Auction Detail

double circle datestamp duplexed with target ties 1861 3c Rose (65) to cover to "Chester H. Riley O.S., Co. A, 7th Reg. Conn. Volunteers, Prisoner of War at Belle Island, Virginia", endorsed "By Flag of Truce Boat to Richmond" and "Care of Gen. Meredith, Fortress Monroe", light wear including fold through stamp, very fine appearance, one of just eight covers recorded by Harrison to or from Belle Island Prison, ex-Walske

Belle Island Prison was open from June 1862 through October 1864. Whereas Richmond's Libby Prison was intended for officers, Belle Island held noncommissioned officers and privates. Sergeant Chester H. Riley was captured July 11, 1863 in the attack on Fort Wagner, South Carolina and died as a prisoner on February 29, 1864 in Richmond.

47 covers including red "Paid 15" handstamp (only known example), 1851 1c Blue on printed circular, 1855 10c Green on cover to California, early City Fire Insurance Company cornercard, 1859 stampless cover to London, Senator James Dixon free frank, "Held for Postage" handstamp, two Adams Express Co. labels, and more, generally fine to very fine and interesting

double circle datestamp on cover to Hartland, Vermont franked with 1857 1c Blue, Type V and 1863 2c Black (24, 73), charged double the deficiency (2c) for attempted use of old stamp as indicated by faint "2" handstamp, reposted from Hartland back to Hartford on July 29 with 1861 3c Rose (65), 1c stamp small faults, very fine, a colorful and interesting use

double circle datestamp with star in circle killer tying 1861 3c Rose (65) to cover addressed to "Lieut. B.F. Blakeslee, 16th Conn. Vols., Prisoner of War, Charleston, S.C. (Roper Hospital)", February 17, 1865 docketing, very fine, one of just 19 covers reported either to or from Roper Hospital Prison, Blakeslee was wounded at Antietam before being captured at Plymouth, North Carolina on April 20, 1864, he was paroled from Roper Hospital February 28, 1865, original enclosure from his adoptive sister Miss Lottie J. Braddock

magenta double circle datestamp with matching grids tying two 1862 24c Lilac (78) to cover to Liverpool, England, red "N. York Am. Pkt. 6 Jan 7" credit, London January 18 transit and Liverpool backstamp the following day, light wear and small tear at top, fine and attractive