Lot
551 
China, 1837 (May 5) Macao to New York N.Y., folded letter datelined "Macao May 5th 1837" from Samuel Wetmore to his nephew William Wetmore in care of Messrs. Wetmore Hopping & Co., endorsed per "Oneida" at bottom left, New York manuscript "6" cent due rating for ship letter to port of arrival, reverse with red "Forwarded by Wetmore, Hoppin & Co., New York" oval handstamp, extensive 7-page letter with interesting opium trade content reading in part "…foreigners property must be protected. The Opium trade still as much in the dark as when you left. About a week hence the smugglers fled, owing to some difficulties between the Vice Roy & Hoppoo. The bouts of the former it appears had encroached on those of the latter by smuggling Camblets to whom this belongs & the Vice Roy's … to opium entirely from what reports says of the agreement existing between them… Dents House will lose a deal of money on opium this year. Their partner Mt. Braine is dipping into it very heavily, not withstanding the enormous prices at Calcutta. They have a large amount uncleared at Calcutta…"; some letter bleed though, Fine. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
Realized: $1,350