"Massachusetts" Return Maiden Voyage, Liverpool October 22nd - Holmes Hole November 20th 1845, folded Oct. 18 bill of lading from forwarding agent Harnden & Co. of Liverpool to New York, who placed the letter directly into ship's letter bag bypassing the post office, illustrated "Forwarded by Harnden & Co., Liverpool" h.s., entered U.S. mails with red "Holmes Hole Ms. Nov 20" cds and red manuscript "Ship" and "7" due ratings for 5¢ inland postage and 2¢ ship fee, Extremely Fine, A Remarkable Usage of a Non-Contract Steamer Calling At Holmes Hole Due To Weather, One of Only Two Recorded Examples From This Voyage. Estimate  $1,000 - 1,500. The Massachusetts, an auxiliary wooden steamer with Ericsson propeller, was the first American-owned steamship to operate on the North Atlantic route. Only two round voyages were made before the steamer was sold to the U.S. Navy in 1847. This letter was carried on the maiden return voyage. Because of a rough Atlantic voyage the steamer put into Holmes Hole, Martha's Vineyard, on November 18, 1845. $0 (Image)