China, 1833 (Jun. 10) London, England to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "London 10 June 1833" from J. Cryder to Messrs. N Dunn & Co. at Canton, green "Forwarded by Baring Brothers & Co., London" oval on flap with manuscript "June 15 1833" date, endorsed "P Elizabeth" at top left, duplicate of letter originally enclosing money to be used if agreement with W. Wetmore goes through; light aging, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $300 - 400. Est. $300-400 (Image)

Est. $300-400

China, 1834 (Aug. 28) Macao to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Macao, August 28. 1834" from J. Archer to William Wetmore at Canton, carried privately, content regarding Lord Napier's negotiations, "…Lord Napier seems to have a good deal of finesse, it is what the Chinese have not been accustomed to in the intercourse with the company, possible some important results may grow out of the present negotiations. I am however not so sanguine that matters will be satisfactorily resolved so soon as some imagine, there is a vast deal of policy about the Chinese and the visit of the Mandarins to his Lordship may have been nothing more than a feeler to learn how far his powers extended. I sincerely hope he may succeed in establishing the trade upon a permanent and liberal footing…"; some letter bleed through, Fine and scarce.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

In 1834 England sent Lord Napier to Macao to discuss trade with government officials. He wanted to negotiate the terms of the Canton system now that the East India Company no longer had a monopoly. However, the Canton system did not allow direct contact with Chinese officials and Napier was turned away by the governor. The governor closed trade on September 2nd and the British, despite Lord Napier's desire to force open the port, agreed to continue trading under the old terms. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

China, 1834 (Sep. 2) Macao to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Macao Septemr 2nd 1834" from J. Archer to William Wetmore Esqr. at Canton sent privately, manuscript Chinese character docketing on top and bottom flaps, some interesting historical content concerning Lord Napier and Maderins, "The measure adopted by Lord Napier of issueing the Chinese Chop is generally considered here as an unadvised one, such is my own opinion. It can do no possible good, and will probable only exasperate the Madarines….Mr. Robertson tells me it is in contemplation to permit goods to be entered here in entrepot by paying a duty if re-ship'd of 1½ to 2 per ct he thinks it probable the measure will be carried into effect. It will facilitate matters much if it does…I am sorry to hear that Fatqua is likely to be declared bankrupt. It think it would be adviseable to get a receipt from Hinqua & Lin chong for the amt of the cotton yarn sold them being in payment for duties per Coliseum"; horizontal fold.
Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000.

The Thirteen Factories also known as the Canton Factories, was a neighborhood along the Pearl River in southwestern Guangzhou in the Qing Empire from circa 1684 to 1856. These warehouses and stores were the principal and sole legal site of most Western trade with China from 1757 to 1842. The factories were destroyed by fire in 1822 by accident, in 1841 amid the First Opium War, and in 1856 at the onset of the Second Opium War. The factories' importance diminished after the opening of the treaty ports and the end of the Canton System under the terms of the 1842 Anglo-Chinese Treaty of Nanking. The Hong merchants included Howqua (Wu Bingjian), Puankhequa, Mowqua, Goqua, Fatqua, Kingqua, Sunshing, Mingqua, Saoqua, and Punboqua. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)

Est. $1,500-2,000

China, 1834 (Sep. 6) Macao to Canton, China via Whampoa. Folded letter datelined "Macao September 6. 1834" from Joseph Archer to William Wetmore at Canton, endorsed "Fav'd by G.R. Sampson Esqr." at lower left, manuscript "From Whampoa with G.R. Sampson, Compts" forwarder's endorsement, interesting content concerning the Lord Napier reading in part "…that Lord Napier has come to hard knocks with the Chinese attempted to place a chop on the Factory, that his Lordship mustered all his forces, there it … and threw the board as which it was pasted at the head of the Madarins whose attendants retaliated by pelting his Lordship with brickbrats, there are however various versions to the story…", Very Fine.
Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000.

A REMARKABLE 1834 LETTER FROM MACAO DESCRIBING LORD NAPIER'S INITIAL MILITARY ACTION IN CANTON. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)

Est. $1,500-2,000

China, 1834 (Nov. 29) Macao to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Macao Nov 29 1834" from T. Bainbridge to Moses Wetmore begging for assistance as he is pennyless and has run up a debt for board, reads in part: "…I have never expressed an unwillingness to return to my native country, but as you will know and as I was told that no Capt would take me on any terms…If the amount of which you have mentioned could be appropriated to paying for my passage to Calcutta, of one hundred dollar the remainder would nearly exonerate me from debt here…", manuscript Chinese character docketing on bottom flap and "10. Cents" notation on top flap; light overall toning, Fine.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

China, 1834 (Nov. 30) Macao to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Macao Nov 30 1834" from T.V. Bainbridge to C. Bradford, Ship John Gilpin at Canton in care of Messrs. Whitmores Archers, flap notation "Should Mr. Bradford has left Canton this may be opened by Mr. Wetmore", manuscript Chinese characters on bottom flap; horizontal fold, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $600 - 800. Est. $600-800 (Image)

Est. $600-800

China, 1834 (Dec. 5) Macao to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Macao 5th December 1834" from T. Bainbridge to Moses Wetmore concerning business matters and enclosed boarding bill, manuscript Chinese character docketing on flap; horizontal file fold, Very Fine.
Estimate; $600 - 800. Est. $600-800 (Image)

Est. $600-800

China, 1835 (Feb. 22) Ship Hope, At Sea to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Ship Hope Febr. 22nd 1835" from J. Archer to William Wetmore at Canton, flap with two different Chinese character endorsements, letter asked to forward any mail to Philadelphia or handle accordingly, Very Fine.
Estimate; $400 - 600. Est. $400-600 (Image)

Est. $400-600

China, 1835 (Mar. 28) Macao to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Macau 28 de Março 1835" to William Wetmore at Canton, Chinese character docketing on flap, also includes copy of letter datelined "Philada October 24th 1834" concerning business matters including a Goodhue & Co. draft, Very Fine.
Estimate; $400 - 600. Est. $400-600 (Image)

Est. $400-600

China, 1835 (May 10) Macao to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Macao 10 May 1835" sent privately to Canton, manuscript Chinese characters on flap as possible forwarder's endorsement, some interesting content concerning cholera deaths and opium traded, reading in part: "…We have nothing new, except it is reported that Howqua died of Cholera, I hope it is not true, and also that Governor Loo has kicked the bucket - with the same complaint- I shall take another trip to Linton on Friday to see how the second sale of opium goes…", Very Fine.
Estimate; $600 - 800.

Howqua (1769-1843) was the most important of the Hong merchants in the Thirteen Factories, head of the E-wo hong and leader of the Canton Cohong. He was once one of the richest men in the world. He became rich on the trade between China and the British Empire in the middle of the 19th century during the First Opium War. He obviously did not die from cholera in 1835. Est. $600-800 (Image)

Est. $600-800

China, 1835 (Sep. 25) Macao to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Macao 25th September, 1835." from A.P. Kellog to Messrs. Wetmore & Co., Chinese characters on bottom flap, some interesting trade content "…Many persons who visit this place become disgusted in a very short time & wish to leave it, while others find good results by a longer stay, thereby fitting them for a renewed exertions in the field of their respective avocations at Canton, which is so generally acknowledged.", Very Fine.
Estimate; $500 - 750. Est. $500-750 (Image)

Est. $500-750

China, 1835 (Nov. 1) Cuyahoga Falls Oh. to Canton, China. Folded letter with "Cuyahoga Falls Ohio 'Nov 3d' " cds with manuscript date and matching manuscript "Paid 25" rating from Henry Wetmore to William S. Wetmore in Canton, China, another May 25th letter from this correspondence was endorsed "Care of Saml. Wetmore Esq. New York -- Mr. Wetmore will please forward this by first opportunity" and this cover was probably sent in similar fashion.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

The 25¢ postage paid for the domestic mail rate, and sent privately from New York City to China. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

China, 1836 (Jan. 12) Philadelphia Pa. to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Philada. Jany. 12 1836" from C. Risphan to Canton, China, sent privately, red Chinese character framed handstamp, business contents, Very Fine.
Estimate; $600 - 800. Est. $600-800 (Image)

Est. $600-800

China, 1836 (Jan. 22) London, England to Canton, China. Gray folded letter datelined "London 22 Jany. 1836" from John Cryder to W.Wetmore at Canton, endorsed "p. Exchange" at lower left, red Chinese character framed handstamp, business letter contents concern current accounts, Very Fine.
Estimate; $600 - 800. Est. $600-800 (Image)

Est. $600-800

China, 1836 "Ship Marquis Camden" (Lintin, China) to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Ship Marquis Camden, Tuesday Evening, 7 O'Clock" from J.F. Wetmore to William S. Wetmore at Canton sent privately, flap with Chinese characters, letter reading in part "I wrote to you by Mr. Framjee from Linton, we were then getting under way with a light breeze…At dusk the George the Fourth was only 5 or 6 miles ahead…we saw a good sized vessel standing in for Macao, I think likely it is the Panther…Mr MacCaughey sends his respects…", docketed March 1836 on flap, Very Fine.
Estimate; $400 - 600. Est. $400-600 (Image)

Est. $400-600

China, 1836 (May 27) Boston Mass. to Canton, China. Folded letter datelined "Boston May 27 1836" from Jos. Smith to William S. Wetmore at Canton, endorsed "Capt. W.T. Eliorden" at bottom left, manuscript Chinese characters on flap, letter is a thank you for receiving two boxes of tea and the possibility of having his son to Canton to apprentice under Wetmore, Very Fine.
Estimate; $600 - 800. Est. $600-800 (Image)

Est. $600-800

China, 1836 (Jun. 29) Philadelphia Pa. to Canton, China via England. Gray folded letter datelined "Philada. June 29th 1836" from H. Pratt McKean to Messrs. Wetmore & Co. at Canton via England, manuscript "(forwarded by Morrison Cryder & Co., London)" on back flap, endorsed per "Emma Eugenia" at top left and "H. Pratt McKean" at bottom left, carried privately to China, bold strike of red Chinese merchant framed handstamp, business letter content concerns trading and pricing matters, Very Fine.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000. Est. $750-1,000 (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

China, 1837 (Feb. 23) Canton, China to Philadelphia Pa. Gray folded letter datelined "Canton February 23. 1837" from Samuel Wetmore to William Wetmore care Messrs. Wetmore Hoppin & Co. New York, red "New-York Jun 21" cds and red manuscript "25" rating, forwarded back to New York with blue "Philadelphia Pa. Jun 22" cds, trade contents including Cargo report for Ship Eben New York - Canton, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $300 - 400. Est. $300-400 (Image)

Est. $300-400

China, 1837 (Mar. 1) Canton, China to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter datelined "Canton March 1st 1837" from Wetmore & Co. to William Wetmore at Philadelphia, endorsed "Regulus" at bottom left, bold "Forwarded by Wetmore & Co., Canton" oval handstamp on flap, manuscript "Boston 11 July Recd. & Forwarded by y. ob. sevt. F. L. Oliver" forwarder's endorsement on flap, entered mails with red "Boston Ms. Jul 12" cds and red manuscript "37½" rating; letter regards business matters and credits, Very Fine.
Estimate; $600 - 800. Est. $600-800 (Image)

Est. $600-800

China, 1837 (Mar. 17) Canton, China to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter datelined "Canton March 17th 1837" from Samuel Wetmore to William Wetmore care Alsop at Philadelphia, endorsed per "Emily Taylor" at bottom left, entered mails with red "Boston Mas aug 21" cds and matching "Ship" handstamp and red ms. "20¾" rating for 18¾¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee, important content "…Yesterday we learned that the Ship John Bannerman Capt Wilson was lost on the Prata's Shoal bound from here to Bombay seventeen lives were lost - The Cowassee Family arrived likewise yesterday from Calcutta with 200 Chests Opium…I is reported that a Chop is received by the authorities from the Emperor, granting permission to Capt Elliott to reside in Canton. It is to be regretted we shall have nothing but meetings of Anarchy & discord. There appears to be nothing from Pekin respecting the admission of Opium, but it is thought by many that the Governor will prosecute with double energy, measures to prevent smuggling, We likewise had a report that preparations were making for attacking the Linton Fleets…".
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

China, 1837 (Mar. 27) Canton, China to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter datelined "Canton March 27. 1837" from from Joseph Archer to William Wetmore at Philadelphia, endorsed "per Splendid" at lower left, red "New-York 'Ship' Aug 15" cds and red manuscript "20¾" rating for 18¾¢ inland plus 2¢ ship fee, some opium market news "…the great preparation of our own bills, either by the extension of our Opium trade with India…should the company withdraw the finance committee from here, the probability is, a greater amt of private bills will be thrown upon the market than ever…".
Estimate; $600 - 800. Est. $600-800 (Image)

Est. $600-800

China, 1837 (Apr. 3) Canton, China to Philadelphia Pa. Folded letter datelined "Canton April 3, 1837" from Samuel Wetmore to his nephew William Wetmore with some interesting trade content including the payment of Chinese debts and board of trade "and the trade brought to a dead stand", endorsed "E. Tayler" at lower left and inside "per Emily Tayler", entered mails with red "Boston Mas." cds and matching "Ship" straightline with red manuscript "20¾" rating for 18¾¢ plus 2¢ ship fee, Very Fine.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000. Est. $750-1,000 (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

China, 1837 (May 5) Macao to New York N.Y. Folded letter datelined "Macao May 5th 1837" from Samuel Wetmore to his nephew William Wetmore in care of Messrs. Wetmore Hopping & Co., endorsed per "Oneida" at bottom left, New York manuscript "6" cent due rating for ship letter to port of arrival, reverse with red "Forwarded by Wetmore, Hoppin & Co., New York" oval handstamp, extensive 7-page letter with interesting opium trade content reading in part "…foreigners property must be protected. The Opium trade still as much in the dark as when you left. About a week hence the smugglers fled, owing to some difficulties between the Vice Roy & Hoppoo. The bouts of the former it appears had encroached on those of the latter by smuggling Camblets to whom this belongs & the Vice Roy's … to opium entirely from what reports says of the agreement existing between them… Dents House will lose a deal of money on opium this year. Their partner Mt. Braine is dipping into it very heavily, not withstanding the enormous prices at Calcutta. They have a large amount uncleared at Calcutta…"; some letter bleed though, Fine.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

China, 1837 (May 11) Canton, China to London, England. Gray folded letter from Wetmore & Co. to William Wetmore care Messrs. Morrison Cryder Co. at London, endorsed per "Jno Fleming" at bottom left, entered mails with "Penzance, Ship Letter" framed handstamp on reverse and manuscript "1/8" due rating, red London (11.10) arrival backstamp, market report concerning the continuation of the opium trade suspension reading in part, "…The Opium trade is still suspended, the last Smuggling Boat has fallen into the hands of the Mandarines, as they would listen to no proposition for an arrangement untill she was given up nearly all the brokers have left Canton…", Very Fine and excellent opium trade content.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

China, 1837 (Jun. 15) Canton, China to London, England via St. Helena. Folded letter datelined "Canton June 15. 1837" from Wetmore & Co. to William Wetmore care Messrs. Morrison Cryder London, inside endorsed "Pr. Bencoolen via St. Helena", endorsed "Pr. St. Andrews" at bottom left, back flap with red "Forwarded by Joa. W.Alsop Jr." framed handstamp, black "Liverpool, Ship Letter" framed handstamp and manuscript "3/2" due rating, London (12.18) arrival backstamp, letter concerns trading matters and sailing info; horizontal fold, Very Fine.
Estimate; $300 - 400. Est. $300-400 (Image)

Est. $300-400