New Orleans, Louisiana "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;" November 7, 1827 to Stonington, Connecticut rated "37;" January 1, 1828 to Kennebunk, Maine rated "25;" January 14, 1828 to New York 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)

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