Lot
119 
"Fort Webster, N Mexico", military endorsement by "Assist. Surgeon, T.C. Henry U.S.A., Fort Webster, N. Mexico" on circa 1852 buff cover bearing 3¢ brownish carmine (11), margins to slightly in, tied by clear "Sante Fe, N. Mex. Jul 1" cds to Ballston Centre, N.Y., Very Fine and rare use from Fort Webster, ex-Longfellow, Shipley. Estimate $400 - 600.
Fort Webster was established in Oct. 1851, occupying a Mexican fort built in 1834 by Francisco Elguea to protect the Santa Rita copper mines. It was abandoned in 1853 and its troops transferred to Fort Thorn. This is the only known cover to or from Fort Webster. It is believed the cover was originally sent out-of-mails to Henry, and then re-used by him; by not crossing out the first address, it served as an effective return address.
Realized: $350