This is a nifty cover sent on January 5, 1865, from New York City, New York, to Colonel Sidney D. Maxwell, Executive Department, Columbus, Ohio! During the early part of the Civil War, Col. Maxwell was a reporter for the Cincinnati Commercial. In 1864, he served as an assistant clerk in the Senate of Ohio and became vitally involved in the organization of the Ohio National Guard. When the Guard was activated in May, 1864, Col. Maxwell went with it as a private. In September 1864, he was assigned as an aide de camp to Governor John Brough of Ohio. After Gov. Brough's death, Col. Maxwell was assigned as an aide de camp to Governor Charles Anderson.To continue, as for the Scott #65, it's quite the oddity! It's very much misperfed. And, it looks like a portion of the top was cut off for some reason. Beside those things, the stamp is in pretty good condition. The cancels from the New York City P.O. are decent, but somewhat light/faded in areas.
Lastly, as for the envelope, itself, it's in in pretty good shape for being over 159 years old. There are some noticeable stains on either side. Also, there are some creases and little tears here and there in the edges. The back flap of the cover sent is more than 95% intact, though. The envelope was opened at the right side, and has thus been reduced a bit. Overall, noted imperfections aside, this is still a really neat cover to a Union colonel, and aide de camp to Ohio Governor, John Brough, Sidney Denise Maxwell!