This cover is included in the United States Domestic Mails 1776 - 1869 Exhibit by George Kramer.

Red New York Dec 25 cds and red "MAIL ROUTE" marking on New Orleans, November 25, 1829 folded letter to Philadelphia. Manuscript "18 3/4"

The proper fee should have been 14 1/2 c for 12 1/2 cents for 80-150 miles to Philaelphia plus 2 cents ship fee. However, since the PMG determined that the Mississippi River was a post road, the 93 miles from New Orleans to Balize, the post office at the mouth of the river, would be added to the forwarding distance from New York, and the total (over 200 miles) now put this letter in the 150 - 400 mile classification (18 3/4 cents).