Lot
145 
1871 (Sep. 21) Tocumwal, New South Wales to McMinnville, Tenn. via "California" and "England Overland" Routes, two blue covers from same correspondence, first with partial "Tocumwal, SP 21, 1871" cds and endorsed "Via California Route" bearing N.S.W. 1863, 2d blue (48) six in strip of three, pair and single, one with s.e. at left, all tied "50" (Albury) starburst cancels for two-times the 6d per ½ oz. rate, reverse with Albury (9.22), Corowa (9.22), Mulwala (9.22) and Sydney (9.25) transits, "San Francisco Cal. '10' Nov 6" integral-due cds for 10¢ steamship rate, sent via transcontinental railroad to the east coast, some edge wear; second with "Tocumwal, SP 21, 1871" cds and endorsed "Via England Overland Route" bearing N.S.W. 1863, 2d blue (48) nine in strip of six and three singles, all tied "50" (Albury) starburst cancels for two-times the 9d per ½ oz. rate, reverse with Albury (9.22), Corowa (9.22), Mulwala (9.22) and Sydney (9.25) transits, red London Paid transit cds and matching "2/Cents" credit handstamp, red crayon "2" pence colonial credit, red New York exchange cds; some stamp flaws and straight edges, Very Fine pair; second with 2007 P.F. certificate. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
This pair of letters from New South Wales to Tennessee contain virtually identical text. They show that even after the completion of the transcontinental railroad, some mail was sent by different routes to ensure delivery. The via London letter dated September 18th reads "…I wrote to you yesterday by the California Route which should come on hand some weeks before this letter as I send this by way of England but I concluded to write by both lines, so that one letter would be sure to arrive…".