Lot 72471 – 1869 (Jan 27) Whaling correspondence from New Bedf

1869 (Jan 27) Whaling correspondence from New Bedford, USA, to Captain Allen of the barque “Merlin” at Mahé, SEYCHELLES, with 1867 30c Franklin F grill (trimmed perfs at left) tied by fancy cork cancel, New Bedford, New York and “ETATS-UNIS / SERV. AM. CALAIS” cds adjacent, Marseille bs, fine and very attractive destination mail plus a rare stamp on cover (Scott $2’000 on cover) Note: The Barque “Merlin” sailed from New Bedford in June 1868, returning July 1872. During those four years, she took over 1’100 whales during several circuits of the Indian Ocean. Captain David Allen commanded, with his wife Harriet and daughter Helen (called Nellie) also on board. Harriet carried on a correspondence with her cousin, who was house-sitting to the Allens at 173 Grinnel St., New Bedford.