Lot
848 
U.S. Gun Boat Itasca, corner card on orange cover bearing 3¢ rose (65) tied by "New Orleans La., Aug 11 '64" cds to Great Falls N.H., ex-Milgram (J.W.M.). Milgram No. 663 Estimate $200 - 300.
During the Civil War soldier's mail could be sent due if the envelopes bore the designation "soldier's letter" signed by an officer or chaplain. Ship mail could also be sent due as "naval letters" if signed by the executive officer of the vessel. This cover from the "Itasca" was prepared for this usage, but it was mailed prepaid with a stamp. "Itasca" was a screw-driven gun boat, yet was fully rigged as a schooner. She was launch Oct. 1, 1861 and was sunk by a Confederate torpedo (mine) at the famous naval engagement at Mobile Bay, Ala.
Realized: $525