Sam. Ricker Jr., New Orleans, Agent of the Texian Post Office Dt., bold strike of oval handstamp on 1838 folded letter datelined "Houston Texas April 5 - 1838" to Cincinnati Oh., entered mails with red "New Orleans La. Apr 13" cds and matching "Ship" handstamp with red manuscript "27" rating for 25¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee, Very Fine, a scarce use from Texas to Ohio. Estimate  $500 - 750. Great content including: "You see by the date under which I write this that I am in the metropolis of the new republick… Congress will meet here and commence its session on moday next and I am anticipating the pleasure of seeing lions of the forrest republick, all in one cage before I leave here. I have every day an opportunity of seeing beasts of forrest for that appelation is aplicable in my opinion, to many beings in this country besides the four footed animals. I presume no country is populated with a more vicous kind of people than a majority of the Texians are… I deem this country the greatest hoax I have ever met with… ". $0 (Image)