Sam. Ricker Jr., New Orleans Agent of the Texian Post Office, oval agent handstamp on folded cover with partial red "Steam Packet, Columbia" two-line handstamp (Milgram 266) addressed to Genl. Thomas Jefferson Green at Velasco Tex. (44 miles west of Galveston), manuscript "Ship 6¼" rating; some edgewear with bottom fold tape reinforced, F.-V.F. Estimate  $750 - 1,000. During the life of the Texan Republic (1837-1845), the Texas post office operated in New Orleans as a forwarder of the mails to Galveston and Houston. The mails were initially handled by Samuel Ricker Jr. until December 1838 and then William Bryan until statehood in December 1845. $0 (Image)