RICHMOND VA. blue dateless circular datestamp, Powell type 6f said to be known only on soldiers’ mail with letters dated May 16-29, 1863, probably also June 1-3, with matching DUE 10, type Q, on clean cover to his wife, Mrs. Delilah P. Jessup, Meadows of Dan PO, Patrick County, Va. with routing Via Christiansburg. Mandated soldier endorsement of Elijah S. Jessup, A private Co. D 12 Va. Regt. On verso docketed “Camp near Fredericksburg May 31st 1863” thus extending the Powell date range. Particularly nice markings and cover – a lovely example. Ex Harry Muldrow. $150.

Elijah S. Jessup (1832-1904) enlisted as a private at Norfolk, Va. December 15, 1864. Military records show he mustered into Co. K, Virginia 50th Infantry B but his grave stone shows Company D, 12th Virginia Infantry, as endorsed on the cover. He was taken prisoner March 3, 1865, at Waynesboro, Va., and confined at Harper’s Ferry and Waynesboro before transfer to Fort Delaware where he took the Oath of Allegiance on June 20, 1865. He was described at enlistment as 5’10”, fair complexion, grey eyes, and light hair. After the war he lived in Patrick County, Va.