[The "Jackass" Route Defined by Postmarks] cover with albino embossed seal of San Diego used to Massachusetts prepaid with 10c green (#33), San Diego, the western terminus, September 9 (1857) origin postmark, apparently the stamp was left uncanceled and was subsequently tied at eastern terminus with an Antonio, Texas October 8 postmark, the only reported cover carried over the entire route before it was deconstructed A twice-monthly contract service for Route 8076 between San Diego, California and San Antonio, Texas began on July 9, 1857. Mules were used on the San-Diego-Yuma segment, giving rise to the “Jackass” nickname. The start-up of the Butterfield route over much of the same route led to a curtailment of this route, effective April 1, 1860.

ex Milgram and Walske (Image)