3c Brownish Carmine, Ty. III (26). Cancelled by target on cover to Unity N.H. with red and blue "Jeff Davis, Fate of Traitors" hanging illustration Patriotic design, John G. Wells imprint, originally mailed May 9 with "New-York" circular datestamp on flap and straightline "Held For Postage", 3c Rose (65) with straight edge at right was then added and tied by target as well as "New-York May 16" circular datestamp, manuscript "Let Justice be done" added at base of design, No. 26 stamp with small faults, cover with mended corner nicks

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A SPECTACULAR JEFFERSON DAVIS "HANGING" UNION PATRIOTIC DESIGN, MADE EVEN MORE DESIRABLE BY THE "HELD FOR POSTAGE" TREATMENT DUE TO THE USE OF THE DEMONETIZED 1857 ISSUE STAMP.

This is a rare Union Patriotic design, which depicts a macabre scene of Jefferson Davis hanging from the gallows, with Union soldiers at attention under the American flag and what appear to be freed slaves dancing and doing cartwheels over the Confederate flag. This might be called the Union answer to the iconic "Hanging Lincoln" Confederate cartoons. Even the name of the town it was mailed to, Unity N.H., carries connotations of patriotic sentiment. The use of the demonetized 1857 Issue stamp and the "Held For Postage" straightline also places this cover in the "Old Stamps Not Recognized" collecting category.

Ex Piller. With 1983 P.F. certificate

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