Auction # 72 - Gems of Philately

(Wyoming) Ft. Laramie, O.R., June 15. Complete sharp strike of cds with manuscript date on folded letter to New York City, manuscript "5" rate at top, with three-page letter datelined "Encampment opposite Fort Laramie, June 9th, 1852", letter with interesting content regarding the trip out west…We helped to shoot a Buffalo and one of our young men an Antelope so they had fresh meat plenty. The Indians keep away from us for fear of the Cholera and small pox which they are told we bring with us. mentions women dying of the former…they dug the grave before she ceased to breathe!, mention of eventual arrival in Sacramento, etc., Very Fine and choice.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

BELIEVED TO BE THE FINEST STRIKE OF THE RARE FT. LARAMIE OREGON ROUTE CIRCULAR POSTMARK.

A Post Office at Fort Laramie on the Oregon Route or Oregon Trail across the plains was established in 1850. The Post Office was located in unorganized territory but attached to Oregon Territory for administrative purposes and was the last Post Office on the Oregon Trail going west.