1843 (Mar. 21) Boston, Mass. to Mazatlan, Mexico via Panama and Monterey, datelined folded letter addressed to "Mazatlan, Coast of California" in care of the U.S. Consul John Parrott, sent to Panama where "Forwarded by Ernest Zachrisson, Panama" framed handstamp struck, then carried by the Monitor to Monterey where endorsed on flap "Rec'd from passenger of the Juanita the day after you sailed T.O.L.", reverse with "Forwarded by Thomas O. Larkin, Monterey, California" double-line oval forwarding handstamp with fleuron, bold "Puerto de Mazatlan" boxed handstamp with "1" reale due handstamp for single letter rate of 1 to 15 leagues (tariff of November 3rd 1842); some light toning, vertical file fold, Very Fine and rare, ex-Allan Goldberg. Estimate  $3,000 - 4,000. AN EXCEPTIONAL EARLY LETTER FROM BOSTON TO MAZATLAN WITH THE RARE THOMAS O. LARKIN OF MONTEREY, ALTA CALIFORNIA FORWARDING HANDSTAMP. Letters to the West Coast of North America prior to January 1849 were carried privately and forwarded by a network of agents and U.S. consuls making use of whatever vessels were available.Thomas O. Larkin arrived in California in 1832 and was appointed the first and only U.S. Consul to Alta California (then part of Mexico) at Monterey on May 1, 1843 by President James K. Polk. This was to become a turbulent time leading up to Mexican War and Larkin played an important part in diplomatic relations. He also served as a mail forwarder in addition to other diplomatic duties until 1846, when war broke out with Mexico and he was captured by the Mexican Army. $0 (Image)