Charles Morgan (New Orleans - Vera Cruz Steamship Line)

E.H. Carmick initially held the contract for the New Orleans to Vera Cruz steamship route, with service beginning in April, 1853.  Carmick abandoned the route in 1856, and was replaced as contractor by C. K. Garrison until the expiration of the initial contract on July 1, 1858.  Charles Morgan, owner of the Tennessee was awarded a new contract beginning in November of that year, continuing until service was disrupted by the Civil War.

Vera Cruz, Mexico, 12 July 1859, circular date stamp, “per vapor Tennessee” on the Vera Cruz to New Orleans steamship route, New Orleans July 17, 1859 transit marking, rated 10¢ due for distance less than 2,500 miles.

Vera Cruz, Mexico, November 7, 1859, circular date stamp, per Vera Cruz to New Orleans steamship route, New Orleans November 11, 1859 transit marking, rated 10¢ due for distance less than 2,500 miles.

Jalapa, Mexico, May 3, 1861 dateline, enters mails at Vera Cruz 4 May 1861, “via del Tennessee” Vera Cruz to New Orleans steamship route, probably marked as individual letter in Vera Cruz then bundled as a drop rate packet to M.A. de Lizardi & Co. forwarder in New Orleans, franked with 3¢ 1857 and re-enters the mails in New Orleans, Confederate States of America, May 20, 1861 (approximately 2 weeks before mails from the Confederacy via Tennessee were suspended). Cover probably should have been rated 10 cents.