Palmyra, Mo. Blue green cds on 1851 buff cover to San Francisco with straight line "Paid" handstamp and manuscript "40" rate, included is the original enclosure which states, Have you any knowledge of your cousin, Ben Ezra whatever, and are you able to inform me whether there is any truth in the rumor now in circulation, that he is dead. If, as I hope, this report be false, can you tell me the state of his health, his present occupation, his reputation as a man of business, his success, future prospects, character, and in short, everything concerning him which can in anyway interest or relieve a distracted wife, tortured almost beyond endurance by the most horrible suspense for he having for some unknown reason ceased to write me, leaving this expedient my only hope of relief., the lengthy heart-wrenching letter continues from the distraught wife, cover with minor edge wear, F.-V.F., a rare 40¢ rate from a Mid-West State. Estimate  $150 - 200. $0 (Image)