Lot
1234 
1840 (Jul. 28) Glasgow, Scotland to Salem N.Y., datelined folded letter with red "Glasgow, Paid, Jy 28, 1840" boxed datestamp and red manuscript "8d" prepaid ship rating, reverse choice red strike of crowned "Ship Letter / 30 JY 1840 /Liverpool" handstamp, carried as endorsed by the British and American Steam Company's President departing Liverpool Aug. 1st to New York arriving Aug. 17th, red "New-York, Ship, Aug 13" cds and manuscript. "20½" cents due rating for 18½¢ inland plus 2¢ ship fee, Very Fine. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
A SCARCE USE CARRIED ON THE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE PIONEER STEAMSHIP "PRESIDENT".
The "President" of 2,366 tons was built at Carling & Young's London yard in 1840 for The British and American Steam Navigation Company. Left from London on her maiden voyage to New York on the 1st August 1840 arriving on the 18th. On the "President"'s fourth return voyage from New York she was lost without trace on the 11th March 1841 with the loss of 136 lives. This would bankrupt the British and American Steam Navigation Co.