(Route 9501) "Louisville & Cairo M. Bt. Route, August 3.", manuscript route agent's postmark with matching cross-hatch 3¢ dull red (26), bright color, on cover to Towanda Penn., endorsed "Via Erie Pa." at bottom left; barely reduced at right, Very Fine and rare use, Simpson-Alexander Rarity 10, ex-John A. Eggen, Barry K. Schwartz. Towle No. O-22-q  Estimate $3,000 - 4,000. THIS IS THE LISTING ILLUSTRATION EXAMPLE AND BASIS FOR THIS MANUSCRIPT MARKING IN TOWLE. IT IS THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE. In July 1858, the U.S. Mail Line was contracted for the Louisville to Cairo Route 9501 at $24,700 a year for three trips a week. It appears that initially no route agent markings were available and the agent manuscript marking was utilized. $0 (Image)