| 212 |
 |
 Ripley Tenn. Jun.
(blank). Circular datestamp with matching "Paid 3" in circle U.S.
rate handstamp on cover to Trenton Tenn., with original enclosure
datelined "Ripley June 10, 1861", cover torn at top left and with
some staining, still Fine, posted two days after Tennessee popular vote to
secede but before admission to the Confederacy, for a brief period certain
postmasters used handstamps with the U.S. rate, examples are very rare (Image) |
E. 500-750
SOLD for $400.00
Will close during Public Auction |
| 213 |
|
 W. D. McNish, Postmaster
at Nashville Tenn. Autograph letter signed "W. D. McNish PM" and
datelined "Post Office, Nashville Tenn., 5 July 1861" to Third Asst.
Postmaster General A. N. Zevely in Washington D.C.AN IMPORTANT LETTER
FROM THE NASHVILLE POSTMASTER, PRESENTING A FINAL ACCOUNTING OF POSTAL
RETURNS FROM APRIL 1 TO JUNE 12, 1861, THE LAST DAY OF SERVICE TO THE
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. Tennessee's secession referendum was passed on May
6, 1861. The popular vote to secede took place on June 8. Although
Tennessee was admitted into the Confederacy on May 16, it did officially
enter until the ratification vote on June 24. The Nashville postmaster was
caught between his oath to the Federal government and his new role as
Confederate postmaster. The Federal postal authorities suspended mail
service to Nashville on June 12. This letter pinpoints June 12 as the final
date of McNish's returns to the Post Office Dept. in Washington. The letter
reads: "Accompanying this letter please find my returns from the
1st of April to 12th June 1861 of the Post Office Business of this
City...[and referring to a balance due the U.S.] At some time when
our unhappy difficulties are settled, I presume the amount will be
honorably paid in a final settlement of accounts, between the two
Governments..." Accompanying this letter is a yellow cover from
the Cleage correspondence, addressed to Athens Tenn., with blue "Nashville
Ten. Jun. 27, 1861" circular datestamp and matching "Paid 5" handstamps.
This cover shows the new Confederate rates used a few days after
Tennessee's admission was ratified. Ex Birkinbine. (Image) |
E. 2,000-3,000
SOLD for $2,100.00
Will close during Public Auction |
