Lot
693 
Camden. APril 3, straightline postmark and manuscript "12½" rating 1799 folded cover with partial letter to Augusta Ga.; some fold separation and splitting, F.-V.F. Estimate $300 - 400.
THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THIS CAMDEN STRAIGHTLINE POSTMARK, THE EARLIEST HANDSTAMPED MARKING OF THIS TOWN.
The sender was Joseph Brevard, who moved from North Carolina to Camden right after the Revolutionary War and in 1789, the Legislature elected him sheriff of Camden District. When admitted to the Bar in 1792, he began a long career as a lawyer, judge on the S.C. Supreme Court and U.S. Congressman 1818-1820.
This cover was found on Ebay by the consignor. Only manuscript markings were used at Camden until the introduction of a cds in 1814. Since there was no printing press in Camden at this time, it is believed that the Postmaster likely brought a set of type from Charleston to use for this postmark.
Realized: $280