[Desert Dispatch to Fort Yuma, 1855] cover originally addressed to Lieut. Barry at Benicia, California, prepaid 10c rate with three 3c dull red (#11) and single 1c blue (#9) tied by Philadelphia Jun 19 postmarks, sent to the care of the quartermaster in Benicia, remailed from Benicia with "Fort Yuma via San Diego, Cala" directive, as well as Lt. Hardie charge box paid note, Benicia Jul 31 postmark and "Paid 3" handstamp Early mail reached Fort Yuma, California overland from San Diego via the “Desert Dispatch,” a military courier service across the Colorado Desert. This route was a necessary precursor to portions of later southern overland contract routes.

ex Jessup, Haas, Beals, Kramer and Walske (Image)