Memphis Tenn., 5c Red (56X2). Ample margins on two sides, touching at top and right where slightly irregular, tied by "Memphis Ten." circular datestamp on buff cover to Paris Tenn. with "John W. Chrisp & Co. Dealers in Slaves, Memphis Tenn." advertising corner card, slightly reduced at right

FINE. AN EXTRAORDINARY USE OF THE MEMPHIS POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ON A SLAVE DEALER'S ADVERTISING COVER.

Printed corner cards and advertising envelopes rarely mentioned the slave trade, although the institution was obviously an integral part of the Southern culture and economy. Examples of slave trade corner cards are very scarce, and this example with the Memphis Postmaster's Provisional is incalculably rare.

The John W. Chrisp & Co. firm is identified in the advertisement as "Successors to Forrest, Jones & Co." The Forrest is Nathan Bedford Forrest, the Confederate general and founder of the Ku Klux Klan.

Signed Dietz. Ex Mueller, Matz, Dr. Green and Boshwit

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