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Lot 5170

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Civil War Sanitary Commission Cover: Missouri

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Civil War Union Envelopes

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Civil War "Sanitary Commission" Cover Posted

Civil War Cover, U. S. Sanitary Commission, "Soldier's Letter," Postmarked Annapolis, Very Fine.
This unusual Civil War Cover, measuring 3" x 5.5," depicts an American Eagle laying on an American flag, its wings spread to protect it. The vignette is inscribed "U. S. Sanitary Commission," and below this is: "Soldier's Letter." The 3¢ Washington stamp has a black cork cancel and there is also a circular cancel reading: "Annapolis - 12 - May - MO." The postmark is clear except for the state, which appears to read MO. But since Annapolis, MD is larger and was the headquarters of the U. S. Sanitary Commission, Maryland seems a logical attribution. However, during the Civil War, Fort Davidson was located near Annapolis, Missouri and an important battle was fought in the vicinity in 1864. The Sanitary Commission inspected Civil War camps and forts, including those in Missouri. Envelopes such as this were probably given or sold to soldiers in the camps the Commission inspected. Aside from an ink burn near the center and a water stain on the right end, this cover is in great condition.

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