Xmas Gift To Myself. 1851 Folded Letter.

A fairly clean cover. Nice strikes. A nicely written letter dealing with Church business.
I wish it wasn't SON. But a really nice cover overall.

Nice cover! If I came across it and the price was right it would definitely make it into my collection. Nice strikes and from Pennsylvania.
Why do you wish it was not SON?
Vince

Yes, why not SON? We want to know. I think it's lovely.

Oops, sorry. I should have elaborated.
I'm always a bit skeptical when a stamp is not tied to a cover.

I am sure he will tell you it is because the stamp is not tied, and therefore is not as strong an illustration of usage.

It is ironic that for the cancel specialist, the most desirable cancel is Sock-on-the-nose, but for a postal historian or a student of stamp usage, the most authentic usage of a stamp is when the cancellation is partially on the stamp and partially on the cover so that it "ties" the stamp to the cover in the correct period of use. That necessarily means that part of the cancellation is not on the stamp.

Edit: ah, we were writing at the same time.

That makes a great deal of sense, though in this case, thankfully, I can't see there being any doubt.

Hi Everyone.

Forgive the ignorance, but I'm just getting started.

What does SON mean?

Thanks for the help and Happy Holidays.

wp62

Socked (Stamped) On the Nose: A well-centered cancel on a stamp.

very nice indeed!

You probably already found this as it comes up easily when searching online, but I'll put this here just in case you haven't seen it:

http://famousamericans.net/alexandertaggartmcgill/

jb1, I did not see that. Thank you very much. I will take time later to read that.

Edit: I was able, just now, to read the article. Very interesting.

Quote:
Alleghany, Pennsylvania In 1848 he was moderator of the general assembly, which met in Baltimore.

It was during this period that the letter was written. The writer of the letter is making a recommendation for a pastor to be hired. Rev. McGill being moderator of the General Assembly certainly would have some say in the matter.

Very interesting.

And how about his son?! Medical director of the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac.

Love postal history with content!