISTED Confederate Use of U.S. Postage, 4-page letter from Julia Lowman dated the same day talking about relatives who are conspiring to lay claim to her late brother’s estate, which he has left in part to Julia’s son. She has bee putting off going to live at her brother’s plantation because 14 of the Negroes are down with the measles, but she checks on them every day. The overseer of the “Upper Plantation” tells her they are also 5 down with it up there. She says, “The Baltimore Boys have immortalized their name. Tomorrow Fort Pickens is to be attacked.” (Pensacola, Fla.) SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11088

3¢ dull red (26) tied grid and EUFAULA / Ala. // MAY / 2 [1861] cds on small black-bordered MOURNING COVER (4 ¼” x 2 ½”) to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC, UNLISTED Confederate Use of U.S. Postage, MATCHING MOURNING LETTERHEAD, 4-page letter dated the same day saying she has received letters of administration for her late former husband’s estate, her sadness at opening his trunk with personal effects, his wish that she take charge of his affairs upon his death, hoping he will move to Eufaula to be with her and more. Last page is cross-written, makes the missive 5 pages of content. Beautiful duo. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11100

EUFAULA / Ala. // JUN / 2 [1861] cds with matching PAID / 5 (CSA Catalog type D) on stampless cover to Arba Sternes, Columbia, SC. Julia writes to Arba from Eufaula on Friday, May 31, 1861, (the last day under USPOD) but does not post the letter until Sunday, June 2 (newly changed to CSAPOD control), a 4-page letter. Had the envelope been posted on Saturday, it would have borne a highly desirable June 1 [1861] postmark, making it a First Day Cover, but it still is desirable as IT STRADDLES THE CHANGE OF POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS. Julia’s letter extols the virtues of Eufaula and clearly, Arba has earlier praised the virtues of Columbia, where he and his family live (six children). It is the age-old struggle between those separated by distance and the angst of leaving one or the other’s family and friends. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11221

EUFAULA / Ala. // AUG / 21 [1861] cds with matching PAID / 5 (CSA Catalog type D) on stampless cover to Rev. J. P. Margart, Sandy Run, Lexington Dist[rict], So Ca. Bit of vermin erosion at lower right. Julia’s 4-page letter to her sister (Nancy) and brother-in-law (a Lutheran pastor) is signed “J.K. Sternes.” It announces the wedding of Julia Lowman and Arba Sternes two weeks before. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11220

Fort Valley Ga., 3¢ black entire #148XU1 (CSA Catalog FTV-GA-E01), UNIQUE RERATED PROVISIONAL from the Sternes correspondence prepared by handstamping envelopes with a “PAID / 3” marking (the U.S. rate) and revaluing the marking with a handstamp “5” marking (the new Confederate rate). An undated office postmark was struck on the envelope as a control marking when the 3¢ rate marking was applied to the envelope. Cover is addressed to Mrs. Julia Lowman, Eufala Ala., with letter datelined "Fort Valley July 6th 1861" from Julia’s cousin, M.L. Edgeworth. Sold in the 2012 Siegel Rarities Sale for $3,105. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11254

CSA 12a, 10¢ bright blue pair (tiniest top margin faults left stamp), tied EUFAULA / Ala. // AUG / 23 [1863] cds on cover (slightly reduced on right when opened) addressed to Mrs. Julia K. Sternes, Indian Springs, Georgia, which has been crossed out and redirected back to Eufaula with a manuscript “Due 20” for the forwarding and an INDIAN SPRINGS / Ga. // SEPT / 7 /1863 cds. Along with a weighty numbered 10-page letter which began August 15 but was written over several days; Arba also includes a lovely poem written for Julia. He talks about many things, including “drilling the company.” No record of Confederate Army service for Arba; he doubtless participated in the home guard. Julia was on a long multi-city trip, but her main objective was to take in the mineral springs for unspecified ill health. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11257

CSA 12a, 10¢ bright blue (small edge faults) tied EUFAULA / Ala. // AUG / 24 [1863] cds on cover (slightly reduced on left when opened) addressed to Mrs. Julia K. Sternes, Indian Springs, Georgia, which has been crossed out and redirected back to Eufaula with a manuscript “Due 10” for the forwarding and an INDIAN SPRINGS / Ga. // SEPT / 7 /1863 cds. On the top back flap is a pencil notion from Arba: “Mr. P.M. Indian Springs, Geo / Dear Sir, if Mrs. S has left the Springs when this letter arrives, please forward it to Fort Valley, Geo. & Oblige A. Sternes” The postmaster apparently failed to see his request on the back flaps. Enclosed 2-page letter mentions drilling the company and expect to receive guns from the governor then they will be armed and equipped as the law directs. “I hope that there will not arise an emergency to compel us ever to be called into active service. Hell, it is well enough to be prepared for the wont, you know the old adage is in time of peace, prepare for war!” SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11258

CSA 12a, 10¢ bright blue (small edge faults) tied EUFAULA / Ala. // AUG / 28 [1863] cds on cover to Mrs. Julia K. Sternes, care John C. Thornton, Esq., Fort Valey (sic), Georgia. Enclosed 4-page letter headed August 27th at Eufaula, sent by husband Arba in which he mentions news from SC (his former home) saying, “Fort Sumter is a pile of ruins but Col. Rett (sic) says he will remain there as long as there is a brick for him to stand upon and the Yankees will have to take the ruins at the point of the sword.” SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11256

EUFAULA / Ala. // AUG / 30 [1863] cds with matching PAID / 10 (CSA Catalog type E) on cover, penciled “Charge My Box #126, A.S.” to Mrs. A. Sternes, Care John C. Thornton Esq, Fort Valey (sic) Georgia with 4-page letter headed August 28/63 and 29th. Among other things, he questions why son George gets a letter from her and son Thornton does not. Indeed, it is clear from reading all letters that George is the favored son. Also, “Now Darling for pitty (sic) sake do not urge Cus (Cousin) Looli to come home with you for we have not got anything to eat and we cannot buy anything for love or money…I had hoped that you would have got my 1st letter containing 10 pages before you left the Springs and would have written.” Doubtless, Arba figured out that she did not receive that letter, nor the next one, when they were returned to Eufaula. He was concerned enough, not hearing from her, that he tried to telegraph her, but found there was no telegraph operator at Fort Valley.  SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11255

EUFAULA / Ala. // AUG / 31 [1863] cds with matching PAID / 10 (CSA Catalog type E) on lined outer folded lettersheet, penciled “Charge My Box #126, A.S.,” to Mrs. A. Sternes, Care John C. Thornton Esq, Fort Valey (sic) Georgia with 2-page letter to “My Darling Sweet Wife” (Julia), dated August 30/63. Julia was on an extended trip to Indian Springs for medicinal purposes and other stops to visit relatives, he misses her, friends escaped Yankees and went to Dalton, etc. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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11221a

Three Confederate letters (no covers), all dated at Eufaula, Ala. to George Treadwell (son of Julia Sternes, step-son of Arba Sternes. (1) Small 4-page letter dated Augst 17/64 from Arba to “Dear Son” mentioned missing package of bacon sent by Express, all the Negroes at the Plantation are well, exhorting him to attend to all duties assigned him, etc. (2) Small 4-page letter dated [presumably August] 15th 1864 from Julia to her son and (3) another small 4-page letter dated October 3, 1864. She mentions using the Black Warrior (vessel) to go to Tuscaloosa and other friends of George’s who are bound to join him soon, how does he like his teachers and officers, etc. SOLD as part of the Sternes correspondence. Kept on the website to tell the story.

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