Lot
4010 
(Hudson River Route 810) 1843 (Oct. 13) New York N.Y. to Albany N.Y., datelined folded letter with red "U.S. Express Mail N.Y. 'New York' Oct 13" cds and blue manuscript "12½" rating, addressed to Prof. James Hall who was New York State geologist 1837-1843; small stain, otherwise Very Fine. Estimate $100 - 150.
In April 1841, the New York - Troy route was awarded to the Peoples Line (Daniel Drew) at $15,000 per year. They held the contract for 12 years and operated two trips per day each way. The route agents at New York and Albany used "U.S. Express Mail" datestamps. The use of this designation was an attempt to take business away from non-contract carriers. However, the service was no faster as all the steamboats on the river at this time travelled at about 17 miles per hour.
Realized: $75