Auction # 58 - Winter 2014 Auction

(Naval) 1848 (Jul. 25) U.S.S. Plymouth, Straits of Sunda (Indonesia) To Bridgeton, N.J. Blue folded letter datelined "U.S.S. Plymouth, July 25th 1848, Straits of Sundra", letter from William Ruschenberger to his mother mentions "We sailed from Rio de Janeiro on the 28th of May and after 54 days at sea, anchored near the west end of the island of Java on the 21st inst. … we should be on our way to Anyer, a port about 60 miles east from here, where this will be left to take its chance for the United States.", probably carried by a whaler home, entered mails with red "New Bedford Ms Nov 25" cds with matching "Ship" and "7" cent rating handstamps for the 5¢ inland plus 2¢ ship fee, Very Fine, a scarce origin.
Estimate; $500 - 750.

The Sunda Straits is the strait between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra. It connects the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean.