Sharps Rifles And Spanish Mules. The San Antonio-El Paso Mail, 1851-1881

WAYNE R. AUSTERMAN

Publication: Texas A & M University Press, 1985, College Station

First edition. 8vo. Red cloth, titles in silver gilt on the spine, x [2], 367 pp., acknowledgments, illustrated, portraits, maps, appendix, bibliography, index. A fine work on the turbulent times of the stagecoach line that stretched from San Antonio to El Paso and at times to Santa Fe and San Diego. From 1851 to 1881, before the coming of the railroad, this line was the only authorized carrier of the U. S. mail along that route as well as the sole means of regular transportation for travelers headed west from San Antonio. Former owner's small stamp at base of rear pastedown sheet (covered by the dust jacket flap), else a fine bright copy in a bright dust jacket with minor wear to the spine ends.