This envelope is likely meant as a criticism of Thomas Howell's management of Georgia's finances during the American Civil War. During the war, Georgian treasury notes experienced massive inflation, making daily commercial exchanges difficult and expensive. Thomas Howell Cobb (September 7, 1815 - October 9, 1868), a Democrat, was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's At-large and 6th congressional districts. He also served as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. During the American Civil War, he was a President of the Provisional Confederate States Congress. About the Creator: Samuel Hensel Zahm (March 9, 1840 - February 5, 1893) was the main proprietor of S. H. Zahm & Co., booksellers &c., along with his business partner Samuel Auxer. The following is excerpted from The American Stationer, vol. 33: 'He was active in municipal affair, having been a member of the common council and the board of health... a charter member of the Lancaster County Historical Society and of the Pennsylvania German Society... well versed in archaeology, his collection of stone implements and relics of American aborigines being a remarkably fine one... Mr. Zahm was twice married, his first wife and their two children having died several years ago. His second wife survives him.'
