Page 6 - 148 Years of the Royal Philatelic Society London

In 1872: Confederate States return to the Union, Lewis Carroll publishes 'Through the

Looking Glass', Yellowstone established as first U.S. National Park.

At the PSL: The Society is in early crisis with declining membership and no meetings for a

year. Future of the Society discussed at five meetings between May and July 1872.

PSL President was Sir Daniel Cooper, Bart., F.R.G.S. Membership declining.

BORDEAUX TO VALPARAISO

IN A RECORD 33 DAYS

From the collection of Everaldo Santos FRPSL.

Member since 1999. Lives in Brazil.

J

Built for the White Star Company to be the finest ship ever, as a challenge to the Pacific

Steam Navigation Co, the steamer REPUBLIC was launched on 4th July 1871, hence her name.

Starting her voyage from Liverpool, the Republic left Bordeaux on 7 October carrying the

above cover. She docked at the port of Valparaiso on 9 November 1872, 33 days later,

against the 38 to 40 day performance of P.S.N.C. ships. Knowing the challenge P.S.N.C. had

dispatched the brand new steamer Tacora the previous day. On 28 October she was

wrecked near Montevideo so could not beat the White Star Line record. This is the only

recorded postal document from that voyage of t he Republic.