Auction # 58 - Winter 2014 Auction

1863 (Oct. 1) Syracuse N.Y. to Comdr. Towsend, Steamer Essex, Miss. Squadron. Yellow cover bearing 3¢ rose (65) tied by "Syracuse N.Y. Oct 1 '63"duplex, reverse with "Received at Cairo Ill., Oct 6 1863" backstamp; minor corner flaws, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $200 - 300.

In October 1863, U.S.S. "Essex", commanded by Cdr. Robert Townsend, was lying off Donaldsonville La., where it had been since before Vicksburg. She was a heavily armed ironclad, had inadequate engines so that it moved very slowly against the Mississippi River current. Once below Vicksburg and Port Hudson, it had to stay there.