Washburn's Express & News Agency, Camptonville. Bold strike of large blue double-line oval handstamp with "News Agency" in ribbon, 3c Brownish Carmine, Ty. I (11) tied by clear strike of "Petaluma Cal. 25 Mar." (1857) circular datestamp on small glazed cover with embossed flaps to Camptonville Cal., original letter datelined "Russian River, March 22d/ -57" and directed to Young's Hill Cal., nice content related to mining incl. "It makes me a little uneasy for fear that you would get worse hurt than you already have, do be careful won't you for my sake, do not go into any of those tunnels or shafts unless it is really necessary...", minor edge toning

VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE WASHBURN'S EXPRESS COVER FRANKED WITH THE 3-CENT 1851 ISSUE.

Washburn's Express operated briefly from 1856 to 1857, between Camptonville, Marysville and the mining camps along the forks of the Yuba River. The enclosed letter is datelined "Russian River", which became known as Healdsburg in 1857 and is located approximately 30 miles from Petaluma, where this cover entered the mails.

Ex Dale-Lichtenstein. With 2004 P.F. certificate

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