RT30

USA #26 canceled by a full strike of the Natchez, Miss STEAM handstamp. Folded business letter complete which is datelined New Orleans, La 18 MAY 1861 USA Used in the CSA. Addressed to Col W. S. Balfour, Natchez, Miss. At lower left “Iberville.” Cover was posted in New Orleans directly with the CSA Mail Packet Boat “Iberville” with stamp affixed. On arrival in Natchez, the STEAM cancellation was applied. The “Iberville” (a 368 ton sidewheeler 180 feet long and 55 feet beam) was built in 1860 in New Albany, Ind and registered as a Confederate Mail Boat 6 MAY 1861 for the New Orleans and Bayou Sara Mail Co. The “Iberville” was captured by the Union and used as a transport. Later burned and rebuilt, the “Iberville” continued to operate until 1869. Few weak folds within the letter but otherwise Very Fine and a scarce Packet Boat usage.

$SOLD