(Retaliatory Rate) 1848 (Jun. 23) London, England To New York N.Y., datelined folded letter with red London Paid (6.23) maltese cross postmark and red "1/-" shilling prepaid transatlantic rating, endorsed "Per Steamer via Halifax", carried by Cunard Line Caledonia from Liverpool Jun. 24th to New York arriving Jul. 8th, red New York "24" due rating for 24¢ American packet rate at port of entry, Very Fine. Estimate  $400 - 600. CARRIED ON THE FIRST CUNARD MAIL VOYAGE TO THE U.S. STATES UNDER THE RETALIATORY ORDER. Letter carried on 1st of 25 Cunard mail voyages to the U.S. under the retaliatory order by which the U.S. charged the American Packet rate on letters carried to or from the U.S. by British contract mail steamers. The result was a double charge for sea postage since the British insisted on charging their own sea postage. $0 (Image)