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The paquebots of Mexico
Balguerie et fils
Alain Vernot of the «Académie de Philatélie»
At the beginning of the 19th century, France sailings to Veracruz by mailboats known
was Mexico’s third-largest economic as «paquebots» derived from the English
partner, behind the United States and the «packet boats».
United Kingdom. Prior to 1827, mail between After the two years, a call for tenders was
France and Mexico was exchanged via mer- issued, and won by Balguerie et Fils.
chant ships. Given the growing importance
of trade connections, the French govern- The Balguerie contract
ment resolved to set up a regular maritime A new paquebot postage rate was intro-
service between France and Mexico. A two- duced by the law of 4 July 1829 and the
year contract was signed on 17 August circular of 8 February 1830: «Letters trans-
1827 between the French state and the ported by regular paquebot at the expense
Brun et Gautier company to provide regular of the French state [...] will be subject, in
The first return trip made by the Balguerie company, with the Esteva ship of the Gautier company.
Departure from Veracruz on 31 May 1830, arrival in Bordeaux on 15 July 1830. On arrival, processed as a Compagnie
Balguerie letter: marked «BORDEAUX PAQ. REG» and tax number «15».
8 Delcampe Magazine
