RT18

Trans-Atlantic Mourning Cover England to Confederate South Carolina in MAR 1861. Cover was prepaid from England with a 1sh British stamp (GB Scott #28) which is barely tied by a provincial cancel “92” indicating the English town of origin was Bolton (northwest of Manchester). Cover was taken by the British Inland Postal Service to Liverpool with High Wycomb (25 FEB 1861) and London (26 FEB 1861) transit marks on the reverse. On arrival in Liverpool, cover was placed on the American Contract Packet “Etna” of the Inman Line which sailed from Liverpool 27 FEB 1861 arriving in New York 14 MAR 1861. On arrival in New York, the red New York Am Pkt PAID 24 mark was applied 14 MAR 1861 indicating the cover was completely prepaid. Also applied was a “21cents” red handstamp as credit due from Britain for the American Packet crossing as postage was prepaid with a British stamp. Cover delivered by the US Postal Service to Charleston arriving 19 MAR 1861. On arrival in Charleston, cover was forwarded to William C. Johnstone, Georgetown SC with “CSA” added to the address. Manuscript “Fd 3” at top right to assess the forwarding fee. Apparent period pencil notation on the back “Mrs. Beaumont died March 4, 1861.” The letter is not present. Exceedingly scarce Trans-Atlantic Mourning Cover usage prepaid with British postage to the CSA during the USA Used in the CSA period. Minor small piece missing from backflap, otherwise Very Fine.

SOLD