Auction # 58 - Winter 2014 Auction

(Naval) 1846 (Jan. 28th) "U.S.S. Portsmouth, Mazatlan" to New York N.Y. via Vera Cruz. Part folded letter with bold "Forwarded by L.S. Hargous & Co., Vera Cruz." oval handstamp on flap, entered U.S. mails with black "New Orleans La. Mar 7" cds and "Ship" and large "12" cent due rating handstamp for 10¢ inland postage plus 2¢ ship fee, some edge wear, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $200 - 300.

The part letter has some interesting War and Political content including, "When there other those vessels getin and add themselves to the five we now have the Mexican govt will see how completely we have the whole of the coast in our power - and how quickly the Californias would fall into our hands should they declare war or do any hostile act towards the US for the President's message to see what move he will make on the Oregon question but I can never believe until I see it that our Govt are willing to go to war for Oregon or that Great Britain is either…Negotiation will settle all…It would not be a war of slain millions like Napolean's career but constant succession of hand fights in which both parties would often be annihilated. Our means of destruction are now a hundred fold above those of any previous war.".