Civil War Collectors-here is an antique document that reflects the daily life of the Civil War soldier. It is a receipt, dated 5 December 1862 in Middletown, Connecticut, and issued by the Adams Express Company's Army and Soldiers Package Express. The receipt is for shipment of one box from Middletown to Washington, DC. The interesting part of this old document is in the fine print. The company promises only to get the package to a convenient point near the destination where it will be turned over to third parties for delivery to the consignee or the "Quartermaster or other officer of the regiment to which the consignee is attached." Disclaimers of liability follow. War was close to home in those days. Still-where were UPS and Federal Express when you needed them? The piece is approximately 8 and one quarter inches wide by 5 inches high. It has been framed for your enjoyment, and the overall dimensions are approximately 10 and three quarters inches by 8 and three quarters inches. Condition is excellent with no chips or tears. There are creases, as the recipient obviously folded the receipt to put it in his pocket, just as we would today. This is a fine piece of Americana, taken from the darkest hour of the country's history.

Antique Paper Items
Ephemera