1897 Ship mail London to Wisconsin, “New York & Chicago Tr.31” transit mark, fascinating historical piece

Description

1897 Ship mail letter London to Wisconsin on “Royal Mail Steam Packet Company” branded envelope. With 2½d Jubilee tied by ship mail CDS (Vicente?). Backstamped by London coded DT in red dated DE 20 97 and “NEW YORK & CHICAGO Tr.31” dated DEC 31 1897. Letter is addressed to Miss Verna Woods in La Crosse Wisconsin, who my Google search advises died on the day this letter was sent! Fascinating piece