Page 9 - Standing Display

EARLYYEARS 1818 -1822 The Nestor
Black Ball Line

During early development of American packet service, New York, Philadelphia
and Boston vied to become the major east coast port. Geographically all
three ports were at a disadvantage, since neither possessed a true east to
west route for commerce.
July 1 817 construction began on the Erie Canal running from the Hudson
River to Buffalo, New York. The canal provided New York connection to the
Great Lakes and the West. Although not completed until October 26, 1825,
portions of the canal were opened for use on May 17, 1821.

The Erie Canal provided the Port of New York the east - west passage
necessary to receive commerce and to send goods between Europe and
settlers in the West. This became one of the major reasons for the dominance
of New York and her role as the major port on the American east coast.

BELIN, N. Y. To LIVERPOOL
(VIANEwYoRK)

Ship Information

Black Ball Line
agent dispatched
letter on the Nestor.
The Nestor departed
on her second
voyage l)eceniber
10, 1820, arrived in
Liverpool January
16, 1821.

Postal Rates
U.S. Inland 0
Great Britain 8d

Business letters were often carried by a courier diredly to
a ship's agent to save postage and expedite delivery. This
was a frequent occurrence both in America and Europe.