Merchants Bank, New Bedford, Mass., 2 5/8 x 7 3/4.  Engraving of vessel under full sail, two cent revenue stamp affixed t/rt corner.   Crossed cancelled, original fold lines, tightly trimmed left side, overall VG-fine cond.
Andrew Hicks was born in Westport, MA 1799,  fitted out a vessel in 1836 and thus began an extended whaling business, which he continued with marked success for more than half a century. At one time he owned interests in 11 vessels (Including the Andrew Hicks and Mermaid) and during his career built 8 or more vessels. He was for 41 years before his death a director of the Merchants' National Bank of New Bedford. The ship Andrew Hicks is known to be the last American Whale ship in operation, 1880-1891. The Andrew Hicks was then sold to become a merchant ship in 1917.  Ck.104); $24.