Confederacy, Mobile Ala. Apr 12, 1861, bold strike of cds ties U.S. 1857, 3¢ dull red on cover to Marion Ala.; reduced slightly at left, Very Fine. Scott No. U.S. #26  Estimate $200 - 300. On Friday, April 12, 1861, at 4:30 a.m., Confederate batteries opened fire, firing for 34 straight hours, on Fort Sumter. These were the shots that started the American Civil War. $0 (Image)