Worldwide Stamps and Postal History

P.S "Chicago". 1899 (Oct 31) Cover from Jersey City to New York, the stamp washed off, the reverse with the printed explanatory label "POST OFFICE, NEW YORK, N.Y. / This piece of mail was damaged / through the sinking of the Penn. R.R. / Ferryboat "Chicago", which occurred at / about 12.45am., on October 31st, 1899. / CORNELIUS VAN COTT, / Postmaster.", and an arrival c.d.s (Nov 1) and "IRR / No. 352 / N.Y" handstamp. The Jersey City to New York ferryboat "Chicago" collided with the S.S "City of Augusta" and sank within 10 minutes in the Hudson River with the loss of four lives. 34 Pouches of mail were salvaged, and the ship subsequently raised in December. A fine and scarce cover. Photo on Page 44.
Suggested price: £ 280-320