$1,875
Partially printed document, telegram, one page, Charleston, April 12, 1861, from W. B. Dinsmore, President of the Adams Express Company, to J.C. Babcock, New York, Treasurer of said company. The telegram states: "Adams Ex. Bombardment of Sumter commenced this morning at day light and continued with activity on both sides through the day. Plant & I are looking on out of Harms reach." Creased in fourths; some minor soiling; otherwise fine. At the beginning of the Civil War, The Adams Express Company was the foremost express delivery service in Washington. News of the bombardment at Fort Sumter was sure to signal great changes to the US Postal service and Dinsmore. Adams Express would later play an important role in the war, delivering abolitionist newspapers, acting as paymaster for the two armies, and even, on at least one occasion, smuggling runaway slaves. Eventually, in response to complaints, they were forced to split off a separate company, The Southern Express. Size of sheet 8 1/4 x 6 inches.
Auctioneer:
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
Date:
2013-08-07
