1863 Civil War Letter & Fancy Cancel Cover Army of the Potomac, General Meade

  

1863 Civil War Letter & Fancy Cancel Cover: Army of the Potomac, General Meade Mention. Offered is a fantastic original 4-page folded Civil War era letter dated October 7, 1863, complete with its original mailed cover.

The letter was written by a mother and father H. Wilbur from "Brook Farm" to their daughter, Miss Mary M.

Wilbur, residing in Matteawan, New York (present-day Beacon, NY). The cover features a beautiful, bold geometric star/rosette fancy cancel tying a 3-cent Washington stamp (Scott #65), alongside a clear "NEW YORK OCT 8 1863" circular date stamp. Historical Content Highlight: While the first portion of the letter discusses daily life, health, and family visitations, the father's addendum on the final page offers a superb piece of Civil War history. He writes about a foreign visitor or acquaintance, Algernon Gilliatt, taking a tour of America and securing an introduction to the Commander of the Army of the Potomac just months after the Battle of Gettysburg.

I got a letter both yesterday & to day from Algernon Gilliatt. He had been down to see the'Army on the Potomac', by proper introduction to Genl. Meade, & was treated with distinguished consideration... And I hope he will return here a wiser, & better man, than he was when he came over. Condition: Very good antique condition.

The handwriting is incredibly legible and written in rich brown ink. The paper is sound with typical expected mailing folds. The cover has slight edge wear but presents beautifully, especially the striking fancy cancel. Please review all photos for exact condition. Transcription of Letter & Cover.

[Postmark: NEW YORK OCT 8 1863] [Stamp: 3-cent Washington, Scott #65, tied by geometric star/rosette fancy cancel] [Manuscript note left:] paid. [Modern pencil note bottom left:] CIVIL WAR / GEN. My dear child My finger continues better, but is extremely tender & renders me almost useless. I cleared out all my bureau drawers to day & my colored piece draw.

Tomorrow I intend making my pickles. Josephine left us to day, her cold was a good deal better. She said she had enjoyed herself. I took tea & Lucy to drive both days she was here. I got your letter this eveg.

Do lay in a good stock of health & strength. Great deal of love to your Uncle Aunt & the dear children for me. I had a letter from your Aunt Martha this evg. She expects a letter from you & I think you ought to take an hour when your Aunt Fanny is busy & write to her, her kindness to your friend ought to be noticed & she wants you to tell her what you think of the baby & Charley. Your own Mother H Wilbur.

Do be careful about taking cold you have never been up the North River on a visit since we left its that you have not come down with a cold. Dearest Molly- Your Mother desired me to write a few lines, to complete her Epistle, & I undertake it with pleasure, altho. Get your uncle Frank to write to her at Brooklyn & tell her when to come-She wants Belle to come there on friday of next week, if she can, & see her sister baby.

He had been down to see the "Army on the Potomac", by proper introduction to Genl. Mead, & was treated with distinguished consideration-he goes on to Steubenville to day & will be there no doubt to morrow morng. From thence he intends going to Niagara on Monday of next week & so on to Connecticut to visit his kith & kin there. With much love to all- Every your Affectionate father.