Partly-Printed Confederate Receipt for 2 Head Cattle by Capt. Isaac Shelby, Jr.

Description

Partly-Printed Confederate Receipt for 2 Head Cattle
by Capt. Isaac Shelby, Jr.
Offered for your consideration is a partly-printed receipt, actually “
FORM 19
”, for cattle purchased in April, 1864, though not paid for until July, 1864. Headlined “
The Confederate States, To
W A Horton
DR.
” and dated “
1864 April 9
”, the only purchase made on this document is for “
2 Head Beef Cattle
/
Total average w’t 900
(?)
gross
(?)
lb
” for “
4.00
”. Following a recapitulation of the total, a party-printed statement reads “
I certify that the above account is correct and just, and that the articles
are
accounted for on my returns for the month of
April
186
4
, and that the purchases were made by order of
Maj Genl Buckner & not paid for want of funds.
”. Below this is the signature of “
Isaac Shelby Jr
/
Captain
” in his capacity as “
A. C. S., C. S. A.
” (Assistant Commissary of Subsistence, Confederate States of America), as well as an addition statement which indicates that there was “
Received at
Abington Va
, on the
31
of
July
186
4
, of
Capt. Isaac Shelby Jr
A. C. S., C. S. A.
One Hundred & forty four
dollars --- cents, in full of the above account.
”. This concluding statement is signed by “
William A. Horton
”, acknowledging the receipt of the payment (it was only about three months late). Though the back was originally blank, it now bears a filing notation reading “
84
86
/
W. A. Horton
/
4.00
/
July
31 1864
”. This interesting, late-war document illustrates the difficulty that some Confederate agents experienced when they attempted to purchase supplies for the fighting men – a distinct lack of funds. This piece would make a great addition to any general Civil War collection, or as an adjunct to a Southern fiscal set.
Cursory research indicates that Isaac Shelby, Jr. served as a Captain and Assistant Quartermaster to General Simon Bolivar Buckner, as well as an Assistant Commissary of Subsistence to General John Echols (also as a Captain). He was advanced to Major and Commissary of Subsistence to Genera John C. Breckinridge, presumably through the close of the war.
The currently offered document exhibits signs of expected period use, as well as the effects of subsequent long-term storage. Toning is present across the entire surface, imparting to the paper a light to medium brown hue (it is difficult to determine the exact amount of toning, as many late-war Confederate documents were printed on low quality, brownish necessity paper). This toning can be clearly seen, however, in a horizontal streak on the back of the piece, encompassing about ¼ of the document. A relatively large stain can be seen at the upper left, with several smaller spots scattered throughout the text. Ink transfer from what appears to be a non-related document can be seen in the blank areas of the receipt, though this is not dark enough to be deciphered. The bottom edge is ragged, seemingly torn from a larger sheet. Numerous folds are present, the central one weakening the paper at the edges and along the center line (no separations are presently noted). Thin areas within the paper, a result of poor manufacturing, can be seen when the paper is held to the light. Ink corrosion has caused several small holes, again visible when the piece is held to the light. An interesting and unusual document, measuring approximately 8⅝ x 10½ inches. Surely additional information regarding the two individuals could be uncovered with diligent research.
A .95 charge will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance.
A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA