With red “40” cents rate marking for transcontinental carriage in effect from July 1, 1847 through June 30, 1851. The Reynold's company handstamp indicating express company carriage to Stockton. The cover with age discoloration.

An early California usage connecting to Hodgkins’ formative years as a Gold Rush expressman, when he began working for Reynolds’ Express in 1851, delivering mail and gold dust throughout the Southern Mines.