Lot
2471 
Confederacy, Alton Military Prison, Alton, Ill., U.S. 1861, 3¢ entire cancelled by blue target with matching partial "Alton, Aug 30, 1862" cds on cover from prisoner Hervey Brown to his wife in Jackson Tenn. with "Care Commandant of Post Jackson Ten.", manuscript "Exmd, F.W.C" examiner's endorsement; top repaired, no flap, original enclosed letter datelined "Alton Military Prison, September 1, 1862" (sender or postmaster off by day) noting "…the Prisoners of War are jubilant at the early prospect of exchange…More Tennessee citizens are being added to our list", and is carefully devoid of opinion; Fine and scarce, Only 12 covers were recorded by Harrison. Scott No. U.S. #U34 Estimate $300 - 400.
By the end of summer 1862, both Memphis and Nashville had fallen to the Federals that gave the Union control of the Western and Middle sections of Tennessee. This was occupied as a Federal strongpoint to control railroads and keep down guerilla action. Thus, the cover could travel to destination entirely in the Federal mail system, subject to the willingness of the Federal military at Jackson to turn the letter over to the addressee.
Realized: $475