Lot
991 
(Missouri Territory) St. Louis, July 16, two-line italicized postmark and manuscript "free A. T. Crane P.M." free frank endorsement on 1819 folded letter and printed "St. Louis Land Agency & Commission Office" circular to Westerly R.I.; small tone spot, Very Fine. Estimate $300 - 400.
This cover is franked by Capt. A.T. Crane, the third postmaster of St. Louis. While serving as Postmaster, he was also engaged in business under the name of Crane & Beck Western Land Agency. The enclosure is a printed circular of the Agency, franked by Crane as Postmaster. Crane became Postmaster in October 1818, following the death of Dr. Robert Simpson on September 11th of that year. At this time the post office was located in the old mansion of Mrs. Auguste Chouteau, at the southwest comer of Main and Chestnut Streets. Crane died in November 1819 and was succeeded in office on the first of December by Elias Rector.
Realized: $325