Sale 43: The Westpex Sale

Lot 330    

Confederacy, Shreveport, La., May 8. Transit cds on soldier's endorsed cover to Burkeville, Tex., matching "Due 10" straight line handstamp and manuscript "Via Shreveport, La." routing, Very Fine.
Estimate    $100 - 150.

Realized: $325

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Lot 331    

Confederacy, Mesilla N.M./Nov. 23 (1861). Full clear strike of circular datestamp with manuscript "Due 10" on cover to "H.M. Alford Esq., Austin Cty, Texas" from Albert N. Alford with manuscript routing endorsement "Via San Antonio" at lower left, reverse with soldier's endorsement of "A.N. Alford, Co. A, T.M.R. (Texas Mounted Rifles), CSA", two small professionally mended tears at top & reduced at right, F.-V.F.; with 1965 P.F. certificate.
Estimate    $7,500 - 10,000.

A CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE "MESILLA N.M." DATESTAMP FROM THE CONFEDERATE OCCUPATION OF NEW MEXICO IN THE NEWLY-FORMED TERRITORY OF ARIZONA

In July 1861 Lt. Col. John Baylor raised the Confederate flag at Fort Bliss, later occupying Fort Fillmore and the town of Mesilla. On August 1st he issued a proclamation establishing the Confederate Territory of Arizona, naming Mesilla as its capital. In January 1862, the Confederate Congress passed a bill establishing the Territory of Arizona. President Davis signed the bill in January and issued his presidential proclamation shortly thereafter.

Albert N[elson] Alford enlisted as a private in Company A, Texas Mounted Rifles, which was organized in May 1861, but reorganized in April 1862 as the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. The regiment was active in various conflicts in New Mexico Territory. In late 1861 and early 1862, it was actually known as the Army of New Mexico, but later well known as part of the Trans-Mississippi Department.

According to specialists in Arizona and New Mexico postal history, there are fewer than ten examples known of the Mesilla, N.M. occupation marking.

Realized: $22,000

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Lot 332    

Confederacy, Charleston, S.C., Dec 7, 1861. Cds with matching perfect strike of "Paid 5" rating handstamp on all-over illustrated advertising cover for Chambers, Barnes & Co. General Commission Merchants, addressed to Fort Mills, S.C., Barnes crossed out in red crayon,original enclosure accompanies; couple tiny edge tears, otherwise Very Fine.
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $425

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Lot 333    

Confederacy, Charleston, S.C./Dec. 14, 1861. Double circle postmark on drop cover with large fancy "2" (Due) rate handstamp, manuscript pencil endorsement "Soldier's Letter, J.L. Sheppard, Mounted Guards", cover with couple small repairs at right, Very Fine appearance.
Estimate    $200 - 300.

Realized: $450

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Lot 334    

Confederacy, Pendleton, S.C., Jul 19. Blue cds with matching "Paid 5" handstamp (Dietz II) on cover addressed to General Daniel Ruggles at Fredericksburg, Va., Very Fine.
Estimate    $200 - 300.

Realized: $190

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Lot 335    

Confederacy, Sumter, S.C., Apr 9, 1861. Cds with matching "Paid" straightline and matching circled "10" rating hs on cover to Newberry S.C., "Hudson Lee, Broker, Auctioneer, Charleston S.C." oval corner card, Hudson Lee was a slave dealer with copy of ad noting "Orders for Negroes promptly and faithfully executed", cover nick, partial flap and opened on three sides, otherwise Very Fine; with 1998 P.F. certificate.
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $290

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Lot 336    

Confederacy, Clarksville, Ten./Jan. 3. Double circle postmark in red and bluish black "Paid 10" arced rating handstamp (Dietz type III) on mourning cover to Alexandria La.; tiny edge tear, Very Fine and scarce.
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $350

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Lot 337    

Confederacy, Indian Mound, Tenn./Oct. 3rd, 1861. Manuscript postmark on cover to Lunenburg, Va. with manuscript "Paid 10" rate in top right corner, Very Fine, a scarce manuscript postmark.
Estimate    $200 - 300.

Realized: $200

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Lot 338    

Confederacy, Nashville, Ten./Sep. 2, 1861. Blue cds with matching "Paid" straightline and "10" rating handstamps on cover to "Lafayette Hewitt, Care Ben M. Clements, Chief Appointment Bureau, Post Office Department, Richmond, Va., Confederate States America"; cover tear at right, otherwise Very Fine.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

Captain Fayette (Lafayette) Hewitt (1831-1909). In 1857 he accepted the position of Postmaster General in Washington D.C. until the Republicans took office. At the request of the new Confederate government, he then undertook the job of establishing the Confederate post office in Montgomery, Alabama. After this task was successfully accomplished, he asked for a field position. In February of 1863 he was assigned to General Breckinridge's command, where he served as Captain of the 6th Kentucky Infantry Regiment. Three horses were shot out from under him during the war and although never wounded, mini balls passed through his hat and clothes numerous times.

Realized: $170

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Lot 339    

Confederacy, Strawberry Plains, Ten./1 Oct. (1861). Cds on neat cover to Emory, Va. with manuscript "Paid 5" rate at top right, Very Fine and attractive, a scarce town marking.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

Realized: $125

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