5c Blue, Local (7). Horizontal pair, tied by unusually clear strike of "Richmond Va. Jul. 18, 1863" circular datestamp on captured Union Patriotic cover depicting an elephant with a banner reading "Where is Beauregard? Express from Fort Donelson", addressed to Society Hill S.C., overall wear and slight staining, pair with light crease and toning, Fine appearing and rare captured use of this design, there are various meanings that might be ascribed to this design, a popular 19th Century phrase "to see the elephant" refers to gaining experience at significant cost and was often used in relation to war -- it could be interpreted here to imply that Beauregard's troops will "see the elephant" when they encounter Union forces and suffer a heavy defeat, signed Brian Green

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