Breckenridge Va Feb 20 Paid 5 John F. Padigo 18th Feb 1862 (Postmaster at the time), addressed to “C. Y. Thomas, Esq., Richmond, Va.” . C. Y. Thomas was a man of more than ordinary distinction in Virginia, an attorney of ability who served in the Virginia senate before the War and struggled in vain against secession. Despite this, he held the office of commonwealth attorney during the War and was appointed by the Confederacy to distribute supplies to the needy families of Confederate soldiers. A number of covers from this correspondence are known sent to Thomas by illegal postmaster free frank from various different towns. Flap opening tear. Scarce town, Ex-Tobias [VA]