1859 (May 6) Charleston S.C. to Balearic Islands, folded letter with "Charleston S.C. May 6 1859" cds and matching "Paid" handstamp with manuscript "73" cent rating, endorsed "Pr. Via England", red "New-York Br. Pkt. May 11" exchange backstamp and magenta "68" cent credit rating to G.B., carried as endorsed by Cunard Line Africa from New York May 11th to Liverpool arriving May 23rd, red London Paid (5.24) cds and matching circled "PD" handstamp, La Junquera (5.27) and Palma Mallorca (5.29) backstamps, manuscript "4" rating, F.-V.F. Estimate  $750 - 1,000. ONE OF ONLY THREE RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THIS 73¢ RATE BY BRITISH MAILS. Beginning 1 July 1849, it became possible to prepay letters to destinations beyond Great Britain under the new U.S.-British Convention. With regard to the Spanish mails, a 73 cent per ½ ounce "via Southampton" rate was established for prepaid letters sent first to England, then forwarded directly to the Peninsula by British packet service. At the same time, a "via France" rate to Spain was established at 41 cents per ¼ ounce, or 51 cents per ½ ounce. In all cases, the postage collected paid all fees to the Spanish border only, and an additional amount was charged on delivery. $0 (Image)