Details For Cover ID# 29769

[Samuel Cunard, April 3, 1839 ALS, 1p] One page autograph letter of Samuel Cunard, signed "S. Cunard"  addressed to the Israel Whitney, Treasurer of the Cocheco Manufacturing Company, Boston, letter regards a testimoniall on the qualities of coal from the Sydney mine owned by Cunard at the time, carried via the "South America" of the Black Ball Line, "G.P. Paid" handstamp, circular "New York Ship" (Cunard signed a seven year mail contract with the Admiralty on May 4, 1839), very fine, ex Booth

Samuel Cunard was the founder of the Royal Mail Steam Packet company and subsequently the Cunard Line.

Letter reads in full:

London 3 April 1839

Israel Whitney Esq.

Sir, as there will be a very large quantity of Sydney coal raised this year and in future years, the directors are very desirous of introducing it into steam boats for which purpose it is admirably calculated as you will perceive by a reference to the annex letter from Captain Nott of the H.M. Steam Ship “Media” With this view the board have authorised me to allow a large discount on Sydney Coal, provided you have three thousand chaldrons or upwards during the present year- the price will remain at three dollars sixty cents per chaldron at the mines, at which rate you will have to pay for all you get, by your acceptance of my drafts as usual, you will be allowed fourty cents per chaldron discount at the end of the year, provided you have taken three thousand chaldrons from the Sydney & Bridgeport port mines - The coal from these mines is equal to the best English coal for domestic purposes, I remain sir your obdt servant,

S Cunard.