Lot
923 
1820 (Oct. 18) Charleston S.C. to New York N.Y., datelined folded letter endorsed "Steam Rob Fulton", carried as endorsed on Robert Fulton from Charleston Oct. 19th to New York arriving Oct. 28th, New York red manuscript "6" cent due for ship, Very Fine. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
THE EARLIEST OF ONLY 7 RECORDED COVERS CARRIED BY THE STEAMSHIP ROBERT FULTON.
"Fulton" carried covers which pre-date April 28, 1823 were rated as ship letters. After that date postmasters were instructed to rate them as though carried on post roads. The ship was operated without a mail contract.
Reference: Steamships on the New York and Charleston Route: the Robert Fulton James Baird, Chronicle 248, November 2015, pp. 372-379.
Realized: $1,900