1843 (May 31) New York, N.Y. to St Etienne, France, folded letter carried privately to Boston, carried by Cunard Line Caledonia from Boston June 1 to Liverpool arriving June 13, red London (6.14) backstamp with framed "Colonies/&c.Art.12" accounting h.s., red Bolougne (6.16) with manuscript "25" decimes due rating, St. Etienne (6.18) arrival backstamp; Very Fine, This is the earliest recorded use of the "Colonies &c. Art. 12" marking on a transatlantic letter from the United States. Estimate  $300 - 400. The convention requiring the use of Article 12 for unpaid letters "From other Colonies and Countries beyond sea" for France went into effect on June 1, 1843. $0 (Image)