Lot
1223 
(Civil War) E. H. Cushing Express, black on gray newsprint label, affixed on reverse of small lady's cover originating somewhere west of the Mississippi and carried by Cushing's express, entered mails with 10¢ dark blue (11b), three large margins, touched at top, tied by "Selma Ala. Nov 5" cds to Gainesville Ala.; opened for display, small mend at lower left, Very Fine appearance, ex-Walske. C.S.A. Catalog Nos. D Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
A CHOICE CUSHING TRANS-MISSISSIPPI EXPRESS LABEL COVER BEARING THE LAST TYPE ANNOUNCING THE END OF THE SERVICE.
The Type D Cushing label on grayish paper was used on eastbound mail in September 1864. It was dated September 12, 1864 and announced the end of the Cushing private mail service reading "The P.O. Department has notified us to discontinue these private expresses, as they interfere with its revenues. We shall accordingly send no more at present". The Post Office had set up a Trans-Mississippi Express Mail that was in direct competition with the Cushing service.
References: Illustrated in Shenfield book (p. 70) and Special Routes (p. 118).
Realized: $6,500