(Restored Rate) 1849 (Jan. 31) Newport R.I. to Southampton, England. Orange buff cover with datelined letter to the surgeon aboard the U.S. Frigate St. Lawrence, care of the American Consul in Southampton, red "Newport R.I., Feb 3" cds with matching "Paid" and "24" rating handstamps, carried on Cunard Canada from New York Feb. 7th to Liverpool arriving Feb. 19th, reverse with Liverpool (2.19) cds, red London (2.20) and blue Southampton (2.21) arrival cds, manuscript "2/9" ratings crossed out and corrected with "1/-" handstamp rating, F.-V.F., Carried on the last of only three eastbound sailings in the restored rate period.
Estimate; $300 - 400.

The letter likely left Southampton on February 27 aboard the P&O steamer Jupiter, which arrived at Cadiz on March 8. Dr. Clymer's notes on the reverse indicate he received the letter on March 9 at Cadiz. Est. $300-400 (Image)

Est. $300-400

1849 (May 28) Morrisville Pa. to London, England. Orange buff cover with manuscript "Morrisville Pa., May 28" postmark and matching "Paid 24" rating, datelined letter from the sister of the surgeon on the U.S. Frigate St. Lawrence, care of Baring Brothers in London, red New York "19" cents credit to G.B., black "5" in circle debit handstamp to G.B. for the second rate, carried on Cunard Line Canada from New York May 30th to Liverpool arriving Jun. 12th, black "America, Liverpool, JU 12, 1849" backstamp, Liverpool agreed the letter was overweight so rated it both red manuscript "1/-" for prepaid first rate and black manuscript "1/-" due with "MORE to PAY" handstamp, red London (6.13) crowned circle arrival cds; small erosion spot, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $300 - 400.

A RARE EXAMPLE OF ACCEPTED UNDERPAYMENT DURING THE EARLY TREATY PERIOD.

Under the treaty, letters could be sent either fully prepaid or unpaid; partially paid letters were to be treated as unpaid. Est. $300-400 (Image)

Est. $300-400

1849 (Sep. 18) Halifax, Nova Scotia to New York N.Y. Folded letter with red "Halifax, Paid, Sep 18, 1849" postmark with red manuscript "1/-" shilling prepaid rating, carried as endorsed by Cunard Line Cambria departing Sep. 19th to New York where circled "5" due rating handstamp struck, Very Fine, ex-Winter.
Estimate; $150 - 200.

Letters from Nova Scotia by Cunard Line steamers required prepayment of 1s packet rate. Effective Sep. 20th 1849 (the day after this cover left Halifax), the Nova Scotia packet rate to the U.S. was reduced to 4 pence sterling or 4½d currency. Est. $150-200 (Image)

Est. $150-200