Lot 1402
1707 (Jul. 25) Boston Mass. to Salem Mass., datelined folded letter from Ann Dowding to Capt. William Pickering "to intreat you to send the mony whic is due to me as p your bill.", no postal markings, Very Fine and early letter.Estimate $500 - 750.
Pickering was a Salem shipmaster and merchant in the fishery and coastal trades of New England in the first quarter of the 18th century. In 1707, he commanded the Province Galley, for the protection of the fisheries against the French and Indians.
Lot 1403
1711 (Apr. 27) Joseph Dudley, Governor of Mass. to William Pickering, Commander, folded letter datelined "Roxb. 27. April 1711" to Captain William Pickering, Commander of Her Majesty's Province Galley in Boston reading "Change stores with Captain Carver give him store for a Pilot Blake…& hasten to sea, yours J. Dudley", Very Fine.Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
This letter appears to tell Pickering to change stores with Captain Carver (of the sloop Anne) and to hasten to sea. William Picketing was originally ordered to take part in the expedition for the conquest of all Canada in the summer of 1711. However, Admiral Walker sent word to Pickering to accompany British transports to New York, thus hindering him from coming back into port until after the expedition had sailed. She was to have proceeded under command of Captain Southack as pilot to the whole fleet.
Realized: $1,400
Lot 1404
1744 (Mar. 4) Boston Mass. to Newport R.I., datelined folded letter from the Vernon correspondence with manuscript "B 1/2" postmark and rating of 1 shilling 2 pence equivalent to 4d sterling (inflation factor of 3.5x) for a single letter sent under 60 miles, Very Fine and choice.Estimate $300 - 400.
Lot 1405
1746 (Mar. 4) Boston Mass. to Newport R.I., datelined folded letter from the Vernon correspondence with manuscript "Bo 1/2" postmark and rating of 1 shilling 2 pence equivalent to 4d sterling (inflation factor of 3.5x) for a single letter sent under 60 miles, Very Fine.Estimate $300 - 400.
Lot 1406
1750 (Jul. 9) Boston Mass. to Newport, R.I., datelined folded letter with neat manuscript "Bo 2/6" postmark and rating of 2 shilling 6 pence equivalent to 4d sterling (inflation factor of 7.5x) for a single letter sent under 60 miles, fresh and Very Fine.Estimate $300 - 400.
Lot 1407
1763 (Nov. 17) Boston Mass. to Philadelphia Pa., datelined folded letter with manuscript "Bo. 7 dwt" postmark and 7 pennyweight (1sh 9d) rating for single letter rate, Philadelphia manuscript "3/1" rating for 3 shilling 1 pence local Pennsylvania currency due, Fine.Estimate $300 - 400.
Lot 1408
1764 (Sep. 24) Boston Mass. to New York N.Y., datelined folded letter with manuscript "Bo. 4" postmark and rating for single 4 pennyweight (1sh) letter rate, F.-V.F.Estimate $300 - 400.
Lot 1409
1771 (Jun. 6) Boston Mass. to Philadelphia Pa., datelined folded letter from Nathaniel Coffin to John Swift, Collector of His Majesty's Customs, red "BOSTON" straightline and matching "IY/9" Franklin mark, manuscript "4 dwt" rating for single 300-400 mile letter, Philadelphia manuscript "1/10" rating for 1 shilling 10 pence local Pennsylvania currency due, clean and Very Fine.Estimate $300 - 400.
Lot 1410
1779 (Nov. 4) Boston, Mass. to Fredericksburg, Va., forwarded to Petersburg, light blue docketed folded cover with with initial rating of "Way 9" for a single letter set 600-700 miles, forwarded to Petersburg with manuscript "Alexa. Forwd." postmark and "2.16" rating totaled to "11.16"; address ink smear, otherwise Very Fine, ex-Siskin.Estimate $750 - 1,000.
This cover was rated 9 dwt to Fredericksburg and forwarded from Alexandria to Petersburg with additional 2 dwt 16 grains, totaling 11 dwt 16 grains. This letter was sent by James Swan (1754-1830) who was an early American patriot and financier.
Realized: $1,500
Lot 1411
1782 (Mar. 14) Boston Mass. to Providence R.I., letter datelined from Cambridge Mass. to Thomas Halsey, reverse with red italicized "BOSTON" straightline (BPM 83) and matching "14/MR" Franklin mark, manuscript "2.16" rating for double letter sent up to 60 miles, Very Fine, ex-Thompson.Estimate $300 - 400.
Realized: $250