"MAILS SUSPENDED", perfectly struck oval handstamp on cover to Confederate Brigadier General John H. Winder at Richmond, endorsed "via Washington D.C.", 3¢ Rose (65), interpane margin at left, placed over coal dealer's corner card and tied by "Philadelphia Pa. May 16, 1863" circular datestamp, with original enclosure from a "Widowed Mother" inquiring as to the whereabouts of one William Shermer, she asks "...whether you have any knowledge of Wm. A. Shermer of Collis's Zouaves supposed to have been taken prisoner in the late Battle of May 3rd", this being the Battle of Chancellorsville, the woman adds a postscript "Enclosed please find 10¢", presumably for Confederate postage, also included is the original Post Office Department Return Letter Office printed envelope used to return this cover and letter (opened roughly at right), the notation "10cts" below the address refers to the money enclosure, 6¢ postage due was collected from the sender

Very Fine; a few faint toned spots on Mails Suspended cover not affecting stamp or markings, stamp with corner crease.

This extremely rare cover demonstrates "Mails Suspended" treatment of mail to the Confederate Commissary General of Prisoners, John H. Winder. It is especially desirable and unusual with the original enclosure referencing the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Post Office Department returned-letter envelope.

The sender, a self-described "Widowed Mother," was evidently not familiar with the procedure for locating Union soldiers taken prisoner by Confederate forces. Rather than follow the formal flag-of-truce mail procedure, she simply addressed her letter to Brigadier General Winder at Richmond. Despite the "Please Forward" notation, this attempt to send mail across the lines was rejected and the cover was sent to the Dead Letter Office.

Ex William F. Murphy.

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