Lot
2737 
Worldwide, (United States) 1841 New Orleans, La. to Cadiz, Spain, folded letter datelined "27th May, 1841" regarding the shipment of tobacco bound for Gibraltar aboard the ship Hermitage (which likely transmitted this letter), with receiving docketing of August 11th on sideflap, red "Islas De Barlovento" two line handstamp and matching "9Q" rerated over with "5R" handstamp, two vertical disinfection slits, Very Fine, an early disinfection usage during the outbreak of yellow fever in New Orleans in 1841. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
Although health authorities in New Orleans required the disinfection of outgoing mail during times when yellow fever was prevalent, this letter was sent several weeks before the first official case was reported in 1841. The epidemic began on July 27th that year and Charity Hospital recorded a total of 1,113 patients as having "yellow jack" before the siege was over in the fall of that year.
Realized: $900