Lot
2466 
Confederacy, 1857, 3¢ Dull Red, vertical strip of three, tied by "Old Point Comfort, Va. Dec 14" double-circle datestamp on circa 1861 3¢ red Star die buff entire addressed to Mrs. Charles Ellet Jr. at Georgetown, D.C., manuscript "Exd" indicating Flag of Truce use; large part of flap missing with couple small edge tears, Fine, An unusual flag of truce use with an unusual franking. Scott No. U.S. 26 + U27 Estimate $400 - 600.
The earliest use of this Old Point Comfort Va. postmark is December 6th 1861, positively dating this cover to 1861.
Charles Ellet, Jr. was an important engineer, having designed and built the first suspension bridge in the Americas in 1842, over the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. In 1853 he became chief engineer for the Virginia Central Railroad. He played a strategic role in the naval aspects of the Civil War, having proposed conversion of steamships into naval ram vessels. After the CSS Merrimac was built according to Ellet's plans, did the North act by appointing him Colonel of Engineers and commissioned to buy vessels for conversion into rams. On June 6th 1862, a battle was fought in which he commanded the USS "Queen of the West" and rammed the CSS "Colonel Lovell", cutting her nearly in two and sinking almost immediately. Ellet was in an exposed position and was shot in the knee that led to his death.
Realized: $900
Lot
2467
Confederacy, [Civilian Flag of Truce] "La Grange Mo, April 15th, 1864", dateline on enclosed letter, cover bearing 1863, 10¢ blue, large to huge margins, surface abrasion, tied by "Richmond Va May 4" cds, addressed to "Lieut. Col. Oliver A. Bradshaw, 4th Tenn. Regiment, Manning's Brigade, Chatham's Division, Army of Tenn.", endorsed "Per Flag of Truce" at left; soiling and edge wear, Fine, scarce flag of truce use from Missouri. Scott No. 11 Estimate $200 - 300.
Realized: $160
Lot
2468
Confederacy, Flag of Truce, manuscript endorsement on 1864 folded letter to Norfolk, Va., with additional manuscript "Aprov E.W.F." examiner's notation, franked with U.S. 1857, 1¢ blue, type V, pair and single tied by target handstamps, pair additionally tied by "Beaufort, S.C., May 21, 1864" cds, letter datelined "Pocotaligo, April 12th" and mentions lack of "Federal stamps" and flag of truce mails and the concern for the rules, Very Fine. Scott No. U.S. 24 Estimate $200 - 300.
Realized: $500
Lot 2469
Confederacy, Mail Exchange Between U.S. and Confederacy, letter with "Norfolk, July 14, 1863" dateline to Montgomery Blair, the U.S. Postmaster General, respecting exchange of mail between the United States and the Confederate States regulations regarding such exchanges, docketed as received July 16th; archival back panel frame, Very Fine.Estimate $150 - 200.
Realized: $105
Lot
2470
Confederacy, Soldier Flag of Truce, buff cover to New Orleans La. bearing 1863, 10¢ dark blue, four margins, tied by grid over Richmond corner card, endorsed "Via Flag of Truce", two strikes of "Old Point Comfort, Feb 7" dcds, original Jan. 22, 1865 enclosure in French with letter from brother back home reading "…do not think for a single instant that I am angry of your conduct. On the contrary I am proud of you. You wish to be assured that you have all my support and I can thank you that you have not left the family…Yes I am here fighting for our country and you are fighting for our family…"; some edgewear, Very Fine. Estimate $500 - 750.
Realized: $375