(Mail Routes) Forwarded by Thomas O. Larkin, Monterey/California. Wonderfully struck oval handstamp on 1844 folded cover datelined "San Diego, December 16" & addressed to Boston, sent via New Orleans with blue cds & matching straight line "Ship" handstamp with manuscript "27" rate, letter with second portion written later and datelined "Monterey, Jany 20th, 1845", interesting contents regarding early California commerce, Extremely Fine and choice, one of the finest example of this classic, early California markings. Estimate  $1,500 - 2,000. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE HANDSTAMPED MARKING APPLIED BY THOMAS O. LARKIN, THE FIRST AND ONLY UNITED STATES CONSUL TO ALTA CALIFORNIA.Thomas O. Larkin arrived in California in 1832 and became the U.S. Consul to Alta California (then part of Mexico) at Monterey in 1843. He served as a mail forwarder, and his scarce oval marking is found on covers sent via Monterey and carried across Mexico and deposited in the United States mails at New Orleans. $0 (Image)