Lot
825 
"Socorro NM, Sep 11", manuscript New Mexico Territory postmark with matching pen strokes cancel 3¢ dull red (26) on 1861 folded letter to Penn Yan, N.Y.; 3¢ flaws, edge flaws and splitting, F.-V.F. Estimate $500 - 750.
Interesting letter describes much about life in the small town of Socorro during the early days of the Civil War. The great small pox epidemic in town, and the on going movement of Federal troops from Fort Craig to El Paso reads: "…The mail has just arrived & brought me your letter Aug 8th with Stillmans and Genettes. I am so glad to hear from you & it is a pleasure to see the mail arrive & pass on unmolested for it assures us that Uncle seems dominion here is not yet at an end…We are all well for which blessing we have great reason to be thankful to our heavenly father. Small pox is raging now in Socorro but our children have all been vaccinated, two deaths have occurred very near us, one a child of one our nearest neighbor's children are running the streets completely covered with it & no more attention is paid to it that any common sickness. In Alimilla 10 miles north about 30 children have died with it. I got you vaccine matter and think I will have the children vaccinated again…"
Realized: $450