Arago: Adversity Covers

The envelope, postmarked Talmage, Georgia, bears a black, handstamped Paid 10 enclosed within a circle. Even though Confederate postage stamps had been introduced in October 1861, the demand outstripped the printer's ability to supply them. As a result, shortages were commonplace. In such an event, postmasters resorted to temporary substitutes. A handstamp, which was applied to the letter upon receipt of payment, was one such method.

The envelope is homemade from a printed pre-war United States Post Office form, a method used when envelopes were in short supply.