Lot
1008 
(Via Panama) 1850 (Aug. 28) Sonoma Cal. to New York N.Y., datelined gray folded letter with "San Francisco '40' 31 Aug" integral-due cds, carried by the Northerner to Panama arriving Sep. 22nd, transferred at Chagres to the Empire City on Sept. 26th to New York arriving Oct. 5th, Very Fine, This is the first sailing of the Empire City Line Northerner from San Francisco to Panama., ex-Feldman. Estimate $500 - 750.
The "Northerner" served on several routes over the years. She began service on the New York to Charleston route for Spfford, Tileston before being sold to Charles Morgan who moved her to California waters where she was operated with the "Crescent City". When operating together, they came to be known as the Empire City Line. The pairing was very brief and she was purchased by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company in December 1850.