Confederacy, "Vernon Hill, Apl 29th 1861" (Va.), manuscript postmark with matching "J. C. Walker" postmaster free frank on orange cover addressed to Lieut. S. H. Walker of the Mt. Vernon Guard at Richmond Va.; opening tears at top affect markings, Fine and scarce postmaster free frank use. Estimate  $150 - 200. The Vernon Hill (Halifax County) postmaster used his free franking privilege to send a letter to his son who had just joined a Virginia unit. This was a private use abusing the privilege. The free frank could still be used for postmaster's mail at this time as the free frank was not abolished until the CSA Postal Service started operation on June 1, 1861. Samuel H. Walker was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the Mount Vernon Guard on April 24, 1861, this unit would later become Company G of the 17th Va. Infantry. He is listed as having died of disease in Richmond on August 3, 1861. $0 (Image)