double circle datestamp with crossroads cancel tying 3c Rose (65) to cover to J. Graham Gardiner in New York City, original enclosure from Samuel Augustus Duncan datelined "Hd. Qrs. 2nd Brig. Hinks' Div., June 20th 1864" which is reproduced in large part below, envelope slightly reduced at left, which does not detract from this historically significant and remarkable letter, very fine and well-worth reading:

The day before we started for our attack on Petersburg, Lt. Col. Rogers, Amo 94th U.S.C.T. at my suggestion wrote to Dept. Hd.Qr's calling attention to the fact of your appointment and requesting a pass for you to join the regt. We find upon our return to this place—Point of Rocks—that the pass is here—Co. Rogers will forward it at once. You will see that it is a pass for you to proceed to Fort Monroe. There you will have to report to Genl. Butler's A.A.G. who will of course attune at once for you to join your regt. wherever it may be. You will find it on the way to Richmond—via Fort Darling—perhaps.

You need have no fear that we enter the Rebel Capital immediately. There will be a chance for you yet, I trust. There will needs be considerable delay in capturing Richmond; but Grand has finally struck the true base, and will push the thing with a will. The whole army is full of confidence. 

The negro troops did much to open the way for him on the 15th.

The question is now settled. The negro will fight.

They did nobly. You have learned the whole story from the papers ere this. And the papers will not overstate the case. 

Privately—I am glad to state that my Brigade of four regts. did the chief work. In the last assault there was but one colored regt. beside. I would pit my command against any equal command in the army. 

The Army of the Potomac, seeing the works we carried, have yielded al their prejudices against colored troops. This was our greatest triumph of the day.