THE SCRIP OF JOHN LEONARD RIDDELL

Dr. John Leonard Riddell was a science lecturer, botanist, geologist, medical doctor, chemist, physicist, professor, microscopist (the inventor of the binocular microscope), numismatist and melter at the New Orleans Mint, an original owner of the Confederate half dollar when it was minted in 1861, Postmaster of New Orleans under Union and Confederate control, and once again, under Union control, issuer of his own post office scrip and his own postage stamps, politician, a founder of the New Orleans Academy of Sciences, and science fiction author! Above all he was involved in various intrigues before and during the Civil War.

On August 1, 1860, after numerous distinguished and yet volatile career choices, he was appointed the United States Postmaster for New Orleans by President James Buchanan. He would be postmaster during the turbulent years just before and during the Confederate period in New Orleans. He remained true to form and engaged in several controversies.

After seven Southern states seceded, including Louisiana, the Confederate government was formed in February 1861. Even though the Civil War broke out shortly afterwards, the postal relations between the two nations remained cordial, even after Fort Sumter was attacked. The two postal services agreed that United States postage could be used in the Confederate States until June 1, 1861. However, Confederate postage stamps were not ready at that time. Riddell got the bright idea to produce his own stamps! His were among the historically interesting Confederate Postmaster Provisional series. Riddell took this action on his own and with a flourish as the story is related in the local press (The Daily Picayune, June 6, 1861).

Further, Riddell produced his own postal scrip while postmaster! They are curious indeed and consist of 16 distinct denominations from ½ cent to $5 (also 500 cents). They carry the imperative "Receivable for postage and redeemable at the New Orleans Post Office."

Each of these rare notes that was issued is signed or impressed with J. L. Riddell as postmaster and cosigned by a postal clerk.

New Orleans was a key commercial center of the Confederate States and was made an early goal of the Union army and navy. On April 29, 1862, Admiral Farragut sent an expedition to take control of the Customs House in New Orleans. Lo and behold Dr. Riddell was present to greet the two officers who represented the American Navy. Dr. Riddell's comments were: "Thank god that you are here. I have been a Union Man all the time. I was appointed by Buchanan and not Jeff Davis: he only allowed me to remain."

Riddell then showed and escorted these naval officers to the roof of the building and was present when the Stars and Stripes were first flown over New Orleans under Northern re-occupation. The fact that he was born a Northerner might help explain his sentiments.

Wayne Homren, Editor

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