RICHMOND VA SEP 12 1861 circular datestamp, Powell type 2b, with matching double strike of PAID with no rate marking (type A, CCV $200) as well as DUE 5 (type O, CCV $150). It was not unusual for a locally addressed cover to receive only a PAID with no 2¢ rate marking, but this drop cover may have been overweight, thus resulting in a DUE 5. The address is most interesting as well, to Fayette Hewitt Care of Ben. Clements, Chief of Appointment Office P.O. Dept. Richmond Virginia Confederate States of America. Ex MacBride, Sam Zimmerman (collector of 2¢ rates), and Harry Muldrow. $275.

Lafayette (Fayette) Hewitt (1831-1909) was an educator, postmaster, and Confederate captain who served several generals (Pike, Hindman, Holmes, Walker, Breckinridge, and Helm) Although offered higher commands, he turned them down, preferring to stay with his Kentucky brothers in arms. Hewitt served as superintendent of the Dead Letter Office in Washington before the war. He resigned that position when Lincoln came into power and espoused the cause of the Confederacy. Hewitt was well regarded:

“He daily deserved praise, and won the love and admiration of all who knew him. He became as dear to me as my own sons. Brave, courteous, amiable, unassuming, obliging, and kind to everyone, firm in the performance of duty—a nobler gentleman or better soldier never lived.” —Gen. Albert Pike