1836 (Dec. 20) Matanzas, Cuba to New York via Lewes Del. Datelined folded letter from Drake & Coit sugar and molasses merchants endorsed "via Philadelphia", carried by private ship to Lewes, entered mails with manuscript "Lewes Del, Jany 23" postmark with matching "Ship" and "39½" rating for 37½¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee; horizontal file fold, Very Fine and scarce use redirected due to Delaware Estuary Blocked by Ice during Winter of 1834-35.
Estimate; $200 - 300.

Although this letter was directed "Via Philadelphia", but ice on the Delaware River prevented navigation above Lewes, Delaware. Est. $200-300 (Image)

Est. $200-300