Lot
1646 
Confederacy, Johnsons Island, Sandusky, O., incoming cover addressed "Lieut Col. Inser, Prisoner of War, Care Major Pearson, Johnsons Island", franked with 1861, 3¢ rose (natural s.e.) cancelled by target, matching "San Francisco, Cal. Mar 29, 1864" cds and straight line "Registered" handstamp, manuscript "Due 10¢" and matching "2531" registry number tying stamp, endorsed "$150 draft, Hill" in pencil at left additionally tying stamp, Very Fine. Estimate $300 - 400.
A VERY RARE REGISTERED LETTER FROM SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. TO PRISONER AT JOHNSON ISLANDS.
Registered mail service was available in the United States during the war years of 1861 to 1865. Registered letters known to prisoners contained money and by registering the letters, they were guaranteed delivery to the prisoner.
The registered mail fee of 20¢ was to paid in cash, however the sender may have had only half of the necessary fee in which the Post Office accepted and dued the cover the remaining 10¢ fee. In any case, this cover is being offered on it's own merits (as is).
Realized: $475