Lot
2026 
Pony Express "Free W. H. Russell" Free Frank, manuscript endorsement at upper left on 1860, 3¢ Star Die entire (U27) addressed to "Wm. A. Carter Esq., Fort Bridger, Utah" in Russell's hand, bold oval "The Central Overland California & Pikes Peak Express Company, St. Joseph, Mo., Sep 30" origin date stamp, reverse with Carter's "Rec'd. Oct. 6th/60" docketing on reverse showing six days of travel from St. Joseph, Mo. to Fort Bridger, Utah Territory; cover opening reduction at right slightly into indicia and a few minor edge tears, F.-V.F., Frajola, Walske and Kramer census #W15A, illustrated in Coburn's Letters of Gold (page 254), ex-Haas & Kramer. Estimate $7,500 - 10,000.
ONE OF THREE WESTBOUND PONY EXPRESS COVERS RECORDED WITH THE PONY EXPRESS FOUNDER WILLIAM H. RUSSELL'S FREE FRANK SIGNATURE - ADDRESSED TO PROMINENT FORT BRIDGER BUSINESSMAN AND PONY EXPRESS STATION AGENT, WILLIAM A. CARTER.
This cover was sent to William Alexander Carter (1818-1881), who was born in Virginia and came to Fort Bridger with Johnston's army in 1857 during the so-called Utah War. Since goods and people traveling west passed through Fort Bridger, Carter was at the center of economic activities on the frontier. Making the most of his situation, Carter opened a general store. He carried on a brisk trade with soldiers, scientific expeditions, miners and mountaineers, Indians, and emigrants on the Overland Trail. He also served as postmaster, Pony Express agent, probate judge and justice of the peace until 1881. He was considered one the most important individuals at Fort Bridger at the time and was known as "Mr. Fort Bridger" and to many contemporaries Fort Bridger was "Carter's Fort".
Realized: $12,500