Lot
1451 
(Wyoming) Ft. Laramie, O.R., crude undated cds with handstamped "June 15" month and day and handstamped "Paid" and negative "3" in circle rate marking on small 1852 stampless folded letter to Ohio, minor corner wear, accompanied by color photocopy as well as handwritten transcription of the letter, also accompanied by photocopy of a La Posta article about Fort Laramie and other research papers, F.-V.F., an excellent strike of this postmark. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
A RARE OREGON TRAIL LETTER MAILED AT FORT LARAMIE.
A Post Office at Fort Laramie on the Oregon Route or Oregon Trail across the plains was established in 1850. The Post Office was located in unorganized territory but attached to Oregon Territory for administrative purposes.
This letter was written by one John N. Hanes to his brother. The letter is datelined "Plains, June the 10 1852" and reads in part "we crossed the Missouri River May the 15…. We shall get to Fort Laramie today and then we will be 523 miles from Council Bluffs and we will have 1381 miles further to go. There is twenty men 6 wagons 18 horses in our company…. Now I must let you know about the buffalo hunt… we wounded 8 but got none…. pasture is very poor through here but our teams look well yet but if we don't find better feed they will have hard times before they get through to Salt Lake…. be sure and write to me and direct your letter to Sacramento City, Upper California.".
Realized: $7,500