Lot
4078 
"S.B. Walk-in-the-Water", manuscript endorsement on folded letter datelined "Office Bank of United States, New Orleans 11th March 1828" addressed to Bank State of Mississippi at Natchez, Miss., further endorsed inside "St. Bt. Walk-in-the-Water Capt. S. Vail"; repaired tear and reinforced folds, Very Fine appearance. Estimate $400 - 600.
This letter accompanied $44,000 in notes entrusted to Captain Stephen Vail for transfer to Natchez and acted as a Bill of Lading. Steamboats provided a safer means of transporting notes and specie in bulk between banks compared to stage coaches. Vail purchased the "Walk-in-the-Water" to then act as Master and Owner in June 1828.