Details For Cover ID# 30394

Panama, N.Y. Jul 21 [1850], handstamp used by U.S. Despatch Agent in Panama (New Grenada).

Black cds with black New York "Steamship 30 cts" handstamp on 1850 folded letter addressed to Philadelphia, datelined "Panama July 14th, 1850" and reads, in part:

"…In great haste I sit down to give you a few lines previous to my embarcation tomorrow for San Francisco. I have now been here nearly a month & as the place bears every appearance of a down hill progress before long, I thought I would not risk my fortunes, with those of Panama…I shall take measures to have the letters which I wrote for in my last forwarded to me from Callao & shall probably make use of them at some future time. Please write immediately on reciept of this to Sacramento City as heretofore…I have shipped on the Columbus, for San Francisco & have to go aboard tonight…tell me what are the prospects of Realejo becoming the western terminus of the Nicaragua route to California & whether that route bids fair to be the route in future between the U. States & California…Isaac Wister".

There is much speculation about this Panama NY marking. Some speculate that it was made in error, and should read: NG, for New Granada. Others stipulate that it could refer to the east coast mail route from Panama to New York.

This marking was only applied to mail that originated in Panama or was given to the Consul in Panama. About 12 examples are known.

Ex Milgram