1859 (Jul. 22) London, England to Mexico City, Mexico via New York, folded letter with "Viâ United States" routing h.s., Lombard Street (7.22) cds with manuscript "1/5" 1s5d prepaid rating, carried by Cunard Line Persia from Liverpool July 23rd to New York arriving Aug. 3rd, Mexican "2" reales due h.s., Very Fine. Estimate  $200 - 300. In August 1854 the British public was notified that letters could be sent to Mexico by U.S. mail packet from New Orleans at a combined rate of 1s5d (24¢ transatlantic plus 10¢ U.S. packet rate to Mexico). Mails by this route had to be specifically marked "Via the United States." Covers showing this routing and rate are quite scarce. The "VIÂ UNITED STATES" marking was private marking of C. de Murrieta & Co. of London. $0 (Image)