New Orleans "MAIL ROUTE" Markings, 1827/28, four stampless covers addressed to the East Coast with the arced "MAIL ROUTE" handstamp, May 12 1827 to Boston triple letter per brig "Castillo" rated "56½", Nov 7 1827 to Stonington Conn rated "37", Jan 1 1828 to Kennebunk, Me rated "25"; Jan 14 1828 to NY City per packet "Asilia" rated "12½", F-VFrnThe "MAIL ROUTE" marking was placed on private ship letters which were not "SHIP" letters through the device of the "implied under contract" ruling - "SHIP" letters are non-contract mail whereas "MAIL ROUTE" letters are "under contract". The postage charged for letters conveyed in vessels under contract with the Postmaster General is regulated by the distance they are conveyed on maritime post routes. (Image)

CV. 150

New Orleans, Louisiana, Territory of Orleans period March 26 black cds and red manuscript "50" rating on 1805 folded letter to "William Leonard Esq., Military Agent, Philadelphia," enclosing duplicate invoice for furs shipped at New Orleans, Very Fine (ASCC $1,200) (Image)

CV. 240