Sale 266


Lot 1131



1847, 5¢ red brown (1), horizontal pair and two singles, mostly clear to large margins except left single touched or just in at bottom, bright shade and clear impression, tied together by red grids on ca. 1848 folded cover to Charles Wilkes "late commander of the Exploring Expedition" in Washington, red "New Haven Ct. Jul. 8" c.d.s. at left, Very Fine double rate usage.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500

From August 1838 to June 1842 Wilkes commanded a squadron of six ships which explored much of the Pacific and eventually reached Antarctica, an area of which is named Wilkes Land in his honor. In November 1861 he was the hero of the hour when his ship, the San Jacinto stopped the British mail steamer Trent and removed two passengers- the Confederate commissioners Mason and Slidell. At the time this cover was sent, he was nearing completion of his book, Western America, including California and Oregon (Philadelphia, 1849).


 
Realized $19,000



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