Lot
624 
(Naval) [Paraguay Expedition] 1859 (Mar. 19) U.S.S. Memphis, Pernambuco, Brazil To Brooklyn N.Y., forwarded to Columbus Ky, yellow cover endorsed "Per Brig 'Brandywine' ", entered U.S. mails with "Philadelphia Pa. Jun 5 1863" datestamp, matching "Ship" and "5" rating handstamps, forwarded to Columbus Ky. with 1857, 3¢ dull red affixed over "5" rating handstamp and tied by "Brooklyn N.Y. Jun 6" cds, original datelined enclosure; reduced slightly at left, Very Fine. Scott No. 26 Estimate $200 - 300.
This cover was written aboard the U.S.S. Memphis return from the Paraguay Expedition of 1859, which was the largest U.S. fleet ever assembled at that time. The fleet ascended the La Plata River and obtained redress for the firing upon a U.S. Survey steamer by the Paraguayan Government. The Memphis was a small charted screw steamer that was purchased by the Navy upon her return from the expedition and renamed Mystic.
Realized: $325