1850 (May 24) London, England to San Francisco, Cal., blue folded letter endorsed "p West Indies Mail Packet" with red "Paid MY 25 1850" datestamp and red manuscript "1/" shilling prepaid rating, carried by RMSP Line Tay from Southampton Jun. 2 to Chagres arriving about Jun. 27, the from Panama to San Francisco by PMSS Co. steamer Oregon, San Francisco red boxed "30" due rating struck twice, Fine, Less than a half dozen covers have been recorded by this route before the fully paid rate went into effect. Estimate  $200 - 300. In October 1850, London announced that letters to California could be sent fully paid to destination in the British mails via Chagres and Panama by West India packet. This letter, sent eight months before this announcement, could be prepaid only to Panama. $0 (Image)