1875 #35 1¢ Small Queen tied by Quebec duplex (C SP 29 75) with second free strike where stamp normally placed paying 1¢ drop letter with free local carrier service to St. Louis Hotel, Quebec, redirected to Westmeath, Ontario bs and "RETURNED FOR POSTAGE" and scarcer "RETURNED FOR DEFICIENT POSTAGE" as it was now subject to the 3¢ letter rate, double deficiency with 1¢ credit and "5"¢ due. Sent to the Dead Letter Office bs (OC 11), postage presumably collected and eventually arrived at Westmeath OC 15 bs.This cover demonstrates the confusion with postage due on redirected drop letters from the Oct 1, 1875 regulations which were unclear and the patron suffered double deficiency even though properly paid. As of Oct, 1879 the postage due was simply double the deficiency of 2¢ or 4¢, and by 1899 the deficiency was charged singly. An important cover in this confusing period and an excellent exhibit item to demonstrate the different methods of handling postage due. Ex Lamb. (Image)