1840 (May 29) Gardiner, Me. to London, England, folded letter with red "Gardiner Me. May 29" cds and matching "Paid" handstamp. with manuscript "Paid to New York 18¾/Paid to Steamboat Postage 25/ 43¾" rating, New York red "Too Late" h.s., carried by Swallowtail George Washington from New York June 7 to Liverpool arriving July 1, "Liverpool/Ship Letter" and London (7.2) backstamps, manuscript "8" pence, Very Fine, Only cover recorded from Gardiner, Maine showing freight money fee. Estimate  $500 - 750. Letter prepaid 18¾¢ inland fee to New York plus 25¢ freight money fee for the steamship British Queen. Letter arrived in New York just after the 1 June 1840 sailing of British Queen. New York marked TOO LATE to explain the delay in handling and sent letter on next available sailing packet. Difference between 25¢ steamship and 12½¢ sailing ship freight money fees probably returned to Gardiner postmaster, the normal practice of the New York postmaster. $0 (Image)