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The first transportation routes in colonial America were waterways, making boats the most efficient means of transport. Although the earliest recorded use of steam power in a boat was just after the end of the American Revolution ( 1786 ) it was not until 1807 that Robert Fulton built his first successful paddle-wheel boat. And within a few years boats of this type traveled extensively on inland and coastal waters thru -out the country.

The steamship City of Richmond was built by Tod & McGregor in Liverpool England on behalf of the Inman line and had her maiden voyage on September 4, 1873. She had 2-cylinder compound engines, with 2 funnels, 3 ship-rigged masts, clipper stems all with a tonnage of just over 4,600. The saloon was a spacious 44 square foot affair, appropriately decked out with a lady's boudoir next to it. Each room was very luxurious and well ventilated with a private bathroom ( having both hot & cold running water ).

Ships with diesel engines replaced steamships in the early 1900's, so that these way bills of the later 1890's represent some of the last used steamers in America. These 'way bills' represent a receipt of goods sent on the City of Richmond steamer in America's most northerly region of Maine ( known as the haven for early American Pirates such as, Sam Bellamy ) and features some wonderful aspects of an era that was soon to disappear forever, including the stamp mentioning the name of the ship.