The "Erivan" Collection of United and Confederate States Part V

9X1b, New York, New York, 5c Black, Signed "A.C.M.," position 23, three large margins to clear at top, cancelled by blue pen strokes, red "New-York 5 cts. 30 Aug" cds with matching "Paid" in arc on 1845 folded letter to London, endorsed "per Boston Steamer," ms. "1/-" due rating, Very Fine, a choice example of the scarce "A.C.M." signature with periods, particularly on a cover sent overseas, 1993 Philatelic Foundation certificate does not accompany (Scott $2,750)

From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, October 6, 1859:

Mr. Charles Mortimer Leupp, for many years well known as a prominent leather merchant, doing business at No. 20 Ferry street, committed suicide last evening at his residence, No. 33 Madison avenue, by shooting himself through the heart. Mr. Leupp, for six or eight years past, has been afflicted with occasional fits of depression, and for eight months past has been at times deranged. His friends were adopting measures to place him under restraint. An inquest was held this morning by Coroner Sherman, and a verdict in accordance with the facts was rendered. Deceased was 53 years of age, and there was nothing in his domestic, social, or business relations to have induced the commission of the act.

Mr. Leupp has a magnificent mansion on Madison Park—full of pictures and works of art—and was considered one of our most promising and cultivated men. His deplorable death will be deeply felt by a very wide circle of personal friends.

Mr. Leupp has been a widower for some years. He leaves an interesting family of children. His deceased wife was the daughter of the late Gideon Lee.

Provenance: Rarities of the World (R.A. Siegel Sales 800 and 837, 1998 and 2001)

United States Postmasters' Provisionals