Wells Fargo & Co., Virginia City Pony Express, 25c Red (143L9). Huge margins to touching frameline at bottom left, sheet margin at right, bright color, tied by partly clear strike of blue "Wells, Fargo & Co. Virginia City. N.T. Jan. 20" (1865) oval datestamp on 3c Pink on Buff entire (U35) with Wells Fargo & Co. printed frank, to Clara C. Crittenden in San Francisco, original letter enclosure datelined January 20, 1865

VERY FINE. A FRESH AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 25-CENT RED VIRGINIA CITY PONY EXPRESS STAMP ON COVER, FROM THE FAMOUS CRITTENDEN CORRESPONDENCE.

This cover was sent to Clara C. Crittenden by her husband, Alexander Parker Crittenden, a prominent West Coast attorney, while he was residing in Virginia City. The move to Nevada became necessary after California passed a law prohibiting the practice of law by anyone who would not take the loyalty oath. "Parker" Crittenden was a pro-Southerner who chose to relocate to Virginia City, rather than swear allegiance to the federal government. His wife stayed in San Francisco for some time, and the two corresponded frequently while he was away. In 1870 he was shot dead by his mistress, Laura D. Fair, in front of his wife and son. She was convicted of murder, after a defense of temporary insanity, and sentenced to hang. However, her conviction was subsequently overturned on the grounds of prejudice. She lived for another nearly 50 years and died in 1919 in San Francisco.

Ex Gross. With 1981 P.F. certificate.

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