1843 (Oct. 11) New York, N.Y. to Lirby Lonsdale, England, folded letter with British packet agent red "Boston" straightline postmark, carried by Cunard Line Acadia from Boston Oct. 16 to Liverpool arriving Oct. 29, Liverpool "America/L" oval backstamp and black "1/-" shilling due h.s. rating, Very Fine, scarce British Post Office marking applied in U.S. Estimate  $500 - 750. When Britain introduced its West India service with a branch line to the US in 1842 it also tried to establish consular offices in Boston, Charleston, Mobile, New Orleans, and New York. The American Postmaster General became aware of the breach of Sovereignty and by early 1844 had these offices closed. The office at Boston is recorded as using a straight line "BOSTON" handstamp from 2nd December 1842. Letter originated in British consulate of New York and sent privately to British packet agent in Boston, who applied BOSTON handstamp and placed letter in steamship's letter bag avoiding the U.S. postal system. $0 (Image)