This cover, date lined "New York Feby 13 : 1826," was carried by a non-contract ship, the "Niagara" to Balize rather than New Orleans. There it was stamped "SHIP" and rated 14/½/24 (124/24) for 80-150 miles from Balize to New Orleans in this way + 24 ship fee." The mail avoided a higher fee for the greater distance (254).

This 14 1/2 cent rate for a ship letter delivered at the port of entry into the mail system is not consistent with the postal laws in effect in 1826. However, it aligns with the Mail Route Fiction.