Lot
1222 
(Civil War) E. H. Cushing Express, black on white newsprint label, Dietz Type II, affixed to reverse of brown homemade cover originating west of the Mississippi River to Averysboro N.C., label tied together with CSA 10¢ blue (11), large margins, by "Mobile Ala. Mar 12" cds where Cushing's eastern office was maintained; 10¢ small shallow scuff and creasing from placement over edge of cover, label with small tear at right, Very Fine, ex-Knapp, MacBride and Everett. C.S.A. Catalog Nos. B Estimate $7,500 - 10,000.
THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE RARE CUSHING TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPRESS LABEL TIED BY A POSTAL MARKING.
E. H. Cushing, editor of the Houston Daily Telegraph newspaper, commenced his express service after New Orleans fell to the Federals in April 1862 as an effort to improve communications between Texan regiments in the East and secure safe lines for news transmission. The 500-mile express ran between Houston and Mobile, or Selma, with pony riders and other means of conveyance necessary to cross Federal lines. The labels were typeset at his newspaper and several types are recorded. They were affixed by Cushing's agents on the reverse of covers carried by the express to advertise the service.
The Type B Cushing label on white paper was used on eastbound mail in 1863 and early 1864.
Realized: $8,000