Lot 132
Canada 1859, 10¢ deep red purple (17e), gorgeous striking color and sharp detailed impression, pulled perforation at top, tied by "Port Robinson U.C. DE 9 1859" double arc d.s. in red on envelope to "Capt. John Brown, Charlestown, Jefferson County, Virginia U.S." endorsed "in haste" at top left corner, backstamped "St. Catherines U.C.", Very Fine and a remarkable historical usage. SG 33b.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
A STRIKING COVER AND A REMARKABLE HISTORICAL USAGE.
Provenance: Caspary
Addressed to Captain John Brown of Harper's Ferry fame, it is not surprising that mail should be sent to him from Canada as in the spring of 1858 this famous abolitionist had held a convention in Chatham, C.W. to adopt a provisional constitution for the U.S. He seized the U.S. arsenal at Harper's Ferry with 18 of his followers on October 16, 1859. John Brown was defeated two days later and committed to prison at Charlestown, Va. He was tried for treason, found guilty and hanged on December 2, 1859. Though "sent in haste" this letter was actually mailed one week after his execution.
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| Realized $6,000 |
