Wells, Fargo & Co Pony Express, St. Joseph, Missouri, December 6, 1860, clear strike of PONY EXPRESS / ST. JOSEPH / DEC 6 "Running Pony" oval datestamp, on back of free frank cover from Isaac I. Stevens, MC, to W.B. Gosnell, Olympia, Washington Territory, endorsed in Stevens’ hand "Pony Express" at upper left, e"$5.00" and "Paid / J.T.C." in another hand, denoting payment of the express fee, the free frank negating the need for postage to be paid, carried via the westbound Pony Express that departed St. Joseph on December 6 to California, where it was struck with crisp "San Francisco Cal. / Dec / 21 / 1860" c.d.s., partial offset Running Pony strike on front, skillful repair at top, not detracting from the tremendous appeal of this rare and historic cover, sent by a towering figure in the history of Washington Territory; with 1996 Philatelic Foundation certificate; ex Gruys, Twigg-Smith.
(FKW Census W26. Trip WT-59).
Isaac Ingalls Stevens served as the first Governor of Washington Territory from 1853-7, and later as its Delegate to the United States House of Representatives from 1857-61. Having graduated at the top of his class from West Point in 1839, he served with distinction in the Mexican-American War, though his subsequent term as Governor was controversial. Following the First Battle of Bull Run, Stevens was appointed Colonel of the 79th New York Volunteers, later being promoted to General. It was leading the 79th in pursuit retreating Confederate troops that he was killed in the Battle of Chantilly in September, 1862; contemporary newspaper reports recount that, when the General’s body was recovered, he was clenching the regimental flag, which he had recovered from a fallen color bearer earlier in the battle.
Westley B. Gosnell served as Indian Agent under Stevens, later being appointed as Special Indian Agent by President Buchanan. Moving to Olympia following his marriage, he lived on the Squaxon Indian Reservation. His career in public service was extensive and distinguished, with Gosnell having held further roles as a state legislator, Justice of the Peace, and school director. He died in 1897.
