Auction # 56 - THE WESTPEX SALE

"Forwarded by U.S. Consul, Sandwich Islands". Magenta manuscript endorsement at top of lengthy 3½-page folded letter datelined "Mowee B. A. (Bark America) April 24th, 1846" to Edgarstown, Mass., entered the U.S. mails with red "New - York, Ship 7cts, Feb 1" cds, faint pencil "Recd Feb 3d, 1847" on face; some light soiling and splitting along folds, otherwise Very Fine, a very rare U.S. Consul forwarding usage, only two other examples are recorded by Fred Gregory.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

The United States Consul at Lahaina acted as a forwarding agent for United States Citizens aboard ships. Giles Waldo, the Vice Consul at Lahaina in 1846, used this manuscript mark to indicate he forwarded the letter in his official capacity.

Sent aboard the American ship Niantic, departing for New York on August 17th, 1846 and arriving on February 1st of 1847.