Folded letter from Boston to Newport, datelined 22 July 1750, addressed to Samuel Vernon, rated "2/6"

According to the 2004 Ed and Jean Siskin exhibit "United States Postal History Before the United States Post Office," "Starting about 1690, Massachusetts began issuing one of the world's first paper currency called Massachusetts Old Tenor. Some other New England Colonies followed Massachusetts' lead. Its value was initially pegged at 3/4ths Sterling. Although subsequent currencies replaced the Old Tenor, it remained the currency of accounts until generally phased out in the mid-1750s. Starting about 1723, significant devaluation of Old Tenor occurred."

The rate for the distance from Boston to Newport was 4 pence. Applying the inflation actor of 7.5 applicable in 1750 produces 30 pence which equals 2 shillings 6 pence. There was no additional charge for a carrier fee.

The addressee of this letter, Samuel Vernon, was a prominent Newport silversmith and merchant in the 18th century, known for both his exquisite silver craftsmanship and involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. His business dealings extended throughout New England, linking him to the wider colonial economy and the triangular trade network.

Folded letter from Boston to Newport, indicated by manuscript "Bos" Rated 2dwt (6p) for 60-100 miles.

Datelined 20 March 1758, addressed to Samuel Vernon.

Letter to Lancaster datelined Philadelphia 17th Jany 69. Rated "2" dwt (6 pence) for 60 to 100 miles. Rerated "0/10" (0 shilling/ 10 pence) after applying 1.67 inflation factor. Lancaster had to rerate the letter because it was paid by the addressee and Lancaster had to credit Pennsylvania.

The addressee of this letter, Jasper Yeates, was a distinguished lawyer and judge from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who served as an Associate Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court from 1791 to 1817. Though he held loyalist sympathies during the Revolutionary War, he later became a key figure in shaping Pennsylvania’s judicial system and contributed to the interpretation of early American law.

Folded way letter from Boston to Portsmouth with manuscript "dwt 2" Datelined Dec 31, 1770. Addressed to Hugh Henderson.

The British Act of 1765 provided that the single sheet rate for 60 to 100 miles was 6 pence, which was equivalent to 2 dwt. Letters were marked "dwt/2" at Portsmouth. There was a regular postal route with a rider and also a stable coach from Boston through New Bury Port and Cambridge.

The addressee of this letter, Hugh Henderson, was a shipbuilder and prominent merchant based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, around 1770. Known for his contributions to the local maritime industry, Henderson was involved in constructing and outfitting ships that were vital for trade and fishing in the New England region.

Included in the Boston Postal History to 1851 Exhibit by Mark Schwartz.

BOSTON". Straightline handstamp with matching partly clear strike of "5/MA" Franklin mark on May 5, 1787 docketed folded cover to Albany N.Y. Manuscript "4.16" rate for 300-400 miles with rate restated in local New York currency as "2/4" (2sh 4p, which is double the standard conversion of 14p, or 1sh2p). Addressed to Philip Van Rensselaer.

The addressee, Philip Van Rensselaer, was a prominent merchant and public official from Albany, New York, who served as the city’s mayor from 1799 to 1816 and was involved in provisioning the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

"New-York" straightline on folded letter docketed February 2, 1790 to Philadelphia. Manuscript "pr Capt Elliot Via N. York" Rated "Sh 2" when the letter entered the mails at New York City; rated "1/" local currency at Philadelphia. Addressed to John Godfried Wachsmuth (of Dutilh and Wachsmuth).

The ratings were calculated as follows : In Pennsylvania local currency 16 grains [Ship rate] + 1 dwt 8 grains [60-100 miles-the distance of New York to Philadelphia was 80 miles) was equivalent to 2 dwt in New York sterling.

The addressee, John Godfried Wachsmuth, of the firm Dutilh & Wachsmuth, was a prominent merchant, based in Philadelphia during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Dutilh & Wachsmuth, founded by Wachsmuth and his business partner, John Dutilh, engaged in extensive international trade, dealing in commodities like sugar, coffee, and textiles, and had strong connections with markets in Europe and the Caribbean.

"Boston" Straightline with matching "4 OC" circular handstamp to Plymouth, Massachusetts. Letter datelined August 9, 1792. Arrived in Boston October 4, 1792. Addressed to Thomas Davis.

Rated " Sh 12" = 8c for 30-60 miles + 4c ship fee (New Law effective 6/1/92). No contents.

December 1, 1792 folded letter from Charleston, SC to Newburyport, RI via Philadelphia. "1 DE" circular handstamp with manuscript "22." Addressed to Moses Brown.

In December of 1792, the Ship Fee was 4c. This was rated 22 cents for 300-450 miles. Boston to Philadelphia was 365 miles (based on 1783 Postal Mileages table). Docketed to be received and forwarded by Isaac Hazlehurst Co., which was a Philadelphia Merchant firm.

"Boston" straightline with matching "29 OC" datestamp on folded letter from Charleston, SC to Newburyport, RI via Boston. Manuscript "Sh 12" with October 29, 1793 docketing. Addressed to Moses Brown.

Moses Brown, born in 1742 in West Newbury, Massachusetts, was a successful chaise maker who became one of Newburyport’s wealthiest figures through strategic investments in trade, particularly sugar, molasses, and the West Indies market. By 1790, he was a major real estate investor, acquiring extensive property holdings and founding a rum distillery at the foot of Green Street. He is perhaps best remembered for his construction of the Brown Square House, now the Garrison Inn, which remains a landmark in the town he helped to shape.

"Portsmouth December 13" straightline on folded letter datelined "Petersburg Virginia Novem 18th 1793." Brought by non-contract ship from Petersburg to Portsmouth, Virginia and then carried to "OLD YORK/MASSACHUSSETS," now York, Maine.

10c rate: 4c ship letter fee + 6c for distance not over 30 miles.

This is a scarce and valuable cover with scarce rate and very nice strike of the Portsmouth straight line handstamp.

"CABIN POINT APRL 18" partial straightline and manuscript "17" rating on folded letter to Baltimore. Datelined "Brandon AP 26th, 1795" from Benjamin Harrison, brother of the 9th President of the US, William H Harrison. It was brought mailed from Brandon to Cabin Point where it was by ship to Baltimore. This went by regular mail. The Act of May 8, 1794 set the rate at 17 cents for 150 to 300 miles.

The sender of this letter, Benjamin Harrison VI, was an influential American merchant, planter, and politician, who also played a role in the Revolutionary War. As the son of Founding Father Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Harrison came from a distinguished family and maintained close ties with key figures of the time. He was also part of a prominent political lineage, being the older brother of President William Henry Harrison and the great-uncle of President Benjamin Harrison.

N*York July 6 Straightline on 1795 folded letter addressed to Dutilh and Wachsmuth in Philadelphia.

N*York(1795-97;21x4.5,MDD;Black) page 268 ASCC

Partial "New York" straightline on folded letter to Portsmouth, NH. Datelined Charleston, SC March 26, 1796. Rated : Sh 24. 20c for the distance from NYC to Portsmouth + 2c Ship captain's fee. Addressed to Samuel Hale.

"Boston" straightline with matching "17 AP" circular datestamp on folded letter to Dover, NH. Manuscript "Sh 14" and "Per Shooner Isabella." Rated 10c for 60-100 miles from Boston to Dover + 4c ship fee. Addressed to Samuel Hale.

"BALT" Straightline on folded letter addressed to John Dutilh (of Dutilh and Wachsmuth) in Philadelphia. Datelined "Jerrenie 25th April 1796." Rated 16 1/2 cents, consisting of 12 1/2 cents for the distance of 100-150 miles between Baltimore, the port of entry, and Philadelphia, the destination, plus the 4 cents ship fee in effect from 1792 to 1799.

According to the American Stampless Cover Catalog, the Baltimore straightline marking was used from 1793 to 1797. The ASCC states that "Numerous minor varieties of this marking are known." This one has a period after the month.

The letter contains notice of a ship sailing with a cargo of coffee and requests $4000 insurance coverage.

Folded letter from boston, privately carred to Ashburnham, MA.
"1 MA" and "BOSTON" straightline markings, with manuscript "Sh 34." Datelined April 14, 1798. Addressed to John Cambridge. The rate of 34c was for a triple ship letter sent 60-100 miles.

Manuscript at the bottom left reads "HAN'D BY MR. KNOX"
The writer notes opportunity to send letter was presented by Thomas Knox who promises to be careful in forwarding this letter.

With a PF Certificate which reads, "STAMPLESS FOLDED LETTER DATELINED PHILA MAY 23, 1799. ADDRESSED TO LANSINGBERGH NY. RED PHI/23/MY POSTMARK. AND WE ARE OF THE OPINION THAT IT IS A GENUINE USAGE, THE COVER WITH STAINS AND A SCOTCH TAPE REPAIR COVERING TEARS AND A PIECE OUT AT BOTTOM"

March 16 1798 datelined folded letter to Philadelphia with manuscript "Sh 24."

Rated : Sh 24 for 10 x 2 for the distance from NYC to Philadelphia + 4c Ship captain's fee. Rates calculated under the Act of February 20, 1792.

Excerpt from "The New York Clamshells and Ovals by Calvet M. Hahn":

The earliest recorded clamshell is the orange item illustrated below on a domestic letter from New York to Philadelphia with a manuscript 10c rate, dated March 10, 1798....The color of the red New York clamshells changed very early in their existence. A cover from April 9, 1798 with a manuscript Sh 14 for an incoming ship charge of 4c plus the 10c New York-Philadelphia rate is illustrated below.

Orange New York City Clam Shell, Jul 13, Dot Variety, on
13 July 1798 docketed folded cover to Albany, NY with manuscript "15."

Black New York City Clam Shell, Jun 21, Dot Variety with Olde English Lettering, on folded letter datelined Savannah June 3d 1799 to Philadelphia. Manuscript "Sh 14"

Rated : Sh 14 (12c for the distance from NYC to Philadelphia + 2c Ship captain's fee. Notes the Ship fee was reduced from 4c to 2c under the Act of March 2, 1799.) This letter contained one enclosure (a banknote) according to the text so that postage was double the single rate.

The Olde English lettering in the month and day was only used for 8 weeks, from 6/13 - 7/7 1799.

Black New York City Clam Shell, Nov 4, Dot Variety, on folded letter datelined Bristol Sept 8, 1800, to Troy. Manuscript "Sh 19."

Black New York City Clam Shell, Jun 40, Dot Variety, on folded letter datelined New York 30th June 1800 to Troy with manuscript "17"

Rated 17 cents for regular mail from New York to Troy for 150 - 300 miles.

Letter reads..."The schooner got in last eve'g and we shall get her discharged tomorrow...Shall come up with the schooner."

Letter pages are separated in half.

Black New York City Clam Shell, Mar 17, Dot Variety, on folded ship letter datelined St. Petersburg 16th November 1800, to Newbury Port. Manuscript "Sh 36"

New York City stampless folded letter to Troy. Mostly clear black clamshell fancy handstamp, 17 rate in manuscript. Letter discusses interesting business content and mentions Alexander Hamilton's Pamphlet concerning the Conduct of John Adams, which was written 2 days prior:

"General Hamilton has wrote another book which I would have forwarded but for the High Postage - John Adams is the theme, much his folly or rather foolish conduct "

Black New York City clamshell, Feb 27, dash variety. 17 rate in manuscript. Addressed to Samuel Jones.

Samuel Jones (1734–1819), known as the "Father of the New York Bar," was a prominent lawyer, legislator, and public servant in early New York State. He served as a delegate at the New York State Constitutional Convention in Poughkeepsie in 1788, where he supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. As a Federalist, he advocated for a balanced government structure and contributed significantly to New York’s legal and financial systems. Later, he became New York’s first Comptroller, overseeing the state’s finances and laying the groundwork for future fiscal policies. Jones’s work had a lasting impact on the development of New York’s legal framework and governance.

Very Fragile, Faults, 3 total pieces, see images