HAWAII, Honolulu, Hawaiian Is./June 4, 1851. Clear strike of two-line datestamp on cover to Miss Mary O. Ford, care of Rev. John Ford, Parsippany N.J., sender’s route directive “Via Panama” at lower left, light strike of red “San Francisco 1 Jul.” circular datestamp and matching “Paid” and “12” handstamps, with original enclosure datelined “Honolulu June 1st 1851”, from American missionary E. K. Whittlesey, excellent contents regarding missionary life, some slight toning and edgewear

VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE HONOLULU STRAIGHTLINE ON A DOUBLE-RATE COVER PREPAID FOR THE NEW 6-CENT TRANSCONTINENTAL RATE AND POSTMARKED AT SAN FRANCISCO ON JULY 1, 1851, THE FIRST DAY OF THE 1851 RATES.

The 6c transcontinental rate was effective from July 1, 1851, to April 1, 1855. This cover was carried on the American bark Joseph Butler, which departed Honolulu June 4, 1851, and arrived in San Francisco on July 1. It was then carried on the PMSC Panama, which departed on July 1 (arrival date uncertain, about July 20). After crossing the isthmus, it was carried from Chagres on the USMSC Empire City, which departed July 25 and arrived in New York on August 6 after a stop in Kingston, Jamaica.

Ex Edward S. Knapp, George J. Kramer and Steven C. Walske.

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