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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.
