Wells, Fargo & Co., $1.00 Red (143L3). Position R2, large margins to clear at upper left, rich color, tied by mostly clear blue "Pony Express San Francisco Aug. 31" (1861) Running Pony oval datestamp on 10c Green, Star Die Entire (U32) with red Wells, Fargo & Co. printed frank, original address scratched out and readdressed to a congressman in Washington D.C., "St. Joseph Mo. Sep. 14" circular datestamp cancels entire, sender's endorsement along top edge also scratched out

AN ATTRACTIVE PONY EXPRESS COVER BEARING THE $1.00 RED STAMP ISSUED BY WELLS, FARGO & COMPANY FOR THE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACT PERIOD BEGINNING IN JULY 1861.

Commencing July 1, 1861, the Pony Express was authorized by Congress to carry mail at the rate of $1.00 per half ounce. An additional fee was charged by Wells, Fargo & Co. to carry mail from San Francisco to the western terminus at Placerville, which is represented by the printed frank on this entire. The contract also stipulated the mandatory U.S. postage charge of 10c per half ounce. This cover beautifully combines all three postage elements. Although the Scott Catalogue lists the July 1861 issue Pony Express stamps (143L3-143L6) with other private post issues, we wish to emphasize that these stamps were issued under the terms of a government mail contract; therefore, they have semi-official status.

Pony Express Census No. E151. Ex Meroni. With 1966 P.F. certificate

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