Columbus Ga. 1838 (Jan. 19) To Independence, Texas, red "Columbus Ga Jan 19" cds with matching "Paid" straightline handstamp and manuscript "75" cent express mail rating on folded letter, manuscript "Express Mail" at top and "Care of Nathl C. Livermore Esqr., New Orleans" at bottom endorsement, bold "Sam Ricker Jr., Agent of the Texian Post Office, New Orleans, La." oval handstamp, partial indistinct "Steam Packet Columbia" two-line handstamp in red, flap with Galveston Tex. provisional postmaster Gail Borden Jr. manuscript "Galveston, Feb 5, 38" postmark and "56¼ Ship" due rating for the 50¢ inland postage plus 6¼¢ ship fee; fold separations taped, Fine. Estimate  $1,000 - 1,500. The Eastern Express Mail was a special service of the Post Office Department, often referred to as the Eastern Pony Express running between New York and New Orleans performed by post riders on horseback. The rates were three-times the regular postage rates. $0 (Image)