Lot 008 – UNITED STATES: Stampless; 1853 Ohio to Macao China, folded letter sheet

Description

UNITED STATES: Stampless; 1853 Ohio to Macao China, folded letter sheet ,datelined and Dayton, Ohio 13 November 1853 and postmarked on the 14th, with black DAYTON O. NOV 14, bearing red NEW YORK (Nov 22) and Liverpool (DE5) red transits with manuscript “45” and “40”, on reverse black HONG KONG 13 FE 1854 transit and red BESIVER & CO HONG KONG 13 LATE A.H. FRYER & CO. forwarder. Ship and documentation accompanies. Great destination .
…Est. Cash Val. $300 – 400

Written to Mid shipmen Edwin Osgood Carnes, by his parents whilst serving on the USS Porpoise for its 1853 surveying and exploring expedition. He died at age 28, leaving a wife and two children. The letter refers to Commadore Perry’s then current negotiations with the Japanese and the possibility of the use of force, “if he don’t succeed by peaceable means will he, or will our government resort to force! I incline to think, that Young America may insert upon it . Well, if force is resorted to, all our men in those parts would be wanted, and your squadron may have a finger in the pee.”