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DECLINE OF PACKETS The Britannia - First Voyage
BRITISH AND NORTH AMERICAN
ROYAL MAIL STEAM PACKET COMPANY
July 4, 1840, the Britannia, first of four steam ships designed especially for North
Atlantic service, departed Liverpool. This sailing initiated a contract between the British
Government and Samuel Cunard. These ships proved steamers could provide more
reliable service than sailing packets, especially on westerly crossings. As this line
carried more fine freight and specie, sailing packets carried less and less valuable and
profitable cargo. The British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company
became the Cunard Line.
PHILADELPHIA TOY ORKSHIRE, ENGLAND
(VIA BOSTON 1L'-q) LIVERPOOL)
Ship Information
Britannia departed
Boston on return leg
of maiden voyage
August 1, 1840,
arrived Liverpool
August 14, 1840.
Postal Rates
United States 18*¢
Great Britain 1/-
0ne shilling, ship letter
fee for anywhere in Great
Britain.
Paid letter carried on easterly leg of maiden voyage.
Sender directed routing on top ofletter.
