Lot
947 
1849 (Feb. 20) New York, N.Y. To London, England, datelined folded letter with New York red "24" prepaid rating handstamp for 24¢ packet rating, carried as endorsed by Cunard Line Niagara from Boston Feb. 21st to Liverpool Mar. 6th, London Paid (3.7) tombstone arrival and red manuscript "1/-" shilling packet rating; light horizontal fold, fresh and Extremely Fine. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
A CHOICE USE CARRIED ON THE FIRST EASTBOUND SAILING ON A BRITISH PACKET UNDER THE 1848 CONVENTION.
In December 1848 a treaty was negotiated restoring the conditions prior the the Retaliatory Rate period. The treaty was not ratified by Congress until February 1849 and the three eastbound sailings by Cunard before ratification are known as the Restored Period. The first sailing under the new treaty was from Boston by the "Niagara" on 21st February 1849.