Lot
643 
(Jackass Mail) "Office of the San Antonio and San Diego Mail Line, San Diego, Mar 23rd 1858", datelined folded letter settling of moneys due as the result of the death of James E. Birch and the closing down of his stage line between San Diego and Tucson on the "Jackass Mail" route; some light staining at top, otherwise Very Fine and excellent collateral item. Estimate $400 - 600.
James E. Birch Stage Line (1849-51) was the earliest stage line from Coloma Ca. to Sacramento Cal. In 1853, Birch established the California Stage Line, and later, the California-Arizona Stage Line. In 1857, Birch founded the San Antonio-San Diego Mail Line, also known as the Jackass Mail. It was the earliest overland stage coach and mail operation from the Eastern United States to California.
On July 9, 1857, just 17 days after Birch concluded his contract, the first mail left San Diego. Birch died at sea while the first mail was still en-route. His mail contract was transferred to Giddings and Doyle. The service to Fort Yuma was taken over by the Butterfield Overland Mail Co. on September 20, 1858.
Realized: $500