(Route 7309) U.S. Mail Packet Natchez, bold strike of blue oval handstamp cancels 3¢ red Nesbitt buff entire from the Carroll Hoy correspondence to New Orleans La., matching blue "Route 7309" oval handstamp, endorsed "Valuable"; usual filing hole, flap with taped tear causing stain on back only, Very Fine and attractive. Milgram No. 962  Estimate $200 - 300. Leathers & Holmes gained the contract for Route 7309 in February 1854 at $75,000 a year for three trips a week. This was renewed as 8165 in July 1858 at $40,000 a year. $0 (Image)

(Route 7309) U.S. Mail Packet Natchez, red oval handstamp on ladies patterned enamel envelope bearing 3¢ dull red (26) cancelled by manuscript cross-hatch, addressed to New York City, circa 1857 as no "way" handstamp was applied at New Orleans for transfer to the Great Northern Mails; some edge wear and couple small edge tears, Fine. Milgram No. 962 var.  Estimate $200 - 300. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THIS HANDSTAMP IN RED, IT IS NOT LISTED BY MILGRAM. $0 (Image)