Lot
4049 
Australian States: New South Wales, 1850 (Dec. 16) Newcastle, New South Wales to San Francisco Cal., gray folded letter datelined "Newcastle Decbr 16 - 1850" and endorsed "Per Albatross, Capt Knowles", carried as endorsed directly to San Francisco, entered mails with red "San Francisco Cal., 17 Mar" cds and matching "2" handstamp for 2¢ drop rate; some light age spots and small edge tear, F.-V.F. Estimate $500 - 750.
Ship captains were required to turn over ship letters to the United States post office officials, but in this case Captain Knowles mailed the letter, saving the addressee 4¢.