This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2020
When slaves fled from the South into Union lines, General Ben Butler proclaimed them “contrabands” and put them to work for the Union. It classified the slaves as captured Confederate property and opened the door for more slaves to seek refuge with Union armies. The phrase became a famous term and led to this scarce Civil War 2 3/4 by 4 1/2 inch cover picturing a contraband slave. Excellent condition.