Lot
1723 
(Civil War) Memphis Ten, Mar 4, 1862, partly-clear double-circle datestamp on reverse of cover to Springville Mich., "Held for Postage" double-oval, sent to Dead Letter Office where bold strike of large "Soldier's Letter" fancy oval struck, "Due 3" rating handstamp; some staining mostly on reverse, reduced at left, otherwise Very Fine and scarce. Estimate $200 - 300.
This fancy "Soldier's Letter" handstamp is a D.L.O. marking intended for identifying mail that had not been properly endorsed. Postal law (1861) permitted soldier's mail to pass through the mails without prepayment, although postage had to be paid by the recipient. This letter was mailed while Memphis was still in Confederate hands, falling to the Union on June 6, 1862 after the first Battle of Memphis.
Realized: $290