Hudson River Mail, 1823 (May 13), folded cover from Albany to New York City, where it was handstamped with red "Steam Boat" straightline and rated "12½" in manuscript for inland postage between 80 and 150 miles, Extremely Fine. Estimate  $200 - 300. These "Steamboat" handstamps first appear in 1823, two years before they were officially required by the 1825 Postal Laws and Regulations. The 1823 use has been noted at only five post offices. $0 (Image)