Lot
940 
(TransA - R.B. Forbes & Co.) 1845 (Dec. 18) London, England to New York N.Y., folded letter with London red "Paid, 18 DE 18, 1845" framed postmark and rimless "Paid Ship Letter, London, 18 DE 18, 1845" oval with red manuscript "8" pence prepaid rating, late fee marking on reverse, carried by R.B. Forbes & Co. Massachusetts from Liverpool Jan. 21st 1846 to New York arriving Mar. 4th, entered U.S. mails with New York manuscript "6" cents due rating for incoming ship fee to port of arrival, Very Fine use on the final return voyage of the Massachusetts. Estimate $300 - 400.
The "Massachusetts" ran only two round voyages before she was sold to the U.S. Navy in 1847. This letter was carried on the final return voyage. A mistaken London Times advertisement of 18 Dece. 1845 reported the next day sailing of Massachusetts, that prompted the posting of this letter, presumably at the last moment as there is a boxed London late fee marking on the reverse. The steamship was enroute to Liverpool at the time, a week and a half out. London held letter for the next sailing.
Realized: $325