Lot
2420 
Confederacy, Frankfort Ky. Feb 4, 1861, blue double-circle datestamp with matching circular grid cancel ties U.S. 3¢ dull red (26) on clean cover addressed to John W. Blue, School Commissioner, Marion, Crittenden County Ky., flap with embossed red "United We Stand, Divided We Fall." cameo; cover opened through the seal and tear repaired with archival document tape, a Very Fine use sent on the day the Confederacy was formed. Estimate $500 - 750.
Kentucky was torn between her loyalty to her sister slave states and the national Union. They initially tried to remain neutral, but it was much more complicated in practice than in principle. Kentucky's dual governments and military forces caused many divisions between Kentucky families. It was the definition of a war of brother against brother. As a border state, Kentucky had economic ties to both sides. John William Blue, Sr. (1828-1878) was a prominent lawyer, a graduate of Princeton, and served in the State Legislature. His son, of the same name (1861-1934), was also a lawyer, in politics and served as mayor of Marion.
Southern sympathizers from a rival government in Kentucky seceded on November 20, 1861; this faction was admitted into the Confederate States on December 10, 1861.