Confederacy, "Brandon, Miss, Dec 10th 1864", manuscript postmark with matching "Due $2.40" rating on legal size Trans-Mississippi cover addressed to Capt. J.L. S. Kirby, care Genl E. Kirby Smith at Shreveport La., original six-page letter accompanies from addressee's mother written on "Treasury Note Bureau, Columbia S.C." stationery with Nov. 19th 1864 dateline; cover has been restored for preservation, Fine. Estimate  $2,000 - 3,000. THIS IS THE HIGHEST RATED CONFEDERATE COVER POSTED AT SIX-TIMES THE 40¢ TRANS-MISSISSIPPI LETTER RATE. The addressee's mother, Mrs. Mary B. Kirby worked for the Treasury Department Ladies Bureau and signed Banknotes at Keatinge & Ball in the "For Register" position. Mrs. Kirby mentions that a Mr. Matthews, who is a government courier, would take the letter presumably all the way to Shreveport, but that did not happen as letter was posted due at Brandon. The letter mentions that a second letter to another party was included in this mailing, which would account for the six-times weight of 3 to 3½ oz. The addressee, Capt. Kirby, was a cousin of CSA General Kirby Smith and an engineering officer serving in the Trans-Mississippi. The itself is very interesting and will with news of home. $0 (Image)