Lot 71
William H. Russell, Co-founder of the Pony Express. Manuscript "Free, Wm. H. Russell P.M." free frank signature on light blue folded cover to Washington D.C., light "Lexington Mo. Apr 2" cds, 1844 docketing on reverse, Very Fine.Estimate $750 - 1,000.
A RARE WILLIAM H. RUSSELL FREE FRANK OF PONY EXPRESS FAME AS POSTMASTER OF LEXINGTON MO.
Russell was a successful merchant and banker before forming several freight partnerships, and during this earlier time period he was the Postmaster of Lexington Mo. Russell, along with Alexander Majors and William B. Waddell took over overland freight express firm and would launch The Pony Express in 1860. The three principals in Russell, Majors and Waddell, played different roles in managing the company. Russell was the lobbyist and promoter, Majors was the teamster, and Waddell was the back-room manager. The Pony Express was absorbed by Wells, Fargo & Co. in April 1861 after failing to secure a government contract at the beginning of the Civil War due to a variety of circumstances, including Russell's often reckless behavior.