Lot
2308 
Eagle, Shield and Flags "The Union and the Constitution", red and blue patriotic design on cover bearing 3¢ dull red (26), two singles, small flaws, tied by corks, matching "Chester Pa. May 29, 1861" cds to Pottstown Pa., docketing reads "Jefferson Davis who has tampered with the American Eagle, will yet live to feel its claws", with original enclosure with fascinating contents "…The aspect of national affairs is at present rather dark and threatening. To me it seems pretty certain that we are going to have a bloody struggle before treason and rebellion can be guild. But judging from the resolution & determination of the Northern people, the Rebel government will be totally overthrown at some time or other, but doubtless not until after many valuable lives are lost. What a lamentable affair the assassination of Col. Ellsworth was. He is a great loss to the country, a young man of great promise and of whom much was expected in the present campaign. I saw him at the "Continental" the evening Mr. Lincoln was there. He was one of the President's attendants. George & I were upstairs, and we saw a young man pass us and enter a side door. He appeared not over 20. He was rather small & slender & quite good looking, wore one of the volunteer caps and had long black hair. We were first informed that it was Lincoln's eldest son, but afterwards ascertained it to be Col. Ellsworth. He was particularly attentive to the Presidential party and moved actively around. He struck me as being a very young man to have attained such celebrity. Many consider his act in taking down the Secession flag as reckless and daring, and I suspect think that it was a needless exposure of his person to the cowardly stealth of assassins. But his patriotic enthusiasm hurried him on into danger and to its immensity he fell a victim. They took him up on this railroad last Saturday evening. About 9 o'clock, I sat with my window open when I heard the train stop at Chester. It was very still and the train contrary to custom stopped for nearly ten minutes at the station while the Chester band struck up the "Star Spangled Banner." It sounded particularly inspiring to me. The poor unconscious Ellsworth lay dead in the cars. Not a noise was heard save the notes of the band, until it stopped, and the shrill whistle screamed out and the train moved towards Phila., amid three tremendous cheers from the populace. The incident I shall not soon forget. Enclosed I send you an account of the origin of the "Star Spangled Banner"…", reduced at left and minor edgewear, F.-V.F., a pretty cover with great contents. Estimate $300 - 400.
Realized: $3,750