"U.S. Stmr. Resaca, Sitka, Alaska Ter'y". Manuscript return address at top left of cover to Trenton N.J., with 3c Rose (65) tied by cork, "San Francisco Cal. Nov. 23" (1867) circular datestamp, with original enclosure datelined "U.S. Stmr Resaca, Sitka, Alaska Terry., October 23rd 1867", contents mostly discusses miserable weather and ends with "Direct till further instructions to San Francisco Cal. As the mail to this place is brought up from there as chance of ?, there being no regular communication", barely reduced at right

VERY FINE. THE EARLIEST KNOWN CORRESPONDENCE FROM ALASKA AFTER ITS TRANSFER TO THE UNITED STATES ON OCTOBER 18, 1867.

The treaty purchasing Alaska for $7.2 million (equivalent to $117.8 million in today's dollars) was signed May 28 and the territory was formally transferred on October 18, 1867, less than a week before this was sent. The Resaca was commissioned by the Navy in 1866 and initially patrolled off the Mexican and Central America coasts to protect U.S. interests. After an outbreak of yellow fever affected the Jamestown and Resaca, both ships were sent to Alaska to effectively quarantine. It arrived in Alaska in August 1867 and stayed until 1869.

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables