Worldwide Stamps and Postal History

S.S "Atlas". 1888 (Oct 23) Cover to New York "pr Atlas" franked Haiti 5c pair with a central numeral cancel (New York Foreign Mail?), the reverse with the explanatory label "P.O, NEW YORK, October 26, 1888. / This letter is part of the mail recovered / from the S.S Atlas, from Port Limon, / sunk in New York harbor by collision on / the afternoon of the 23d instant. / HENRY G. PEARSON. / Postmaster / N.Y.P.O PRINT" tied by a 27th October New York c.d.s. Lower left corner trimmed diagonally, otherwise fine and very scarce. The "Atlas" was en route from the West Indies to New York with a cargo of coffee and bananas when it collided with the New York & Jersey City ferryboat "Plainfield" and sank within minutes. All crew were saved and 300 letters from Port Limon were salvaged. Just three covers recorded from this wreck, one originating in Costa Rica, the other two from Haiti. Photo on Page 44.
Suggested price: £ 400-500