1849 (Apr. 7) Havana, Cuba to Paris, France, folded letter carried out of the mails to Charleston, flap with manuscript "Charleston 25 April. Rec'd & forwarded by Y.O.S., J.C. Black" forwarder's notation, red "Charleston S.C. Apr 26" cds with matching red "Paid" handstamp and red manuscript "96" quadruple error rating as if going to England only, New York magenta "76" quadruple credit rating to G.B., carried as endorsed by Cunard Line Europa from New York May 2nd to Liverpool arriving May 14th, red London (5.15) backstamp and matching "Colonies / &c.Art.13" framed accountancy handstamp, red Boulogne (5.16) entry cds with manuscript "7 France. 00" due rating rating, manuscript. "50g" grams notation at top left; some edge wear, horizontal fold, small piece of flap missing, Very Fine. Estimate  $200 - 300. On January 15, 1849 the Charleston Mercury had announced to the public that letters to France need only prepay 5¢ per increment for U.S. domestic and shore-to-ship charges. Thus, this letter should have been prepaid only 20¢ at Charleston, evident that the local post office employees did not understand the new treaty recently implemented with Great Britain ending the retaliatory rates. Since the letter could not be fully prepaid to France since a treaty was not in effect, it was literally charged twice. $0 (Image)