Lot
843 
(Monterey) "Bedford & Cos. Express", manuscript endorsement on folded letter datelined "Monterey 25th Apr 1850" to Josiah Belden, Puebla de San Jose, letter concerns collecting of accounts receivables; fold toning, Fine and scarce early express use. Estimate $200 - 300.
Josiah Belden was a member of the first planned overland immigration to California in 1841. Belden became San Jose's first elected mayor in April 1850. Bedford and Co. was one of the first expresses in San Jose. Berford ran an express stage from San Francisco to San Jose while it was the Capitol of California. A listing in the S.F. Alta newspaper: "…Berford and Co's express stage came through from San Jose on Monday, in the incredible short space of five hours and forty minutes…" Jun 5, 1850. Berford sold out to Wells Fargo & Co. in 1854.
Realized: $525