1850 (Oct. 17) "Ship Cincinnati, Lahaina Maui, Sandwich Islands" to Mansfield Center, Conn. Datelined blue folded letter addressed to Orwell S. Chuffee, Mansfield Center Conn., in care of the Ship Betsey Williams, Stonington, carried as endorsed by the American Whale Ship Betsy Williams from Lahaina Oct. 28th to Stonington arriving Apr. 6th, entered mails with "Stonington Con., Apr 7" cds and matching "Ship" straightline and manuscript "7" rating for 5¢ inland plus 2¢ ship fee, letter started earlier datelined "At Sea Oct the 9 1850" with some interesting whaling content "…we have been to the Arctic Ocean to get whales and got 17…" and "…They are called Bowheads or Polar Whales…As quick as they are struck they will go down and run about a mile and then come up and lay still, but when thou do run you have to ty your heads on. I have struck 8 and saved 7. The first one I struck run under the ice and then we had to cut the line…", left flap with drawing of whale spraying water captioned "Polar Whale"; some wear and stains, Fine.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000.

Before there was an official American Route, all mail, and then certain mail, between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans was given to the Captain of a ship which was bound around Cape Horn for one coast or the other. Est. $750-1,000 (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

1851 (Apr. 19) Honolulu, Hawaii to New York N.Y. Blue folded letter datelined "Sandwich Islands, Honolulu Apl 19th/51" to G.W. Pomeroy with clear strike of "Honolulu, Hawaiian Is. / April 19, 1851." two-line postmark and magenta "Paid 40" prepaid rating, carried by American Schooner General Fanning from Honolulu Apr. 19th to San Francisco arriving May 22nd, red "San Francisco, Cal. May 31" cds and matching "Paid" and "40" rating handstamps, then by PMSS Tennessee from San Francisco May 31st to Panama arriving Jun. 19th, overland to Chagres and then by US Mail S.S. Empire City Jun. 26th to New York arriving Jul. 6th; some edge wear, Very Fine, Gregory Census No. 24.
Estimate; $7,500 - 10,000.

A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE BLACK HONOLULU STRAIGHTLINE ON A PREPAID LETTER.

San Francisco put "40" or "80" rate markings on letters where United States postage was prepaid in Hawaii, omitting the ship fee. San Francisco continued this practice until May 1st 1852. Est. $7,500-10,000 (Image)

Est. $7,500-10,000

1851 (May 8) Honolulu, Hawaii to Portsmouth N.H. Gray folded letter datelined "Oahu - May 1st 1851" addressed to Mrs. Harriet Pierrepont, bold strike of "Honolulu, Hawaiian Is. / May 8, 1851." two-line postmark, carried by American Schooner Velasco from Honolulu May 8th to San Francisco arriving Jun. 3rd, "San Francisco, Cal. 14 Jun" cds and red crayon "42" rating for 40¢ west coast rate plus 2¢ ship fee, then by PMSS California from San Francisco Jun. 14th to Panama arriving Jul. 1st, overland to Chagres and then by US Mail S.S. Crescent City Jul. 10th to New York arriving Jul. 20th, Very Fine, Gregory Census No. 28, ex-Rust.
Estimate; $10,000 - 15,000.

Illustrated and Described in Gregory's Hawaii Foreign Mail to 1870, p. 227, fig. 14-6. Est. $10,000-15,000 (Image)

Est. $10,000-15,000

1856 (Mar. 7) Honolulu, Hawaii to San Francisco, Cal. Vivid red "Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, Mar 7" cds (HON HI28 II) and bearing uncancelled Hawaii 1851, 5¢ blue (2), Type I, large to huge margins on three sides, a bit irregular at upper left and frameline just touched at right, short separation tear at upper left corner, free of any repair and very slightly creased by a vertical fold on California Penny Post Company, 5¢ black on buff entire (34LUI3A) with printed address "To Agent of the Penny-Post Co., San Francisco, Cal., Box 5150., Please Deliver To, Messrs. Noble & Haskel, Davis St., near California.", additionally franked with United States 1851 3¢ dull red (11), bright early 1856 shade, mostly large margins, tied by "San Francisco Cal. 21 Mar." cds, matching "Ship 6" clamshell-style circular due handstamp, Very Fine, ex-Richard Saffin, Advertiser, with 1995 P.F. certificate.
Estimate; $200,000 - 300,000.

AN EXTRAORDINARY TRIPLE MIXED-FRANKING COVER SHOWING THREE DIFFERENT FORMS OF POSTAGE COMPRISING THE 5¢ HAWAIIAN MISSIONARY, UNITED STATES 3¢ 1851 ISSUE, AND PREPAID CALIFORNIA PENNY POST COMPANY ENTIRE.

Reference: Illustrated in Letters of Gold, Jesse L. Coburn, pg. 63
Illustrated and described in Hawaii Foreign Mail to 1870, pg. II 99-101, fig. 16-84.

This cover was carried by American Bark "Yankee" from Honolulu Mar. 5th 1856 to San Francisco arriving Mar. 20th. The 5¢ Missionary stamp correctly prepays the 5¢ Hawaiian postage for a single rate letter. The U.S. 3¢ stamp short paid the 6¢ ship letter rate delivered within port of entry, and no credit was given as the 6¢ due rating handstamp was struck. The California Penny Post Company 5¢ entire represents the correct fee for delivery from the post office to the addressees, Noble & Haskel. The Honolulu post office considered the U.S. portion of postage unpaid, as it was marked with the "Hawaiian-Islands" datestamp, not "U.S. Postage Paid."

The California Penny Post Company was started by J. B. Goodwin as a city delivery post in June 1855 and, by the beginning of 1856, faced increasing pressure from a hostile San Francisco postmaster. Service ceased after approximately one year in business. This envelope was a return envelope purchased from the Penny Post by the San Francisco firm of Noble & Haskel. They would have enclosed this in a business mailing, along with their letter, and sent it to a correspondent. Instead of mailing the reply from somewhere in the West where the pre-affixed 3¢ postage would have been sufficient, the sender mailed it from Hawaii. The box number facilitated the holding of mail at the post office until the Penny Post Co. picked up letters for delivery to the addressees. There is a pencil note on back, "Found in California Penny Post files", indicating that this may have been retained by Goodwin as evidence in his fight against the post office.

The use of a Hawaiian Missionary stamp on this March 1856 cover occurs late in the Missionary issue's life, but appropriately at a time when 5¢ stamps were in great demand and short supply in the Islands. The April, 1855 rate change in the United States effectively increased the composite rate from 13¢ to 17¢ and created an increased demand for Hawaiian 5¢ stamps that could be used in combination with U. S. 12¢ stamps. By the beginning of 1857, the shortage of 5¢ stamps had reached the critical point, and supplies of 13¢ Kamehameha III stamps were provisionally surcharged "5" cents. In the context of the new demands and shortages created by the April 1855 rate change, the use of a 5¢ Missionary stamp in March 1856 is understandable.

Of the 32 Missionary covers in Gregory's census, only six are mixed frankings with United States stamps, including one defective example and another with a repaired stamp. In the context of worldwide mixed-franking covers, the coincidence of two nations' postage stamps and local-post franking is, to our knowledge, unique in this classic period. Est. $200,000-300,000 (Image)

Est. $200,000-300,000

Forwarded by Peterson's Lower California Express from "La Paz". Black on gray label with blue manuscript town designation, tied by sharp "San Francisco, Cal, Mar 9, 1862" double-circle datestamp, additional strike at bottom left and matching "SHIP.12" due rating handstamp on buff cover to Peacham Vt.; minor ton spot upper right, reduced slightly at right, Extremely Fine and choice.
Thomas No. PET-401; Estimate $20,000 - 30,000.

A STUNNING COVER. ONE OF ONLY THREE RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PETERSON'S LOWER CALIFORNIA EXPRESS LABEL USED ON COVER.

The three recorded examples are:
1. PET-401 Label with pencil "San Francisco" origin, tied by red "Espreso de la Baja Cala." oval to La Paz, Mexico, blue Wells Fargo San Francisco double-circle, ex-Knapp, Grant, Hass, Forster and "Baja".
2. PET-401 Label with blue ms. "La Paz" origin, tied by San Francisco Cal. cds to Peacham Vt., the example offered here.
3. PET-401 Label with ms. "San Lucas" origin, red "Estafeta De Baja California" oval cancel to San Francisco Cal., manuscript "Capo St Lucas Apl 11, 1863" docket at left, ex Dale-Lichtenstein, Walske.

Reference: Pictured in Nathan on p. 168.

Using coastal steamers, Charles M. Peterson ran a daily service between San Francisco and La Paz, Mexico. He established an office in Henry Payot's Book Store in San Francisco. He may have established a pony/mule service between Cape San Lucas and La Paz. Est. $20,000-30,000 (Image)

Est. $20,000-30,000

W.T. Gibbs' Express. Printed frank on buff cover with two strikes of blue "Wells Fargo Express, Sac. City, Feb 4" double-oval, one obliterating the printed frank to Middle Fork, Placer Cal., address updated in pencil "via Coloma, El Dorado", Very Fine and rare, ex-Dale-Lichtenstein, Thomas WC4231.
Thomas No. GIB-001; Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.

ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PRINTED W.T. GIBBS' EXPRESS FRANK, THE OTHER IS IN THE WILTSEE COLLECTION.

William T. Gibbs was postmaster at Georgetown from October 1851 for about two years. In 1854, Gibbs began an express between Sacramento, Coloma and Georgetown. It lasted about a year. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)

Est. $1,500-2,000

Forward by Hoffman & Co's Express. Small black oval handstamp on blue 1850 folded cover with red "Drakeville Iowa" cds with manuscript "May 29" date and matching "40" cent rating to Sacramento City; some wear and missing side flaps, Fine and rare express handstamp, ex-Pearce.
Thomas No. HOF-100; Estimate $400 - 600.

F.J. Hoffman operated an express in 1850 and 1851, running from Sacramento to Weberville and Placerville. Est. $400-600 (Image)

Est. $400-600

Hunter & Co's. Express. Clear strike of double-oval with left facing horse and rider with manuscript "M. Bar" (Murderers Bar) and "1.25" express rating on orange buff cover with blue "Fairfield Ct. Dec 25" Christmas Day cds and manuscript "10" rating to Sacramento City Cal.; no back flap, Very Fine and unusually clear strike, ex-Emerson.
Thomas No. HUN-101; Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.

AN EXCELLENT STRIKE OF THIS INTRICATE EARLY EXPRESS MARKING.

Alexander Hunter, one of the early pioneer express men, started by running as a single man pick up service. From this operation he quickly expanded into a service running between Sacramento and Placerville, and Sacramento and Mormon Island. From Mormon Island and Placerville, his operation would finger out to service most of the mining camps and river bars on the south, middle and north forks of the American River. Hunter connected at first with Gregory's Express and later Adams & Co. In 1854, facing increasing competition, he started to sell off pieces of his operation including offices to Adams & Co., and then the entire operation to Wells Fargo and became their agent at Placerville. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

Forwarded by Hunter & Co's. Express, Mud Springs, Cala. Sharp strike of shield handstamp with double-oval "Paid" handstamp on light buff cover to San Francisco Cal.; cover repaired at bottom left with small part of shield frame drawn in, left flap missing, Very Fine appearance, with 2003 P.F. certificate.
Thomas No. HUN-111; Estimate $300 - 400.

ONE OF ONLY 5 RECORDED STRIKES OF THE HUNTER & CO. EXPRESS MUD SPRINGS SHIELD HANDSTAMP. Est. $300-400 (Image)

Est. $300-400

W.H. Robinson, Express Agent, Sacramento. Double-oval handstamp on cover with manuscript "Jonesville N.Y., Sep 10" postmark at left and bearing pen cancelled 3¢ dull red (11A), horizontal pair, rich color, to Sacramento Cal., docketing below postmark at left, cover wear and restoration, Fine and scarce.
Estimate; $200 - 300.

This one man operation ran 1852-1853 between Sacramento and Murphy's. This cover would indicate a local delivery. Est. $200-300 (Image)

Est. $200-300

Stanton & Co, Sacramento & Folsom Express. Illustrated printed paid frank showing steam locomotive and cars, at left on 3¢ red (U10) buff Nesbitt entire bearing 3¢ dull red (11), tied along with indicia by partial "Fall River, Mass, Nov 4" cds, addressed to Fond du Lac County, Wisc.; soiled with some repaired faults, Fine, WC8108.
Thomas No. SAF-700; Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.

ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THIS STANTON FRANK.

According to Thomas, this express never operated. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)

Est. $1,500-2,000

(Tracy & Spear's Express) "Tracy & Spear". Manuscript endorsement with boxed "Paid" handstamp overstruck used as frank on 3¢ red (U10) Nesbitt entire used as a paste-up, carried from the Placerville area to San Francisco Cal., operating north of Placerville T&S turned this letter over to the Wells Fargo at Spanish Flat with dateless "Spanish Flat" circular handstamp struck, from Spanish Flat the letter was carried north by Wells Fargo to its center at Georgetown where it received "Wells, Fargo & Co., Express, Georgetown" oval handstamp canceling indicia and strike on the paste-up, Wells Fargo then carried it to San Francisco, Very Fine.
Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000.

A GREAT EXPRESS RARITY WITH ONLY THREE EXAMPLES KNOWN. THIS BEING ONE OF ONLY TWO IN COLLECTOR'S HANDS AS THE THIRD IS IN THE WILTSEE COLLECTION.

Tracy & Spear's Express is very rare as it operated but a few months in 1858 around the city of Placerville. By 1859 Spear had departed and Theodore Tracy was working as Wells Fargo's agent in Placerville. In 1864 he became the mayor of Placerville. His brother, Edward was his agent at some earlier point and in 1859 moved to Portland to start his own express operation in conjunction with Wells Fargo. We know from other letters that the agent at Spanish Flat was using the same canceling device for both the U.S. Mail and WF material. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)

Est. $1,500-2,000

Alta Express Co. Printed illustrated river scene frank showing steamboat, on 3¢ red (U10) buff Nesbitt entire cancelled by red "Alta Express Company, Sacramento" oval handstamp to Auburn Cal.; small part of flap missing, Very Fine, ex-Knapp, Barkhausen.
Thomas No. ALT-001; Estimate $300 - 400.

After the failure of the Pacific Express in April 1857, Belam, Farrington and Frost formed Alta Express. They operated throughout the northern and central part of California. They connected at Marysville with Everts, Wilson & Co., Langton Pioneer Express, Whitney & Co. Feather River Express and Yuba Express. From their main office in San Francisco they connected with Freeman Express for British Columbia and the Atlantic States, and Nichols Express for Oregon and Washington. After about a year they sold out to Wells Fargo. Est. $300-400 (Image)

Est. $300-400

American Express. Printed illustrated frank showing train and steamboat, on 3¢ red (U10) buff Nesbitt entire cancelled by manuscript "Watsonville" to San Francisco Cal., F.-V.F.
Thomas No. AME-004; Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.

ONE OF ONLY FOUR RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THIS AMERICAN EXPRESS PRINTED FRANK.

The routes for this express as reported on a company card, were along the coast of California and Oregon, Interior, Sacramento, San Jose, Monterey and San Quentin. This express was consolidated with Nichols & Co.'s in late 1858 and Nichols starting using the same pictorial frank. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

Angiers North San Juan and Humbug Express. Printed frank with fancy frame on 3¢ pink (U58) entire to Oakland Cal.; repaired tear at right, Very Fine appearance.
Thomas No. ANG-001; Estimate $500 - 750.

ONE OF ONLY SIX RECORDED ANGIERS NORTH SAN JUAN AND HUMBUG EXPRESS FRANKS.

It is believed that this was a stage service owned by P.J. Angier that provided an express mail service. This operation ran from North San Juan into the surrounding Humbug Mining District, connecting to Cherokee to Columbia Hill/North Columbia to Lake City to Humbug/North Bloomfield and back to North San Juan. It connected with Wells Fargo at North San Juan. Est. $500-750 (Image)

Est. $500-750

Becker & Co's Express, Roses Bar. Two strikes of black oval on folded cover to French Corral, endorsed "Forwarded by Beckers Post" at bottom; no side flaps, F.-V.F., ex-Pearce.
Thomas No. BEK-100; Estimate $300 - 400.

ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE BECKER & CO'S EXPRESS ROSES BAR OVAL.

Becker & Co. was a one-man tri-weekly express that operated from his base of French Corral Cal. along various bars of the Yuba River to Marysville. At points he connected with Gregory's Express and Wells Fargo. Est. $300-400 (Image)

Est. $300-400

"Per Berches Stage". Manuscript endorsement misspelled for Birch's, on blue folded letter datelines "Mormon Island, June 24, 1850" to Sacramento City in care of the Bull Head Hotel, letter written by the Secretary of the Natoma Mining Co. discussing company business, "…We have made the race about 10 feet wide and have come to larger rocks and have prospects and have found gold.", Very Fine and rare, ex-"Tahoe".
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

James E. Birch, a stage driver from Rhode Island, formed a stage line bearing his name on September 1, 1849, serving the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Foothills. The fare was set at $32.00 or 2 ounces of gold dust, which made it possible to travel between Mormon Island and Sacramento, spend and hour and return the same day. Birch's business thrived and by 1851 he was running daily service between Sacramento, Mormon Island and onto Coloma. When the railroad arrived in Folsom, twenty-one separate stage lines moved to Folsom. With over 50 stages a day arriving and leaving, Folsom soon became one of the busiest towns in the state and the largest staging center in California. In December 1853, these stages were consolidated in a joint stock company, the California Stage Company, with Birch as President. It was incorporated for $1,000,000. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

Forwarded by Bowers Express. Full clear strike of oval handstamp on buff cover with red "San Francisco, 40, 15 Nov" integral rate cds to Windsor Vt.; some edge wear, Very Fine and choice strike, ex-Parker, Haas.
Thomas No. BOW-100; Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.

Reference: Illustrated in Wiltsee

John Taylor Bowers, with help of brothers, began by transporting small packages, letters and gold dust between Caldwell's Upper Crossing and Sacramento, and from there extending to San Francisco. The location at Caldwell's Upper Crossing would soon be known as Nevada City and this was the first express operating out of the area. Very quickly they were servicing new locations of Nevada City, Grass Valley, Rough & Ready, Washington and the Placer locations along Poor Man Creek and the Yuba River. They advertised connecting with Freeman in Sacramento and Adams in San Francisco. Freeman purchased this express in October 1851. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

Cherokee Express Paid. Printed frank with fancy frame on 3¢ pink (U34) buff entire cancelled by "Cherokee Cal" dateless circular handstamp (CHE-101) to Oroville Cal.; pencil 1862 notation, Very Fine, WC3882, ex Dale-Lichtenstein.
Thomas No. CHE-002; Estimate $750 - 1,000.

ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THIS CHEROKEE EXPRESS FRANK.

This small express operated between Oroville and the diggings across the mountain range that has been referred to as the Cherokee Diggings. They connected with Wells Fargo at Oroville, California. Est. $750-1,000 (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

Cherokee Express Paid. Bold strike of blue oval handstamp on 3¢ pink (U58) entire cancelled by "Oroville Cal., Apr" cds duplexed with cork cancel to Oroville Cal., pencil "Gen. Runyon" docketing at left; reduced at left with small mend, Very Fine appearance.
Thomas No. CHE-100; Estimate $400 - 600. Est. $400-600 (Image)

Est. $400-600

Copley & Co's Miners' Express. Choice strike of blue double-oval handstamp on buff cover to Marysville Cal., blue "Bennington Vt., Jul 3" origin cds and matching "Paid" and "10" rating handstamps, pencil "St. L 75" for Copley's 75¢ express fee to St. Louis, Ca; repaired at sides and across top, back flap added, Very Fine appearance, ex-Clifford, Hahn.
Thomas No. COP-100a; Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.

ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED BLUE COPLEY & CO'S MINERS' EXPRESS OVALS ON COVER.

This express between Marysville running north to the Slate Creek Basin mining camps briefly operating circa 1856 by Jack Copley. This included but may not have been limited to Gibsonville, Saint Louis and Warren Hill, California connecting with the U.S. mail at Marysville for outgoing letters and with Wells Fargo for express items. The ovals struck in blue are known only on incoming mail. Est. $3,000-4,000 (Image)

Est. $3,000-4,000

Copley & Co's Miners' Express. Perfect sharp strike of red double-oval handstamp on 10¢ green (U17) Nesbitt entire to Sempronius N.Y., entered the mails with "New-York Sep 28" cds; toned spot at center, bit of flap missing, Extremely Fine, ex Dale-Lichtenstein., with 2004 P.F. certificate.
Thomas No. COP-100b; Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.

ONE OF THE CLEAREST STRIKES OF THE DESIRABLE COPLEY & CO. MINERS' EXPRESS HANDSTAMP ON COVERS. A RARE WEST TO EAST USAGE THAT WAS CARRIED OUTSIDE THE REGULAR MAILS UNTIL IT REACHED NEW YORK CITY.

This express between Marysville running north to the Slate Creek Basin mining camps briefly operating circa 1856 by Jack Copley. This included but may not have been limited to Gibsonville, Saint Louis and Warren Hill, California connecting with the U.S. mail at Marysville for outgoing letters and with Wells Fargo for express items. The ovals struck in red are known only on outgoing mail. This cover has the added element of rarity in that it was carried outside the regular mails presumably by express via Panama or Nicaragua entering the mails at New York. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)

Est. $2,000-3,000

Cramer's Express. Violet ribbon frame with blue lettering Cramer's Express on 3¢ pink (U58) entire with company "Susanville, Vioado, Feb 27, 1870" double-oval datestamp (slightly strengthened in pen) to San Francisco Cal., sender endorsed from "Susanville Idaho", Very Fine and stunning express cover, ex Dale-Lichtenstein, Tatham, Schaefer.
Thomas No. CRM-001; Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.

THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THIS CRAMER'S EXPRESS FRANK.

There are two types of franks, each unique, this is the type without the "connecting with Wells Fargo" text.

Charles Cramer stage and express route ran south out of Susanville along the western side of Honey Lake, down the eastern side of the Sierra Mountains and turned southeast into Nevada just before entering Reno Nev. During this period, Cramer formed stage and express partnerships with Fitch, Klein and McLellan, all of which were listed as operating over the same route. Est. $5,000-7,500 (Image)

Est. $5,000-7,500

Cramer's Express, Connecting with Wells, Fargo & Co. Purple scroll paid frank on 3¢ pink (U58) entire to San Francisco Cal.; reduced slightly at left, Very Fine, ex Dale-Lichtenstein, with 2009 P.F. certificate.
Thomas No. CRM-002; Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.

THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THIS CRAMER'S EXPRESS "CONNECTING WITH WELLS, FARGO & CO." FRANK.

Cramer's Express operated as such September 19 to October 6th 1868, and again September 8th 1869 to August 19th 1870. He connected with stages for Oroville, Surprise Valley and Camp (Fort) Bidwell, and connected with Wells Fargo & Co. at Reno. Est. $3,000-4,000 (Image)

Est. $3,000-4,000

Crawford's Middle Fork Express. Red double-oval handstamp on cover bearing 3¢ dull red (26) tied by sharp bold "Camptonville Cal., Oct 1, 1859" cds and matching split grid cancel to Greenwood, Placer County, Cal., light pencil "Galina Hill"; some edge wear, Very Fine, Illustrated in "Letter's of Gold" on page 181.
Thomas No. CRW-100; Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.

ONE OF THREE RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE CRAWFORD MIDDLE FORK EXPRESS HANDSTAMP, ONE OF WHICH IS CONTAINED IN THE WILTSEE COLLECTION.

Crawford was a small express company that had a brief period of operation around 1855-1856. It ran between Placerville and Greenwood, servicing mining camps around the Middle Fork of the American River. Crawford connected with Wells Fargo at Greenwood. Galina Hill was located about two miles north of Camptonville where this letter apparently originated. Est. $3,000-4,000 (Image)

Est. $3,000-4,000