1865, 3c dark carmine, brownish gum, four even margins, tied to cover by black three-ring target, adjacent United States 10c green, postmarked with St. Thomas c.d.s. (20 Dec), to Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, the 10c cancelled with two-line STEAM / SHIP in black, stamps have been removed and replaced, cover has been professionally repaired at lower right and cleaned, with some staining remaining, a rare franking; with 1975 Philatelic Foundation certificate, submitted by Louis Grunin.
The United States & Brazil Mail Steamship Company began operations in 1865, with the “Havana” departing New York on its first journey on September 29. This cover was carried on the USBMSC’s second northbound journey, on the “North America”, which called at St. Thomas on December 21, and arrived in New York on the 27th. Four other covers are recorded postmarked in St. Thomas on December 20, two others bearing 10c frankings, the others being unpaid. The 3c stamp paid the D.W.I. local charge, which the 10c adhesive paid the U.S. steamship and inland postage.
