Collins Line First Contract Voyage, Atlantic, Maiden Westbound Voyage, Liverpool May 29th - New York June 9th 1850. Two covers; Entire dated "Manchester May 28th 1850" and endorsed "per Atlantic US Steam Ship Liverpool" bearing on reverse Liverpool transit of 29th May. Charged double rate of 2 Shillings with Liverpool ""42 / CENTS"" accountancy stamp for credit to the US (2x16c sea postage plus 2x5c U.S. inland postage). Atlantic transit of 10 daysCollins Line Steamship Atlantic, Maiden & First Contract Voyage, New York - Liverpool April 27th - May 10th 1850, Entire dated "New York April 26 1850" to London prepaid double letter rate of 48 cents with 6 cents credit to Britain. Atlantic transit of 14 days., Very Fine. Estimate  $750 - 1,000. Edward K. Collins was awarded a 10 year contract by the Secretary of the US Navy under the Foreign Mails Act of 1845. The first steamship to carry mails under the contract was the Atlantic leaving New York April 27th 1850. $0 (Image)