Via Nicaragua, Ahead of the Mails, red boxed handstamp on cover to Ann Arbor, Mich., manuscript "Free A. Felch" free frank with "Free" handstamp and "Steam Ship" two-line handstamp applied upon arrival in New York, Very Fine, ex Knapp, Wiltsee, Grunin & Robertson. Estimate  $500 - 750. AN EXTREMELY RARE "VIA NICARAGUA" TRANS-CONTINENTAL COVER WITH ALPHEUS FELCH'S FREE FRANK AS PRESIDENT OF SPECIAL COMMISSION TO SETTLE LAND CLAIMS IN THE AFTERMATH OF MEXICAN WAR. Alpheus Felch was Governor of Michigan from 1846 to 1847 and U.S. Senator from March 1847 to March 1853. In 1851, he was appointed by Franklin Pierce to be part of a commission to settle Spanish and Mexican land claims in California arising from the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican War. Felch served as president of the commission until 1856. This cover was mailed during Felch's stay in California and was franked in his role as commissioner. $0 (Image)