1787 (Aug. 21) Philadelphia Pa. to Cork, Ireland. Datelined folded letter with partial "New-York Sep 5" straightline and manuscript "1/-" due rating for 1sh packet fee, carried by Falmouth packet Grantham from New York Sep. 8th to Falmouth arriving Oct. 2nd, London (10.3) backstamp and manuscript "1/6" due rating, Cork rerated "1/10" due for 1s packet fee plus 10d inland postage; small stain spot, F.-V.F., ex-Feldman.
Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)

Est. $200-300

1791 (Dec. 20) St. Croix, DWI to Philadelphia Pa. Granite folded letter endorsed "p Brig Hannah, Capt Thos Kenney, DDC" at bottom left and manuscript "2d." (16 grains) at top right for ship fee; accompanied by 1843 ship letter from St. Croix to Newark N.J. with red Philadelphia cds and "Ship" handstamp, Very Fine pair.
Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)

Est. $200-300

1807 (Feb. 13) Philadelphia Pa. to Leeds, England. Datelined folded letter sent unpaid by private ship, endorsed "Latona" but crossed out and sent on Ship Abigail from Philadelphia Feb. 14th to Hull, entered mails with "Ship Letter, Hull" crown oval and manuscript "1/10" 1s10d due rating for two-times 7d inland plus 4d ship fee; some edge flaws and fold splitting, F.-V.F. and rare, Illustrated in Robertson, ex-Allan Robertson.
Estimate; $750 - 1,000.

Private ships were often the wiser choice for senders in British colonies, as they could offer a more direct route - and very possibly a faster one - than sending a letter via the GPO in London. Est. $750-1,000 (Image)

Est. $750-1,000