Steamboat "pr. Independence", manuscript endorsement on folded letter datelined "New Orleans 5th April 1821" to Sicily Islands on Bayou Louis La. located 12 miles north east of Harrisonburg, the addressee, Zachariah Kirkland was a major land owner in Catahoula Parish; light toning and some minor edgewear, Fine. Estimate  $750 - 1,000. The "Independence" of 99 tons was built at Shippingport Ky. in 1819 was enrolled at New Orleans in 1820. The "Independence" was the first steamboat to navigate the Ouachita and Black Rivers in April 1819. Prior to the designation of navigable waters as post roads in April 1824, letters carried privately by steamboats were not subject to postal charges. $0 (Image)