Some notes that could be useful: The 80 Réis paid the British packet rate for a letter up to 2/8oz for the leg between United Kingdom to Portugal (including Madeira and Azores) according to the Portuguese-British Postal Convention of 1859.
This letter was likely included in the mail bags that were placed onboard of the African Steam Ship Ethiope that left Liverpool towards Madeira on August 24, 1861.
Out of curiosity, the August 9, circular datestamp from New York, does it say Br. PKT or Am PKT?
Thank you for your kind words and the more detailed information regarding the 80 Reis required on delivery.
The letter was via an American Packet, but the NY exchange marking does not have either designation. However, the exchange marking dates clearly match the sailing indicated in the text, which was an American contract sailing.
Also, you will find the completion of this letter's journey in PHS #221 - the letter took the Armenian to Madeira - the letter was an 1862 letter.
Oh, you wrote a second part and found the ship and more details. Great job and my bad, didn't saw that and seems I also looked at 1861 instead of 1862.
Regarding the American contract sailing I was asking because the handwritten "2" shillings in orange-red, if accurate, would suggest a 24-cent credit to the British postal administration for the eastward leg of the journey. However, this would only be applicable if the transatlantic conveyance was under British contract ... this letter is really an interesting one.
Hello Rob, fantastic blog and amazing cover.
Some notes that could be useful: The 80 Réis paid the British packet rate for a letter up to 2/8oz for the leg between United Kingdom to Portugal (including Madeira and Azores) according to the Portuguese-British Postal Convention of 1859.
This letter was likely included in the mail bags that were placed onboard of the African Steam Ship Ethiope that left Liverpool towards Madeira on August 24, 1861.
Out of curiosity, the August 9, circular datestamp from New York, does it say Br. PKT or Am PKT?
Luis,
Thank you for your kind words and the more detailed information regarding the 80 Reis required on delivery.
The letter was via an American Packet, but the NY exchange marking does not have either designation. However, the exchange marking dates clearly match the sailing indicated in the text, which was an American contract sailing.
Also, you will find the completion of this letter's journey in PHS #221 - the letter took the Armenian to Madeira - the letter was an 1862 letter.
PHS #221 is here: https://postalhistorysunday.substack.com/p/look-what-else-i-found
Best,
Rob
Oh, you wrote a second part and found the ship and more details. Great job and my bad, didn't saw that and seems I also looked at 1861 instead of 1862.
Regarding the American contract sailing I was asking because the handwritten "2" shillings in orange-red, if accurate, would suggest a 24-cent credit to the British postal administration for the eastward leg of the journey. However, this would only be applicable if the transatlantic conveyance was under British contract ... this letter is really an interesting one.
Thank you, Rob. I am amazed that this letter ever got to Madeira. Fascinating as always.
When you think about it, it is amazing how hard humans have worked to correspond over the centuries - and how poorly we sometimes communicate!