1856 (Dec. 14) Hong Kong, China to Boston, Mass. via London, folded letter with "Hong Kong 14 DE 1856" origin backstamp, London (1.29) backstamp and manuscript "74" cents debit rating to U.S., carried by Europa from Liverpool Jan. 31 to Boston arriving Feb. 15, "Boston Br. Pkt. 16 Feb" exchange backstamp and "84" cent due rating handstamp, Very Fine. Estimate  $400 - 600. Letter carried from Hong Kong by P&O steamers "Norna" to Galle, Ceylon and "Alma" from Galle to Suez. After crossing overland to Alexandria, P&O steamer "Valetta" carried letter to Marseille. Letter weighed between ½ - ¾ ounce. New rates became effective on 1 January 1857 as a result of a new convention between G.B. and France. $0 (Image)