Hi Robert,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

As I've noted in your previous appraisals, the vast majority of early historical manuscript (hand-written) or printed documents have only very nominal value. What is perhaps most interesting about this manuscript is the fact that it appears to be written on paper previously used as an envelope during the Revolutionary War. Such were the privations during what was probably the Civil War that soldiers resorted to using whatever paper they could get their hands on, even if it was not theirs originally (perhaps found, or somehow otherwise acquired).

The heading "10 Miles South of Culpiper Aug 14th' likely refers to Culpeper VA, where there were four noted Civil War battles, including the Battle of Culpeper Court House on September 13, 1863. Could this letter predate that battle by a month? Did the writer survive the battle and the war?
It looks like the letter was signed David (or Samuel) F. French - a relative, perhaps? It might have some nominal interest to Civil War historians in Culpeper County; if not, and if it doesn't have interest to your family, it has a very nominal value of $5-10.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

Autograph Signed Letter on recycled paper
By David or Samuel F. French
Dated August 14, (no year), speculated to be from the Civil War
12-1/2 by 7-1/2 inches
CONDITION: This letter has creases and has been separated into 4 pieces.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 5-10*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia