Lot
1470 
(Douglas) Winchester, O.T., June 12th 1853, manuscript postmark (Whittlesey 1, R A) on stampless folded letter (outer sheet only with no contents) with "Free, Jo Lane" free frank of Joseph Lane as Oregon Territory's Delegate to Congress while he was back in Oregon campaigning for reelection, to pioneer Oregonian James W. Nesmith at Nesmiths Mills Oregon (after the short-lived Nesmiths Post Office had been discontinued so presumably sent to Dallas), original "1853" political letter evidently remains in the archives of the Oregon Historical Society but photocopy accompanies, Very Fine. Estimate $300 - 400.
The first Winchester Post Office operated for nine years only 1851-1860. Scarcity Index 9 in Helbock's books.
When Oregon Territory was created in 1848, Joseph Lane was appointed first territorial governor. He crossed the Oregon Trail and arrived in Oregon City, the first territorial capital, in 1849. He went on to serve four consecutive terms as Oregon Territory's Delegate to Congress. After statehood was achieved in 1859, Lane was elected one of Oregon's first two United States Senators.
Realized: $575