Description: Free Domestic Shipping. "Alma Va. Dec. 1 Free J. L. Gillespie, P.M." Page County, Virginia small town Postmaster's Free Manuscript Cancel on a 1-pg letter James Dunwoody Brownson De Bow, Superintendent of the U.S. Census in Washington. Datelined "Alma, Page County, Va. Dec 1st 1854" content "Prof De Bow, Dear Sir, I see from the Valley Democrat that you have recently published in conformity with an Act of Congress, a work styled 'A Compendium of United States Statistics' and being very desirous of obtaining a copy of the same I take the liberty of writing to you on the subject and of requesting you to send me a copy of the same. If it is not in your power, conveniently, to send me a copy, please write to me and inform me of the size of the work and how it can be obtained. By complying with the above, you will greatly oblige, Yr. Obt. Serv't James L. Gillespie, Postmaster." This is an original postal item, not a reproduction.This item is a "stampless folded letter" insomuch as the writer used a large sheet of paper to write their letter and then folded it - leaving a space for the address and postal marking - and then sealed it, addressed it and took it to the post office were the postmaster applied the markings appropriate for the letter's journey and gave it to the postrider/postwagon or stage. You are buying BOTH the postal portion AND the original letter.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. Free Domestic Shipping. Terms and Conditions: FREE United States of America Postal Service FIRST CLASS MAIL SHIPPING to the United States. Uninsured International, including Canada, shipments are $12.00 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: 178.75 USD
Location: Richmond, Virginia
End Time: 2024-11-28T15:20:33.000Z
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: Virginia
Place of Origin: United States
