Lot
3237 
Forwarded by Browns Express, blue double oval and matching "$1." express rating handstamp on buff cover with "Boston '10cts' 10 Sep" integral due cds to Stockton Cal., Very Fine. Thomas No. BRW-101 Estimate $750 - 1,000.
William A. Brown became one of the early expresses to the Southern Mines with a base office at Stockton. One route ran from Stockton to Angels Camp, Murphy's and the Carson's Diggings. From this route he also ran to Sonora. The other route ran from Stockton to the mines along the Mokelumne River. He connected at first and later competed with Todd & Co. By October 1851, Brown's had established a connecting service with Newell and Adams. In April 1853, Brown was shot and killed. Adams & Co. continued the express under the Brown name until Adams failed in February 1855.