Confederacy, Mesilla, N.M. Feb. 2, clear strike of cds and manuscript "Due 10c" rating on buff cover with soldier's endorsement at left from "J.J. Word, Capt. Gardners Co., Steele Reg., Sibley's Brigade" and addressed to Col. T. J. Word at Palestine, Texas, reduced at right and small edge repair, accompanied by two other Word correspondence usages, first with green "San Antonio Tex. Nov 6" 1861 cds with manuscript "Paid 5" rating to Palestine Tex.; and second with "El Paso Tex. May 18" 1862 cds with red crayon "Due 10" to Palestine Tex., repaired at left; Fine and rare group. Estimate  $10,000 - 15,000. A UNIQUE WORD CORRESPONDENCE GROUP INCLUDING THE RARE "MESILLA N.M." DATESTAMP FROM THE CONFEDERATE OCCUPATION OF NEW MEXICO IN THE NEWLY-FORMED TERRITORY OF ARIZONA. In July 1861 Lt. Col. John Baylor raised the Confederate flag at Fort Bliss, later occupying Fort Fillmore and the town of Mesilla. On August 1st he issued a proclamation establishing the Confederate Territory of Arizona, naming Mesilla as its capital. In January 1862, the Confederate Congress passed a bill establishing the Territory of Arizona. President Davis signed the bill in January and issued his presidential proclamation shortly thereafter.During this period in which the Confederate Territory of Arizona was formed, Brigadier General Henry Sibley raised three regiments, designated the Army of New Mexico, comprising the 4th, 5th and 7th Texas regiments. The 4th was known unofficially as the 1st Regiment of Sibley's Brigade, to which the sender of this letter, Captain J. J. Word belonged. The regiment was active in various conflicts in New Mexico Territory. In late 1861 and early 1862, it was actually known as the Army of New Mexico, but later known as part of the Trans-Mississippi Department. According to specialists in Arizona and New Mexico postal history, there are fewer than ten examples known of the Mesilla, N.M. occupation marking. $0 (Image)