Bahamas Ship Letter, two-line handstamp on cover likely sent from the Southern states via Charleston, S.C., addressed Jno. B. Nixon Esq., Royal Victoria Hotel, Nassau, New Providence, Bermuda Island, with blue crayon "4" rate and clear "Bahamas, My 12, 1862" origin CDS on verso, Very Fine and choice, ex-Dr. Urwick. THE EARLIEST USE OF THE "BAHAMAS SHIP LETTER" ON AN OUTBOUND BLOCKADE COVER TO NASSAU, BERMUDA. According to S. Walske & S. Trepel in Special Mail Routes of the American Civil War, the "Bahamas Ship Letter" two-line handstamp (type NA1) is known used from February to October of 1863 with FEWER THAN FIVE EXAMPLES KNOWN. The early February 1863 use is known to have transited Charleston, S.C., as this cover mostly likely did. This use of the Bahamas ship letter handstamp predates the February 1863 by more than 8 months. $4,750.

Royal Victoria Hotel. The stone building was four stories high, held 221 rooms, and could accommodate up to 220 guests. British Army Surgeon Major Bacot wrote often in 1869 of the health benefits of the warm climate for winter health issues. Unfortunately, the hotel was not as successful as the government hoped and it went up for auction in 1877. The American Civil War brought an unusual increase in affluent American southern tourists to the Bahamas when Nassau acted as a blockade for the exchange of American goods. The Bahama government, hoping to cash in on the industry, built the Royal Victoria as its first luxury hotel.