Lot
593 
(War of 1812 Related) 1812 (Oct. 20) Bordeaux, France to Providence R.I., folded letter datelined "Bordeaux, 20th Oct. 1812", carried as endorsed by the American privateer Grecian to Annapolis, entered mails with manuscript "Annapolis Md, Jan 19" postmark and "Ship" straightline handstamp with ms. "22" due rating for 300-500 miles plus 2¢ ship fee, letter relates to waiting down the river for a chance to proceed to sea concerning invoices and letters pertaining to trade, Jan. 29th receipt docketing, fresh and Very Fine. Estimate $500 - 750.
This was posted three weeks before the start of the British blockade of the Chesapeake Bay. American privateers were active throughout the War of 1812, intercepting merchant shipping and carrying mail, over 500 privateers captured 1,300 enemy ships during the war.
The "Grecian" was an American Schooner launched in 1812. During the War of 1812, she was issued a letter of Marque. She was captured by a ship of the Royal Navy on February 5, 814 and was taken into service as the HMS "Grecian". She was design by Thomas Kemp of Baltimore. She was able to carry 20 guns, but never carried that many. The letter.
Realized: $375