Lot
1495 
(Marion) Salem, O.T., July 15th/ 50, early manuscript postmark (Whittlesey 1, R C) on stampless folded letter (outer sheet only with no contents) with manuscript "Free" to S. R. Thurston, Oregon Territory's Delegate to Congress in Washington D.C., small hole from when the seal was broken affecting the address, original 1850 political letter evidently remains in the archives of the Oregon Historical Society but photocopy accompanies, Very Fine. Estimate $300 - 400.
The Post Office at Salem was established in 1849 and so was the third Post Office in Oregon. Salem succeeded Oregon City as the capital of Oregon Territory in 1851.
Samuel R. Thurston emigrated to the Oregon Country in 1847. He settled in Hillsboro where he practiced law. Thurston served as Oregon Territory's first Delegate to Congress from 1849 until 1851 when, on his return voyage to Oregon via Panama, he died of tropical fever at the age of 35.
Realized: $525