Lot
4094 
(Route 8165) U.S. Mail Saturday Evening Packet Str. Natchez, clear strike of route agent cds on 1853-55 3¢ Nesbitt entire to Rosedale La., red "Red River Landing, La. Nov 16" cds with day in manuscript, carried by the Natchez running Route 8165 from Vicksburg to New Orleans, probably landed at Brulee Landing to be carried on the post road west to Rosedale, 1858 docketing at left, F.-V.F. Milgram No. 961 Estimate $300 - 400.
This circular marking is actually a route agent's postmark rather than a typical vessel-named advertising marking. Note the "Route 8165" below the name of the vessel. This is the sixth "Natchez", built at Cincinnati in 1854. Leathers received his first mail contract for this boat together with two other boats. This was an unusual letter to be both picked up and dropped off on the course of a contract steamboat route.
Realized: $230