1850 (Nov. 13) Sanquhar, Scotland to San Francisco, Cal., folded letter endorsed "Via Panama Mail" and with "Sanquhar NO 14" origin d.s., red London (11.15) transit cds and red manuscript "Paid 2/9" prepaid rating, carried by RMSCP Trent from Southampton Nov. 18 to Chagres arriving Dec. 18, San Francisco "Paid" straightline, Very Fine, one of only five recorded examples of the 2s9d West Indies rate to California. Estimate  $400 - 600. Commencing October 1850, letters to California could be sent fully paid to destination in the British mails via Chagres and Panama. The rate for a ½ oz. letter was 2s9d (66¢), a very high rate. Since the rate was reduced in July 1851, eight months later, very few letters were actually sent at this rate. Letter carried from Panama to San Francisco by Pacific Mail Steamship Co. steamer Oregon. Letter in closed mail bag from London to San Francisco, where red PAID struck. $0 (Image)