Steamer Cote Joyeuse, script straightline in fancy shield handstamp with spread eagle, arrows, stars and olive branches on reverse of Mar. 20th 1845 folded cover from New Orleans addressed to James Starr at Nacogdoches, Republic of Texas, docketed "N. Orleans March 20 '45 / Recd 28th March/45", light tape stains and two file folds, F.-V.F. Milgram No. 296  Estimate $750 - 1,000. This cover traveled on the Route 5905 New Orleans-Natchitoches. It must have gone via Natchitoches and then overland 107 miles by the post roads via Fort Jessup to Nacogdoches. This would have allowed 4 days on the Red River and an ample 4 days overland.Dr. James Starr was appointed by Jefferson Davis as the "Trans-Mississippi Agent" effective March 12th 1864 with the duty to keep up the postal service west of the Mississippi. On orders of PMG Reagan, the Agency would consist of the "Territories west of the Mississippi" including the part of Louisiana west of the river. Although not specifically spelled out, the Indian Territories and any other Confederate controlled land west of the Mississippi were to be considered under Starr's jurisdiction. The agency continued functioning until the end of hostilities. $0 (Image)