1848 (Apr. 6) Baltimore Md. to Liverpool, England, blue folded letter with blue "Baltimore Md Apr 6" cds and matching "Paid" handstamp with manuscript "29" cent rating, carried by Black Ball Line United States from New New York Apr. 8th to Liverpool arriving Apr. 22nd, reverse with "22AP1848, Liverpool, Ship" framed handstamp and matching "8" pence due rating handstamp, Very Fine and interesting use. Estimate  $500 - 750. CARRIED ON THE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE BLACK BALL LINE UNITED STATES FROM NEW YORK TO LIVERPOOL. Cover was prepaid 29¢ for the 24¢ contract steamship rate plus 5¢ inland postage erroneously as the "United States" was a non-contract steamship and should have been treated as a freight letter. England treated this as an unpaid ship letter with 8 pence charged. The "United States" made only four transatlantic round voyages for the Black Ball sailing ship line before being sold to the German Government as a war ship. $0 (Image)