1849 (Apr. 20) London, England to Providence, R.I., folded letter with red London (4.20) origin d.s. with matching "5/cents" credit h.s. to U.S., red manuscript "1/" shilling prepaid treaty rating, carried by Cunard Line America from Liverpool Apr. 21 to New York arriving May 5, New York red "Paid/Ship" two-line handstamp; light file fold, fresh and Very Fine. Estimate  $200 - 300. New York exchange office marked red PAID/SHIP handstamp. During first four months of U.S.-G.B. treaty there were no uniform instructions to the exchange offices on how to mark letters. The purpose of this marking is not really understood. It is found used very infrequently until February 1859. $0 (Image)