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COMPETITION 1822-1830 The Florida - First Voyage
Black Ball Line

The regular year round service provided by American packets proved
important to business development, both in America and in Europe.
In 1825 cotton speculation by American and Brazilian dealers caused
oversupply in the Liverpool market. In April 1825, the packet Florida
brought this information the United States
The Florida departed Liverpool April 17, 1825, and arrived New York
May 17, 1825. Pushed by her crew, this amazing 30 day westerly
crossing and the timely information prevented bankruptcy for many
New York speculators. A 68 day crossing a year later shows the
variable passage time on the westerly leg.

BALTIMORE TO LONDON
(VIA PHIIADELPHIA, NEW YoRK AND LIVERPOOL)

Ship Information

First voyage of the
Florida., replacing the
temporary charter
Orbit. The Florida
departed New York
November 2, 1824,
arrived Liverpool
November 24, 1824.
She served as a packet
until 1831.

Postage Rates
United States 25¢
2x121h¢ = 25¢
Great Britain 3/2
(2 X Sd) + (2 X lld) = 38d
or3/2
Double letter carried to Philadelphia from Baltimore.

Posting multiple copies of letters was a practice from the early
days of sailing ships to insure that at least one letter reached
its destination. As dependability of American packets grew
this practice gradually diminished. By the introduction of
steam the practice had vanished almost completely.