Lot
4082 
(Route 6003) Steamer Glendy Burke, red oval handstamp on blue folded letter datelined "Rodney Nov 25th 1851" to New Orleans La., entered mails with red "New Orleans La. Nov 28" cds and bearing 1¢ blue (9), pos. 35R1E, and 3¢ orange brown (10) pair, all tied by matching circular grids, endorsed "S. Burke" at lower left; minor edgewear, Very Fine, ex-S.W. Richey, Cipolla; signed genuine by Ashbrook on reverse. Milgram No. 516 Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
EXCEPTIONALLY RARE PREPAID DOUBLE-WEIGHT STEAMBOAT LETTER PLUS 1¢ WAY FEE, ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED, BOTH FROM THE SAME CORRESPONDENCE.
Letters put onto or taken by a carrier on its course were treated as Way letters at an additional charge of 1¢. Prior to 1853, most letters were sent unpaid and the Way fee added to the postage due from addressee.
This was carried by the "Glendy Burke" running on Route 6003 from Vicksburg with Rodney as one of the contract offices on the route. It is unusual to be able to identify a single trip contract vessel as can be done with this cover.
Realized: $2,300