Auction # 58 - Winter 2014 Auction

1848 (Jun. 17) Liverpool, England To New York, N.Y. Folded letter with red "Paid at Liverpool, JU 17 1848" with red manuscript "1" shilling prepaid rating, carried by Cunard Line Cunard Line Cambria from Liverpool Jun. 17 to Boston arriving Jun. 30, "Boston Ms. 'Ship' Jun 30" exchange cds and matching "7" due h.s. for 5¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $100 - 150.

Letter carried on last Cunard mail voyage to the U.S. before retaliatory rate period. For the next six months all packet letters between the U.S. and G.B. required double sea postage as the U.S. retaliated against the British practice of charging a full packet rate even though their steamers provided no service.