When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
1. Postal Markings & Operational Analysis
The outer panel shown contains an elaborate array of handstamps and transit annotations that track its voyage across the Atlantic:
The Forwarder/Sender Handstamp: In the upper right sits an oval cachet reading \"CHARLES CLEGG & CO. / NEW ORLEANS.\" Clegg was a commercial factor specializing in bulk cotton acquisition and export.
The Route Directive: Inscribed in the upper left corner as \"Per Steamer\". A secondary, vertical docket records the filing data: \"New Orleans 2 March 1854 / Clegg & Co / Arrd 8 March.\"
The British Entry Marks:
A prominent, black \"24\" handstamp indicates the total amount of postage due from the recipient upon delivery in England (24 pence, equivalent to 2 shillings, which was the standard transatlantic letter rate under the treaty for a letter weighing over 1/2 ounce but under 1 ounce).
A circular transit stamp dated 21 MR 1854 marks its processing through the British postal system (likely via Liverpool).
The Address: Elegantly written to \"Peter Whitehead Esq. / Rawtenstall\" (an industrial textile town near Manchester).
2. Letter Transcription & Historical Context
The interior text panels capture the exact dynamics of mid-19th-century commodity trading, tracking market shifts, export metrics, and shipping freight logistics.
Page 1 Transcription:
New Orleans 2d March 1854
Peter Whitehead Esq, Rawtenstall
Dear Sir,Our last respects were dated the 11th of last month by which, we hope, you will have since learned from Mess. Charles Clegg & Co Liverpool that a momentary decline in our market enabled us to make a purchase for you of 100 Bales of Cotton at 9 1/8¢ which we confirm, and have shipped the same on board the British ship \"Crown\" Capt. Campbell at the comparatively low rate of freight of 11/16 d.
This is a very cheap purchase, passing fully middling and would bring today readily 9 1/4 @ 9 3/8¢, while freights have advanced 1/8 d in British bottoms and American ship masters are demanding 1 d for Liverpool.
Herewith we beg to hand you the Invoice for the same of which we debit you in account Current with $4047.54.
To balance this transaction we have valued upon you this day at 105 1/4 % exchange for:£853.2.2 60 days sight of Alex Dennistoun & Co.which we recommend to your protection...
As Mess. Charles Clegg & Co. Liverpool, these gentlemen will be happy to take charge of the Cottons on arrival there.The advice lately received from England have produced here a better feeling in the Cotton market and prices are gaining...
Page 2 Transcription:
...gross Bales receipts to Great Britain still show decrease of 41,710 Bales, at the same time the receipts at all ports do not increase as had been generally anticipated and the deficit which had been reduced a few weeks since to 691,971 Bales has accumulated today again to 723,193 Bales. It is found the probable extent of the Crop has been overestimated and will not exceed 2,800,000 Bales.
We remain, Dear Sir,Yours very respectfully,Charles Clegg & Co.
Invoice: The above purchase is fully within your limit of 5 7/8 d. for middling, being fully worth the difference in proportion.
Key Historical Metrics:
The Supply Chain: Clegg bought 100 bales of cotton in New Orleans for $4,047.54 USD, paid for via a bill of exchange valued at £853, 2s, 2d.
The \"Crown\": The cargo was physically loaded onto the British merchant vessel Crown, captained by a Captain Campbell, navigating the dangerous Gulf shipping lanes out to the Atlantic.
The Transatlantic Shortage: The text explicitly details a macro-economic shortage in the American cotton crop, noting that total global receipts were down by over 700,000 bales against original estimates, directly causing shipping freight rates to spike in New York and New Orleans.
A very beautiful scripted historic letter.
ABOUT ELECTRO ANTIQUES
At Electro Antiques, we are dedicated to rescuing, rediscovering, and restoring this history of electronics and computing, reviving and preserving it for future generations.
We also specialize in signs, advertising, and some ephemera.
All of our items are genuine, vintage or antique items, unless they are otherwise noted as a reproduction.
We want you to be absolutely happy with your purchase.
PAYMENT
Payment must be made within three (3) calendar days of sale close.Non-paying buyer Cases are automatically opened after 7 days of non-payment.SHIPPING
We ship via USPS on most items.We only ship to confirmed U.S. addresses, or international through \'s international shipment program.Please message us through the platform if any of your purchases arrive damaged, or you have any questions about our items we have listed.CUSTOMER SERVICE
Please message us through \'s message system.
