Lot
665 
1847 (Jul. 2) Bremen to Cambridge, Mass., folded letter endorsed "U.S. Consulate, Leipsig" at top right and "pr. Steamship Washington via Bremen", sent by diplomatic courier to Bremen, flap with manuscript "Received & forwarded, U.S. Consulate at Bremen" and "from Southampton" endorsement added, entered mails with Bremen (7.2) origin cds and dark magenta framed "Paid." handstamp with magenta "3" schilling credit to G.B. rating for double the 1s6d rate, red London "Paid 5 JY 1847" transit cds, carried by Ocean Line Washington from Southampton Jul. 15th to New York arriving Jul. 30th, New York blue ms. "34" due rating for 24¢ American packet fee plus 10¢ inland postage; some edge wear, Very Fine, ex-Friedrich Meyer. Estimate $4,000 - 6,000.
ONE OF ONLY FOUR RECORDED LETTERS CARRIED ON THE MAIDEN RETURN VOYAGE OF OCEAN LINE'S "WASHINGTON", THE ONLY INVOLVING FORWARDING VIA THE U.S. CONSULATE AT BREMEN.
While letters on the eastbound route during the Discriminatory Rate period are relatively rare, those on westbound voyages are exceptional. On arrival at New York, they were charged the full US sea postage rate of 24 cents plus the appropriate inland rate for delivery. The "Washington" was delayed 2½ days due to repairs.
References: Friedrich A. Meyer, "An Early Westbound Bremen-Mail Letter and the First Three Round Trips of the Pioneer Steamer Washington", Chronicle 255, Aug. 2017, pp. 295-307.