Lot
2549 
Washington Portrait with Eagle and Flags, red and blue patriotic design on circa 1862 cover with fancy "Soldiers Letter" shield handstamp, entered mails with "Louisville Ky. Dec 18" double-circle datestamp and "Due 3" in circle rating handstamp to Louisville Ky., reverse with partial "DETAINED FOR / POSTAGE" two-line handstamp, endorsed "Through the Politeness of Lieut. Col. Johnston, 31st Ky Vol. Infantry, U.S. Army"; some soiling and wear, reduced slightly at right, Fine and rare fancy Soldiers Letter handstamp. Estimate $200 - 300.
The large influx of soldier's letters sent by Union troops in Kentucky and Tennessee in 1862, into Louisville without proper endorsements caused that office to provide a "Soldiers Letter" handstamp to use on cover when their nature was obvious. Less than a half-dozen have been recorded used from Dec. 1862 to Feb. 1863. Only this cover has the "Detained For/Postage" two-line backstamp.
Realized: $280