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Item# 18274
New 2-20-23
Price: $500
US 26, 3¢ dull red, tied neat blue grid with matching double-circle datestamp of FRANKFORT / KY // FEB / 4 / 1861--THE DAY THE CONFEDERACY WAS FORMED on pristine cover. Kentucky did not secede until November 20, 1861; it was admitted into the Confederate States December 10, 1861. Cover addressed to John W. Blue, School Commissioner, Marion, Crittenden Co[unty] Ky., with embossed orange seal on the back flap with motto “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” Cover opened through the seal and tear repaired with archival document tape. Historic FIRST DAY COVER. $500. Listed in both ISU-1 / MISC-1
Kentucky was torn between her loyalty to her sister slave states and the national Union. They initially tried to remain neutral, but it was much more complicated in practice than in principle. Kentucky’s dual governments and military forces caused many divisions between Kentucky families. It was the definition of a war of brother against brother. As a border state, Kentucky had economic ties to both sides.
John William Blue, Sr. (1828-1878) was a prominent lawyer, a graduate of Princeton, and served in the State Legislature. His son, of the same name (1861-1934), was also a lawyer, in politics and served as mayor of Marion.