Lot
2302 
U.S.S. Housatonic, manuscript endorsement on cover bearing 3¢ red rose (65) pair, intense shade, s.e. at right, tied by bold "Philadelphia Pa., Aug 3, 1863" cds, matching "U.S. SHIP" straightline on cover to Mrs. Joseph W. Congdon at Wickford R.I., Very Fine and choice use, ex-Gibson. Estimate $500 - 750.
On February 17, 1864, the Confederate submarine "Hunley" sank a blockader, the USS "Housatonic" off Charleston S.C., marking the first wartime sinking of a ship by a submarine. The addressee was one of 21 officers and 129 men rescued by the "Canandaigua" following the sinking of the "Housatonic". The February 16th use was posted one day before the USS "Housatonic" sunk. The Congdon correspondence is known however virtually all the covers are addressed from the Housatonic to Congdon's wife in Long Island.
Realized: $725