• Scott56X1

Description

Memphis Tenn., 2c Blue (56X1). Large even margins, bright shade, tied by bold strike of "Memphis Ten. Dec. 1, 1861" circular datestamp on folded part-printed notice of license expiration from the "Mayor's Office" dated Dec. 1, 1861, addressed to Sam Mosby in Memphis, docketed Jan. 10, 1862, stamp with inconsequential tiny margin tear at top right, notice separated and hinge rejoined EXTREMELY FINE. ARGUABLY THE FINEST OF THE fifteen 2-CENT MEMPHIS PROVISIONAL COVERS in the crown census. A MAGNIFICENT AND VERY RARE EXAMPLE OF THIS QUINTESSENTIAL SOUTHERN POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL. Matthew Campbell Gallaway (1820-1898), a colorful newspaper editor and aide-de-camp to General Nathan Bedford Forrest, was the Memphis Confederate postmaster who issued adhesive stamps and press-printed envelopes until Memphis fell to Federal forces in June 1862. Gallaway was often referred to as "Colonel," but military records show that he was paroled on May 10, 1865, as a 1st Lieutenant and Acting A.D.C. on General Forrest's staff (www.fold3.com). In August 1866 Gallaway, after resuming his position as editor of the Avalanche, was shot through the hand in a murder attempt by a United States tax collector named G. W. Wood (New York Times, Aug. 26, 1866). Gallaway survived and continued working as a newspaper editor until his retirement in 1887. He lived another decade, almost long enough to experience the arrival of the 20th century. Samuel Mosby is believed to have been co-owner of Mosby & Anderson Storage, listed in the 1859 Memphis City Directory. The business was located on Union between Second and Third Streets (where the Hotel Peabody is today). (http://msgw.org/desoto/bios/mosby.html). The Crown census of Memphis 2c provisionals lists 15 covers, including two from the Street correspondence, which we have examined but remain in private hands. Ex Richey, Brooks, Judd, Matz, Dr. Simon and "D.K." collection. With 2013 P.F. certificate. SCV $12,500

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