Lot 2440
1864 U.S. Provisional Commission to the 22nd Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops, one page 13x17", headed "United States of America, Headquarters Department of Virginia & North Carolina Provisional Commission" for William D. Millikew of Clarendon N.Y. as 1st Lieut. of Twenty Second (22nd) Regiment of United States Colored Troops, given at Fort Monroe, signed by Major General Benjamin Franklin Butler; folded, fresh and Very Fine.Estimate $500 - 750.
Realized: $400
Lot
2441 
1865 (Apr. 27) Voters Oath, Township of Martinsburg, Berkeley County, one page document reading in part "I do solemnly swear that I have noever voluntarily borne arms against the United States, the re-organized goverment of Virginia, or the States of West Verginia; that I have never voluntarily given aid, comfort or assitnce to persons engaged in armed hostility against the United States, the re-organized government of Virginia, or the State of West Virginia…", signed "Colin Johnson, 27th day of April 1865", bearing manuscript U.S. 5¢ revenue (R25c) cancel "April 27 1865"; small flaws, F.-V.F. Estimate $500 - 750.
Realized: $675
Lot
2442
1865 (Aug. 29) to New Orleans La., homemade envelope endorsed "Mr. Howard will please forward this soon, Aug. 29th /65" to Rev. Thomas R. Markham in New Orleans, carried by hand and then dropped in the mail bearing 3¢ rose (65) tied by four-ring cancel, overpaying the 2¢ drop rate; light soiling and some extra gum present, Fine and scarce, ex-Skinner (on his exhibit page). Estimate $300 - 400.
This is an unusual "post-war" use similar to another Markham correspondence use offered in the Skinner sale at Siegel (see sale 832, lot 3224).
Lot
2443
(Express) "Adams Express, 50pd", manuscript endorsement on 3¢ pink (U59) entire to Chester C.H., S.C., pencil "January 27, 1866" docketing, blue crayon "Okalona, Pd" perhaps indicating origin of Ark. or Miss., Fine and scarce reconstruction era express use. Estimate $200 - 300.
Chaos resided in the mail service as most other aspects of life in the south following the defeat. The Federal post offices were slow to reopen and express companies entered to fill the void during early reconstruction period. Adams, and Southern Express Company took most of the business if they could provide a route.
Realized: $200
Lot
2444
(Sanitary Fair) Philadelphia, Pa., 1864, 10¢ Blue, uncancelled single on ladies cover with original enclosure address to, "My "Faithful Friend", the Postmaster, Delaware P.O., Central Fair, Philadelphia", matching enclosure datelined "June 19, 1864", and written with a poem, "While walking through the Central Fair, And in the Department of Delaware, 'Twas there a Post Office I did see, I am sure I think there's a letter for me. So anxiously I gave my name, To the fair ladies in the same. I received a letter with much pleasure, And paid "twenty cents" for the great treasure…", Very Fine and unusual, a fine item used at the fair on the 13th day of the exhibition. Scott No. WV11 Estimate $500 - 750.
The Great Central Fair took place from June 7 until June 28 of 1864 in the Logan Circle park in Philadelphia. It was a fundraiser for the United States Sanitary Commission.
The main exhibit building was 200,000 square feet in size. It was designed by Samuel Honeyman Kneass and William Stickland. There was also Union Street, which was 540 feet long and ran in the middle of the fair. Union Street was compared to a cathedral by Charles J. Stille. Inside the main building were "departments" with different themes. Themes included the neighboring states of New Jersey and Delaware, themes about corn and sewing, a restaurant and parlor, as well as weaponry, fine art, curiosities, transportation and children's subjects.
Realized: $850
Lot
2445
(Sanitary Fair) Northwestern Fair of the Sanitary Commission and Soldier's Home, Chicago Illinois, shield imprint buff cover bearing 2¢ black (73), scissor separated, tied by grid cancel to New Holland Penn., Very Fine. Estimate $400 - 600.
Realized: $400