Lot
680 
Fort Craig, N.M. "23 Oct.", complete strike of crude cds with manuscript date and matching "Free" rating on 1861 blue folded letter to Brig. Gen. L. Thomas, Adjutant General, U.S. Army, Washington D.C. endorsed "Official Business" and letter from Capt. N.B. Ropell datelined "Fort Craig, N Mexico, October 22, 1861" reading "I write to inform you that I am at present encamped at this Post having arrived here from Albuquerque N.M. on the 20th"; file fold toning, an exceptional postmark from Fort Craig. Estimate $500 - 750.
Fort Craig was established in 1854. It was intended to guard the north-south routes along the Rio Grand River against roving bands of Apache Indians.
Realized: $525