(Early Lower Mississippi River) 1826 (Jun. 28) Bayou Sara, La. to New Orleans La., part folded letter docketed "28th June 1826" with text "I send this by a friend to B. Sara who will either mail it or have it to be sent down in the Packet", New Orleans "Steam" straightline handstamp and red manuscript "37½" rating; filing docketing and vertical fold, F.-V.F. Estimate  $500 - 750. A RARE EARLY EXAMPLE OF THE FIRST NEW ORLEANS "STEAM" RATING HANDSTAMP. In 1825, the established practice of providing a 2¢ gratuity to ship captains for handing in letters at ports on tidal waters was extended to Masters of steamboats plying all navigable waters within the United States. To enable letters to be identified as having been handed in from steamboats for the 2¢ the use of "Steam" or "Steamboat" handstamps were introduced in 1826. $0 (Image)