Lot 173
1776 (Dec. 20) St. Eustatia, West Indies to Philadelphia Pa. via Baltimore, folded letter with date heading, St. Eustatia forwarder endorsement "St Eustatia 22 Dec 1776 Recd & Forwarded by Wms Patterson", blockade run to Baltimore, entered the post with "BALTIMORE / JANUARY 25." two-line postmark on flap and manuscript "Sh 3-8" rating, Philadelphia manuscript "1/7"; folds reinforced, Fine; the 2 dwt 16 grain rate for 100-200 miles plus 16 grain ship fee, rated 1 shilling 7 pence in local currency (17d postage plus 2d carrier fee).
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE BLOCKADE USAGE.
Provenance: Haas
The letter is reporting the "Condemnation" of the Brig George as "totally unfit to risque not only the lives of the People but your Interest" after a committee of three captains and two carpenters examined her.
St. Eustatia was a major source of gunpowder and supplies for the Continental Army. The British maintained a blockade of the island from 1776 until 1781.
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| Realized $7,000 |
