Lot 548
China, 1837 (Mar. 17) Canton, China to Philadelphia Pa., folded letter datelined "Canton March 17th 1837" from Samuel Wetmore to William Wetmore care Alsop at Philadelphia, endorsed per "Emily Taylor" at bottom left, entered mails with red "Boston Mas aug 21" cds and matching "Ship" handstamp and red ms. "20¾" rating for 18¾¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee, important content "…Yesterday we learned that the Ship John Bannerman Capt Wilson was lost on the Prata's Shoal bound from here to Bombay seventeen lives were lost - The Cowassee Family arrived likewise yesterday from Calcutta with 200 Chests Opium…I is reported that a Chop is received by the authorities from the Emperor, granting permission to Capt Elliott to reside in Canton. It is to be regretted we shall have nothing but meetings of Anarchy & discord. There appears to be nothing from Pekin respecting the admission of Opium, but it is thought by many that the Governor will prosecute with double energy, measures to prevent smuggling, We likewise had a report that preparations were making for attacking the Linton Fleets…".Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
Realized: $1,700