Lot
189 
1840 (Dec. 4) Baltimore, Md. to Rotterdam, Netherlands, folded letter showing red "Baltimore, Md. Dec 4" cds with manuscript "18¾" and "25" ratings for 18¾¢ inland postage and 25¢ steamship freight money fee, red "New York Dec 10" cds and matching "Too Late" handstamp, carried by Havre Line Formosa from New York Dec. 16 to Havre arriving Jan. 12, red Havre arrival cds, Rotterdam (1.16) arrival backstamp and manuscript "80" Dutch cents due rating, F.-V.F., A scarce freight money letter via France to Rotterdam, ex-Winter. Estimate $400 - 600.
Letter endorsed for the steamship Great Western from New York, however it arrived at New York the day after the steamship sailed. It was marked with a red handstamp "TOO LATE" and placed on the next sailing packet for France. The New York postmaster normally returned unused freight money fees to the origin post office. Letter marked for 80 Dutch Cents postage due, 50 Cents French transit and 30 Cents for Dutch transit from Bergen to Rotterdam. Letter considered a freight money cover even though it was transported across the Atlantic on a vessel that did not charge the freight money fee.