Lot
60 
[Gadsden Purchase] 1853 (Oct. 27) New York, N.Y. to Mexico City, Mexico, orange buff cover front with red "New-York 'Paid 3 cts' Oct 27" uprated with ms. "10" to James Gadsden as U.S. Minister to Mexico, manuscript "Head Quarters Pacific Division, official business" corner card; small edge tear, a Very Fine front. Estimate $150 - 200.
James Gadsden (1788-1858) was an American railroad promoter and diplomat. In 1853, when his friend Jefferson Davis was Secretary of War in Pierce's cabinet, Gadsden was appointed minister to Mexico to negotiate for territory along the border. The result was the Gadsden Purchase. He was recalled in 1856 for exceeding his instructions.
Realized: $250