Louisiana – Sparks Auctions

Lot 367 1844 (April 23), Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, pre-Mexican War military letter, folded letter showing a clear blue circular Jefferson Barracks Mo. (23 Apr) datestamp with matching straight-line Paid and manuscript “25” denoting the prepaid rate for a single letter over 400 miles, the contents datelined Jefferson Barracks, Missouri (22 Apr) in a four-page letter from Lt. I. P. Richardson to his father in Vermont reporting imminent movement of his regiment by water to Natchitoches, Louisiana and onward to Fort Jesup near the Texas frontier only months before annexation, expressing regret at leaving friends in Missouri, commenting on the possibility of U.S. troops entering Texas, and reflecting on the uncertainty of military life together with his personal wish eventually to resign and settle on a farm in Michigan, a fine and complete pre-Mexican War military letter from one of the most important western army posts, very fine.
**Sold for C$700.00 plus 18% buyer’s premium.**

Thank you to all bidders and buyers who participated in Sparks Auctions’ Autumn Postal History of the World sale, held December 16, 2025. The sale saw strong competition, as we welcomed many new bidders to the auction.

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