Description: Exceptionally desirable early town marking.1817 "Gouverneur 31st May 18 1/2" New York State manuscript marking on a 2-page letter written by Richard Townsend (Surveyor) to Nicholas Law in New York City discussing a bill for a survey just completed.Upon arrival, Mr. Law docketed the rear "Richd Townsend, Gouverneur 31 May 1917 Rec'd 1 July."The letter's first page is datelined "Gouverneur 31st May 1817" Content as follows: "Dear Sir, I have completed the Survey for Mr. Kearney, see the bill Page 2. Mr. Kearney has no agent in this town with whom I can transact business. If you think proper, the contract may be made in N. York and your money be on interest. Or other will make mention to Mr. Kearney that he may appoint same one to arrange the business here. I am dear Sir with much Respect, Your Obedt' Svt, Richard Townsend."Page 2 is the actual "Survey of a Tract of Land Sold to P. Kearney" and begins "Beginning at a Basswood Tree on the bank of the River in the westerly line of Mr. Lows land thence....240 acres three woods, seventeen Rods."An amazing letter.Some Background:This is an original folded "stampless" letter with a small-town New York State postal marking--a "manuscript" cancel, because the town was so small that the postmaster did not find it profitable to purchase a hand-stamp device at his own expense.The letter IS present. You are purchasing BOTH the letter and the postal markings. The letter has not been separated--it's still here, and pictured. ONE of the reasons it is collectible is because of the fact that the local postmaster applied postal markings considered appropriate for the letter's journey--namely: The originating town name and a rate. In addition to being collectible because the addressee or the town from which it was sent, it is a collectable item of "postal history" because of the rates, markings usage, the addressee or something that might appeal to the collector.ANOTHER is the writer, the content and the addressee. Terms and Conditions: FREE United States of America Postal Service FIRST CLASS MAIL SHIPPING to the United States. Uninsured International, including Canada, shipments are $11.75 for the first item and $2 or $3 extra for each additional item. If you purchase multiple items, I will adjust the shipping charges when I send an invoice. I prefer PayPal. If you wish to pay by any other means, please message me before buying at and ask permission, which will not be unreasonably withheld. When I send an invoice after you have purchased the item, please immediately remind me that you will be paying by another means.Postal insurance and/or registered mail for loss and/or damage protection will be an extra charge and offered only if specifically requested. If this concerns you, please message me in advance of your purchase. Sometimes I will require this to protect us both. All international shipments that request registered mail (insurance generally unavailable) will be charged a flat $16 for this service. The United States Postal Service has an excellent record with my shipments. I have been a member of the American Philatelic Society since 1978 and have been selling on eBay for years. You will need to work through Sales Tax issues with eBay. Buy with trust and confidence. Thank you for taking the time to view my items and make sure to review the other items in my eBay retail store, especially in this category.
Price: 343.75 USD
Location: Richmond, Virginia
End Time: 2024-10-27T22:10:44.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Modified Item: No
Topic: Stampless
Certification: Uncertified
Quality: Used
Grade: Ungraded
State: New York
Place of Origin: United States
