Civil War 1862 8th Ohio Infantry Harpers Ferry Antietam Cover #1433

Original Civil War postal cover, strongly attributable to October 15, 1862, addressed to the 8th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. The cover bears a clear WAPELLO, IOA. / OCT 15 circular postmark and is franked with a 3¢ George Washington 1861-issue stamp, most likely Scott #65, canceled by a bold black barred/grid killer. The handwritten military address reads approximately: 8th Regt Ohio Vol. Harpers Ferry Va Faint period writing above the address appears to contain the recipient’s name. Research indicates the probable recipient is Private Henry D. C. Mills of Company E, 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who was severely wounded at the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862. The 8th Ohio was stationed in the Harpers Ferry/Bolivar Heights area during October 1862, making October 15, 1862 a very strong attribution for this cover—only 28 days after Antietam. Because the recipient’s name is extremely faded, the Henry D. C. Mills identification should be considered probable rather than conclusively proven. A highly interesting piece of Civil War, Antietam, Ohio military, Harpers Ferry, Iowa postal, and 19th-century American history. Condition is as shown in the photographs, with significant age-related toning, staining, edge wear, creasing, small tears and losses along the edges. The original 3¢ Washington stamp remains attached and tied to the cover by the cancellation. Please examine all photos carefully for exact condition and markings. Sold as an original period Civil War postal cover. Exact stamp variety and recipient attribution are not guaranteed.