10c Yellow (116). Two, used with 2c Brown (113) and 6c Ultramarine (115), tied by beautiful strikes of 8-Petal Rosette fancy cancel, red "New York Br. Transit Apr. 19" (1870) circular datestamp on back of blue folded letter to Cadiz, Spain, containing invoice for items shipped and consigned to Mr. Jose Esteban Gomez, red crayon "4" credit, red "London Paid 30 AP 70" transit datestamp, red "PD" in circle handstamp, receiving datestamp, sender's directive "pr Holsatia" and carried on that HAPAG Line's steamer which departed New York Apr. 19 and arrived at Plymouth Apr. 29, a few faintly gum toned or nibbed perfs

VERY FINE. A COLORFUL AND RARE 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE FRANKING WITH THREE DENOMINATIONS CANCELLED BY PERFECT STRIKES OF THE NEW YORK CITY 8-PETAL ROSETTE FANCY CANCEL ON A COVER TO SPAIN FROM THE GOMEZ CORRESPONDENCE.

According to Hubbard, in 1869 the HAPAG line did not reapply for the British mail contract, but continued to carry U.S. mails. On January 1, 1870, HAPAG declined to renew the contract for U.S. mail due to inadequate compensation, but continued to carry mail under temporary arrangements. In the middle of April 1870, when this was sent, a new two-year contract was negotiated to carry U.S. mail. However, by July HAPAG withdrew their service because the Franco-Prussian War jeopardized their ships.

Other 1869 Pictorial combination covers are known addressed to Spain, but this is the first we have encountered with a distinctive fancy cancellation.

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