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diff --git a/35566.txt b/35566.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3a3c366 --- /dev/null +++ b/35566.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8634 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Postage Stamps of the United +States of America, by John Kerr Tiffany + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: History of the Postage Stamps of the United States of America + +Author: John Kerr Tiffany + +Release Date: March 13, 2011 [EBook #35566] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF POSTAGE STAMPS OF U.S.A. *** + + + + +Produced by Bryan Ness, Christine Aldridge and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +book was produced from scanned images of public domain +material from the Google Print project.) + + + + + +Transcriber's Notes: + +1. Passages in italics are surrounded by _underscores_. + Passages in Decorative Fonts are surrounded by =equals=. + Superscripted numbers are preceded by a ^carat. Multiple + superscripted numbers are surrounded by curly brackets {1 2}. + +2. Corrections from the "Errata" page have been incorporated into this + e-text. + +3. Horizontal tables exceeding the width of this e-text have been + reformatted to fit vertically. + +4. Additional Transcriber's Notes are located at the end of this e-text. + + + + +[Illustration: PORTRAIT OF J. K. TIFFANY.] + + + + +HISTORY OF THE + +=POSTAGE STAMPS= + +OF THE + +UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. + + +BY JOHN K. TIFFANY, + +Author of THE PHILATELICAL LIBRARY, +President of the American Philatelic Association and of the St. Louis +Philatelic Society. Honorary Member of the Philatelic Society of London. +Corresponding Member of the Societe Francaise de Timbrologie, the +Societies of Dresden, Wurtemburg, Etc. + + +1887: +C. H. MEKEEL, PHILATELIC PUBLISHER, +ST. LOUIS, MO. + + +Copyrighted by J. K. Tiffany. 1886. +All Rights Reserved. + + + + +=CONTENTS.= + + + PORTRAIT OF J. K. TIFFANY (Frontispiece). + PREFACE 9 + INTRODUCTION 13 + Chapter I, U. S. City Dispatch Post 19 + " II, Uniform Postage 23 + " III, Postmaster's Stamps 26 + " IV, Stamp of the N. Y. Postmaster 29 + " V, Stamps of the St. Louis " 36 + " VI, Stamp of the Brattleboro " 48 + " VII, Stamp of the New Haven " 51 + " VIII, Stamps of the Providence " 54 + " IX, Stamp of the Alexandria " 60 + " X, Stamps of the Baltimore " 62 + " XI, Stamp of the Millbury " 65 + " XII, Stamped Env. of Wash'n " 67 + " XIII, Stamps of the Phila'lphia " 69 + " XIV, Stamp of the Worcester " 70 + " XV, Stamp of the Pittsfield " 71 + " XVI, Observations 72 + " XVII, The Issue of 1847 74 + " XVIII, The Issue of 1851 81 + " XIX, The Issue of 1857 110 + " XX, The Issue of 1861 122 + " XXI, The Issue of 1867-9 137 + " XXII, The Issue of 1869 144 + " XXIII, The Issue of 1870 158 + " XXIV, Postage Due Stamps 198 + " XXV, Special Delivery Stamp 204 + " XXVI, Newspaper and Periodical St'ps 209 + " XXVII, Official Stamps 227 + " XXVIII, Official Seals 249 + " XXIX, Reprints 254 + INDEX 267 + PUBLISHERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS 275 + + + + +=ERRATA.= + + +Page 96, 3d line from top, for _25_c lilac read _24_ cents. + +Page 102 in lines 5, 6, 7 and 8 from bottom in last column for F^2 G^2 +H^2 I^2 read F^4 G^4 H^4 I^4. + +Page 103 in lines 16 to 20 in second column for S^2 T^2 U^2 V^2 W^2 read +S^3 T^3 U^3 V^3 W^3. + +Page 104 5th line from bottom, omit _u_ in "prolongued." + +Page 143, 9th line from top for "_follows_" read "_above_." + +Page 144, last line supply "_test of_" in the blank. + +Page 196, 4th line from top for (") read "_cochineal_." + +Page 196, 6th line from top, for "_12 cents_" read "_15 cents_." + + + + +PREFACE. + + +In seeking for information concerning the postage stamps of the United +States, we shall turn in vain to sources which have furnished, in other +countries, such accurate details in regard to the stamps issued by their +postal authorities, for the stamps authorized by the United States Post +Office Department are not manufactured by the government, and there is +no "stamp office" to authenticate each plate, and register the number of +sheets made from it, and no edict, proclamation or law informs the +public of the values authorized for use, or of the designs, or other +peculiarities of the stamps to be employed. The Postmaster General is +authorized, in general terms of the law, to provide such stamps as he +may, from time to time, judge most convenient and expedient for the +collection of the postal rates fixed by other laws, and is required to +have them manufactured by those who, under general provisions of other +laws regulating all government work, offer to do it at the lowest +price. + +The proposals for such work and the contracts made with the parties +successful in the competition, reserve the right to the Postmaster +General to change the values, designs, etc., from time to time as he may +judge expedient, and specify nothing as to these particulars, while they +are very specific as to the quality of the work, and the precautions to +be observed in the manufacture, to prevent pecuniary loss to the +Department. A government official inspects the work in order that it may +conform in quality to the contract, and the records are kept of the +number of stamps of each value made and turned over to the Department, +without further specifications. In a word, no record is preserved of how +many stamps of any particular design, paper, water-mark, perforation or +other peculiarity, are made, or of the date of the adoption of any of +these things. Third Assistant Postmaster General Ireland, during his +term of office, once wrote "It has always surprised me that the +Department has never kept any official history of its stamps." Many of +these details might be gathered no doubt from the very voluminous +correspondence between the Department and the several contractors, if it +were accessible, but upon investigation it appears that many interesting +changes have been made upon mere verbal instructions. + +We shall have therefore to rely upon quite different sources for our +information. Fortunately the enterprise of collectors has probably +discovered all the varieties of the stamps themselves, and only a +careful study of them is necessary to their complete description. The +materials upon which the present work is based were gathered together +mostly as accident threw them into the hands of the author, from time to +time, without any attempt at systematic research or arrangement, until +at the request of J. B. Moens, of Brussells, they were arranged to form +a volume of his "Bibliotheque Des Timbrophiles." The annual reports of +the Postmaster General have furnished some points of interest directly +and many inferentially; the circulars notifying postmasters of the more +important changes, a nearly complete file of which has been consulted, +have been a great guide; while frequently very interesting details have +been extracted from the files of contemporaneous daily papers; and the +published results of the researches of such indefatigable investigators +as Messrs. Bagg, Brown and Scott, in the Philatelical Press, and the +articles of Cosmopolitan and Scott have been freely drawn upon. Many +large collections have been kindly submitted for inspection, in +particular those of Messrs Van Derlip, Sterling and Casey, and thus we +are able to describe every stamp and essay from actual specimens, except +in a few instances specially noted. While there may be possible +omissions, the reader may feel assured of the existence of everything +described. + +Frequent demands for the translation of the French work have led to the +present publication. But as that work was prepared to conform to the +general plan of the works compiled for the series of M. Moens' +Bibliotheque, it contained many things, concerning the history and +customs of the post office of the United States, which the American +collector is supposed to know, and omitted some details concerning the +part played by various collectors and dealers in finding out the +particulars of the history of certain stamps and like matters, which it +was thought might be interesting to our home collectors, but which the +impersonal character of the French Series made it advisable to omit in +the original compilation. + +The entire work has been therefore largely recast in the hope of making +it more acceptable to American collectors, and in several instances +comments have been made upon stamps that were not mentioned in the +French edition, in order to correct certain erroneous views entertained +concerning them in this country, which it was supposed was sufficiently +accomplished by their omission in the other series. + +_St. Louis, August, 1886._ + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +In 1676 John Heyward, by the authority of General Court of the Colony of +Massachusetts, established his postal system with its office in Boston. +In 1683 the government of Penn established a postal system for the +Colony of Pennsylvania. In 1700 Col. J. Hamilton organized "his postal +establishment for British America" including all the English colonies, +but soon after disposed of his right to the English crown. In 1710 the +English Parliament established by law the first governmental postal +system with the general office at New York, which continued until in +1776 the Continental Congress adopted and set in action the postal +system proposed by Franklin, who was appointed the first Postmaster +General. The first law of the Federal Congress continued this system in +operation as sufficient for the public wants, but the postal service was +not finally settled until the act of 1792. + +This law (1792) liked a tariff which with unimportant changes remained +in force until the adoption of the system of Uniform Postage in the +United States. Single, double and triple letters were charged 8, 16 and +24 cents respectively when sent to other countries, and four cents plus +the internal postage when arriving from foreign countries. The internal +postage between offices in the United States was 6, 8, 10, 15, 17, 20, +22 and 25 cents for distances of 30, 60, 100, 150, 200, 250, 350, or 400 +miles respectively for single letters, and double, triple, etc., this +for double, triple, etc., letters. A single letter was defined by the +law to be a single sheet or piece of paper, a double letter, two sheets +or pieces of paper, etc., etc. + +The following acts of Congress may be consulted with advantage by those +curious with regard to the Post Office before the introduction of +stamps. + + I Congress. I Session. Chap. 16, Sept., 1789 + I " II " " 36, Aug., 1790 + I " III " " 23, March, 1791 + II " I " " 27, Feb., 1792 + III " I " " 23, 8 May, 1794 + V " III " " 41, 2 March, 1799 + XI " II " " 37, 30 April, 1810 + XIII " III " " 16, 23 Dec., 1814 + XIV " I " " 7, 1 Feb., 1815 + XIV " I " " 43, 9 April, 1816 + XIX " II " " 61, 3 March, 1825 + XX " I " " 61, 3 March, 1827 + XXVII " II " " 43, 2 March, 1845 + +The earliest letters which we have seen, consist of single sheets of +paper folded and addressed upon the sheet. An envelope would have +subjected them to double postage. They are penmarked with the name of +the mailing office, the date occasionally, the amount of the postage +paid or due, generally in simple figures, sometimes with the word +"cents" in full or abbreviated, added. Gradually, hand stamps were +introduced. At first the name of the mailing office in a simple frame, +generally circular, the month and day being still written in with a pen, +and the amount of postage written as before. A further improvement +appears later on in the introduction of the month and day as part of the +hand stamp. The word "paid" or "due," the amount of postage in figures +or with "cents," either written or hand stamped, always added. And +finally all the marks are included in one hand stamp. + +There was evidently no uniformity of practice, except the general +requirement that the name of the mailing office, the month and day, and +the amount of postage should in some form be marked on the letter. +Improvements seem generally to have originated in the larger offices, +but smaller offices sometimes took the lead in enterprise. An +improvement once adopted does not seem always to have been adhered to; +letters mailed at the same office on the same day and differently marked +may be frequently found in old files. The hand stamps seem to have been +obtained by the several offices for themselves, as there is no +uniformity of style. + +Some of these hand stamps are curious enough to warrant a brief +description, and it would be difficult to lay down a rule which would +distinguish some of them from the stamps we admit to our albums. + +A letter mailed at Philadelphia in 1825, bears an octagonal hand stamp +with a double lined frame and the words "Phila. 20 Jan." in three +lines, a second similar but smaller hand stamp with the word "Paid," and +the figures "26" written with a pen, all in red ink. These seem to have +been regularly employed for several years. Other letters from the same +city mailed in 1845-6-7 and 8, bear a circular hand stamp, the name of +the City and State surrounding the edge, the month and day in the +center, a single line surrounding all, the amount of postage in large +numerals and the words "DUE" or "PAID" in a small oval are separately +hand stamped. Letters from Baltimore of the same dates bear a similar +circular hand stamp with name and date, the amount of postage in large +numerals in an oval, and sometimes the word "PAID" in large letters +without frame. Jacksonville, Ill., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Little Rock, +Ark., employed similar hand stamps at the same time. + +Louisville, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Boston and New York letters of the +same years have the same hand stamp with a numeral or numerals +indicative of the amount of postage added at the bottom within the +frame. When prepaid the word "PAID" was hand stamped below the other. + +Some New York, Boston and Philadelphia letters of the same dates bear +the same hand stamp with "5 cts," "10 cts," etc., in the lower margin +within the frame, the word "PAID" being separately hand stamped when the +letter was prepaid. Many western letters bear also the word "Steam 5" +hand stamped upon them. These hand stamps remained in use up to 1851 +when the rates were changed and appear even upon letters bearing the +adhesive stamps of the first issue. + +In 1851 when the rates were changed to 3 cents ordinary postage, and 1 +cent for drop letters, many of the same stamps appear with the figures +changed to 1 or 3, or to 1 ct., 3 cts., and 6 cts., Boston and +Petersburgh, Va., for example. A New York hand stamp of this period has +New York above, month and day in the middle and "PAID" and "3 cts" in +two more lines. + +A Philadelphia hand stamp has name above, month and day in one line, and +"3 cts" in another, in the center, and "PAID" in lower margin. + +Another, the ordinary dated postmark and a second circular stamp, nearly +as large, with the word "PAID" in large letters crossed by the numeral +"3" nearly an inch long. + +A Springfield letter has the ordinary dated postmark and a second hand +stamp nearly as large with a large numeral "3" above and "PAID" below. + +Cincinnati, Buffalo, Quincy, Ill., and others have the ordinary hand +stamp with the name above, month and day in the center and "3 PAID" +below. + +Another letter has a round hand stamp fully an inch in diameter with the +word "PAID" across the center crossed by a large outline "3." + +Another letter was hand stamped with a large "6" in an octagon double +frame and "PAID" separately hand stamped across it. + +The Cincinnati hand stamp also appears with "1 PAID" in the margin. + +New Orleans has the ordinary hand stamp and "PAID," "1" in two lines of +very large letters beneath. + +St. Louis, has the ordinary hand stamp, and another with "1 ct" in large +octagonal frame added. + +Many letters where the word "paid" appears in the dated stamp are also +separately hand stamped "PAID." Some of these letters bear also the 3 +and 1 ct. adhesives of the period. Those that indicate postage to be +paid differ from postage due stamps in no respect except that they are +not adhesive. Those that indicate postage prepaid correspond to many +other hand stamps in every thing except that they were applied after, +instead of before payment; but in some countries we have examples of +adhesive stamps applied in the same way. They are not beautiful but are +interesting relics of the old system. A number of similar stamps with +the words "Post Office" following the name of the town and "5 paid" have +passed through the hands of the compiler, but having been cut from the +letters the date could not be authenticated. These would appear to be +very similar in character to the adhesives issued by the postmasters of +some offices about the same time, and to many similar stamps used in the +early days of the Southern Confederacy. + + + + +I. + +UNITED STATES CITY DISPATCH POST. + + +Hardly had the discussion of Postal reform begun in England than the +subject was taken up in the United States. The daily press was full of +it. Pamphlets were distributed broadcast. In nearly every city, private +companies undertook to distribute mail matter at less than the +government rates. Some even carried letters from city to city. In +Congress, members related the expedients resorted to for sending letters +at a reduced rate. In New York, a certain A. M. Greig had established a +local delivery and employed an adhesive stamp, charging but two cents +when the government exacted three. Such competition greatly harassed the +department. The act of 1836 had authorized the Postmaster General to +establish a carrier system in such cities as he might think advisable. +Apparently with the view of disposing of Greig's post, Greig was made a +government officer. The following letter authorizing the postmaster at +New York to make the appointment was first published by the American +Journal of Philately. + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, + _Contract Office, August 1st, 1842_. + + Sir-- + + By an order made on Saturday, but journalized to-day, the + Postmaster General has established a letter carrier arrangement + for the City of New York to be called the "United States City + Despatch Post" for the conveyance of letters from one part of + the city to another subject to a charge on each letter of three + cents, under the 20th section of the Act of 1836, and authorizes + you to employ Alex. M. Greig, nominated by you as letter + carrier, other carriers are to be appointed from time to time as + may be required, and you are requested to nominate for that + purpose. And you are also authorized to obtain the necessary + fixtures, pouches, boxes, labels, stamps, etc, at not exceeding + $1,200.00 for the whole and to appoint a clerk to superintend + said establishment at not exceeding $1,000 per annum. You will + be pleased to report the date of commencement of this arrangement. + + Very respectfully, + Your obedient servant, + S. R. HOBBIE, + _First Ass't P. M. General_. + + JOHN LORIMER GRAHAM, + _Postmaster, New York_. + +In another number of the same paper we have the text of the following +notice concerning the same post. + + UNITED STATES CITY DISPATCH POST. + + Hours of delivery every day (Sundays excepted) at the principal + office, upper P. O. Park and lower P. O. Merchants Exchange. + + Letters deposited before 8, 12, 3 and at the stations before 7, + 11 and 2 will be sent out for delivery at 9, 1 and 4. + + Letters to be sent free must have a free stamp attached to them, + which can be purchased at the upper and lower Post Offices and + at all the stations. The charge will be 36 cents per dozen, 2 + dols. 50 cents per hundred. All letters intended to be sent + forward to the General Post Office for the inland mails must + have a free stamp attached to them. Letters not having a free + stamp will be charged 3 cents on delivery. + + JOHN LORIMER GRAHAM, P. M. + _New York, June, 1843._ + +The stamp issued and used by this post was known in an early day and is +catalogued in Kline's Manual 1862, but its true history was unknown +until the publication of the above document. It is a stamp probably +alone of its kind. Any one familiar with the law of 1836 will see that +the Postmaster General widely exceeded the authority conferred on him as +it would be construed to day in making the "arrangement" under the power +to provide a carrier system. The labels and stamps mentioned in the +letter quoted were probably however, not intended to include the postage +stamp actually issued, as these terms are used in various documents, +reports, etc., of the period to designate quite different articles, the +"stamps" being invariably the hand stamps such as we have already +described. But whatever may have been intended by the letter, the law +did not confer any authority upon the Postmaster General to issue or +authorize the issue of the stamp and undertake to insist on its use. It +certainly has no more character than the hand stamps already described, +but is none the less interesting or worthy of preservation on this +account. It was probably employed because the public had seen and +appreciated the utility of the adhesive stamp, by its employment by the +local or private posts, in advance of the official adoption of the +system. + + +NEW YORK. + +ISSUE OF AUGUST, 1842. + +Portrait of President Washington turned 3/4 to the right on plain oval, +enclosed by plain oval band bounded within and without by two colored +lines and inscribed: _United States City Despatch Post_ *_Three Cents_*, +the lower legend separated from the upper by a star on each side; +rectangular frame of two colored lines, corners filled with rayed +ornaments between frame and oval. + +Plate impression 18 by 22 mm., in black on colored paper. + + 3 cents, black on violet. + 3 " " " brown. + 3 " " " green. + 3 " " " blue glazed. + + + + +II. + +UNIFORM POSTAGE. + + +The "arrangement" put in operation in New York does not seem to have +been a great success for it was not extended to other cities, and local +posts continued to flourish and do the work at less than the government +rates. The demand for better service and lower rates, for "reform" as it +was called grew louder and louder, until the Postmaster General in his +report dated November 25th, 1844, recommended to Congress a reduced +uniform rate according to distance and weight. Stamps were recommended +but only for use on foreign letters. + +The bill which was introduced in Congress in pursuance of this +recommendation provided, it is said, both for obligatory prepayment and +the use of postage stamps. But there was great hesitation in adopting +the English system in the United States; the conditions were considered +to be so different; the distances were so great that a greater rate was +necessary; the country was so new that the risk from counterfeiting was +much greater; the custom was not to prepay letters, and custom is +stronger than law. Such and like objections were raised and the law +passed without adopting prepayment by stamp, but the great principle of +the reform, uniform rate by distance and weight was adopted. The only +portion of the law that is of interest here is the following section of +the Statutes of the United States, XXVIII Congress, II Session, XLIII +Chapter, approved March 30, 1845. + + "From and after the first day of July next, members of Congress + and Delegates from Territories may receive letters not exceeding + two ounces in weight, free of postage during the recess of + Congress anything to the contrary in this act notwithstanding; + and the same franking privilege which is granted by this act to + the members of the two Houses of Congress, is hereby extended to + the Vice President of the United States; and in lieu of the + rates of postage now established by law, there shall be charged + the following rates, viz: For every single letter in manuscript + or paper of any kind by or upon which information shall be asked + for or communicated in writing or by marks or signs, conveyed in + the mail, for any distance under three hundred miles, five + cents: and for any distance over three hundred miles, ten cents: + and for a double letter there shall be charged double these + rates: and for a treble letter treble these rates: and for a + quadruple letter quadruple these rates: and every letter or + parcel not exceeding half an ounce in weight shall be deemed a + single letter, and every additional weight of half an ounce, or + additional weight of less than half an ounce, shall be charged + with an additional single postage. + + And all drop letters, or letters placed in any post office, not + for transmission through the mail, but for delivery only, shall + be charged with postage at the rate of two cents each." + +The newspaper rate was one cent within one hundred miles and one and a +half cents for a greater distance, for all newspapers not exceeding a +certain size, and two cents for each sheet over that size, and two cents +for all hand bills and circulars per sheet, and two and a half cents for +all magazines and pamphlets. + + + + +III. + +POSTMASTER'S STAMPS. + + +Notwithstanding the failure of Congress to adopt postage stamps, and to +authorize the Postmaster General to issue them, and to provide an +appropriation for their manufacture, public attention had been drawn to +the advantages of the system, and the convenience, to the business +community particularly, of mailing and receiving letters at hours when +the post office or business houses were closed. The question as to +whether the Postmaster General might not issue postage stamps on his own +authority was raised and officially decided in the negative, although +the Postmaster General himself favored their use. The postmasters in +several places however undertook to meet the public demand by having +stamps prepared on their own responsibility, paying the expense of +manufacture themselves and selling them to the public at a sufficient +advance on the postal rates, to cover the cost of engraving and +printing. In some cases the matter was brought to the attention of the +Postmaster General and he saw no objection to the arrangement; in +others the whole affair seems to have passed without any attention being +paid to it by the Department. In fact it was a mere contract between the +postmaster and the purchaser of his stamps, that when a letter bearing +one of his stamps was mailed at his office, it should be treated as if +the money were handed in with it. No postmaster recognized the stamp of +any post office but his own. A letter adorned with a New York stamp +mailed at the St. Louis office would have been treated as unpaid. A New +York stamp was recognized only at the New York office, and a St. Louis +stamp only at the St. Louis office. When a letter bearing a stamp was +mailed _at the office that issued the stamp_, and accepted as prepaid, +the contract between the postmaster and the purchaser of the stamp was +fulfilled, the postmaster had to account to the government for the +amount of the postage as if he had received it with the letter. The +Department had nothing to do with the fact that the stamp had been +actually paid for at another time or with its existence at all. +Examination at several of these offices show that there was no stamp +account kept in the records of the office. Such letters were treated +exactly as letters were, on which the postage was either paid in money +or charged in the open accounts which the postmaster chose to keep with +the commercial houses. It was marked "Paid." The stamp had no +significance at any other office, except as the mark or stamp indicating +the amount charged, always put on letters at that date, but the word +"paid" was recognized by every office. The letter was entered as a paid +letter on the way bill, and was treated as prepaid, not because of the +stamp, but because the forwarding office treated it as prepaid. + +It has been thought necessary to define the exact character of these +stamps with some exactness, and at the risk of some re-iteration, +because their true character seems to be little understood. They had no +official sanction whatever, because no official had any authority to +sanction them. It was a mere arrangement between the individual +postmaster and the public for their mutual accommodation. + +Such stamps were issued at New York, St. Louis, Brattleboro, New Haven, +Providence, Alexandria, Baltimore, Millbury and probably other places. +Although not governmental or official stamps, they are none the less +interesting or valuable mementoes. They show how determined the public +were to have the postage stamp, and their history shows how the Public +Will compelled the government to adopt the postage stamp in spite of the +supposed difficulties in the way. + + + + +IV. + +STAMP OF THE NEW YORK POSTMASTER. + + +The stamp issued by the postmaster of New York was chronicled in the +earliest American Catalogue, (Kline, 1862,) but its true character was +not established until the resuscitation and republication in the +communications of the author of this work to the Philatelist and Le +Timbre Poste, in 1873-4, of the following articles from contemporaneous +newspapers. + +The Express of New York in its issue of July 1st, 1845, contains an +editorial mentioning, that the Act of March 3rd, 1845, went into force +on the day of publication, and a report of the meeting of the Cheap +Postage Association. In its issue of July 7th, 1845, the same paper +published as part of its Washington correspondence, the following: + + _Washington, July 2nd._ + + It was suggested in New York to Mr. Morris, your postmaster, + that he might accommodate the public very much by selling + stamped envelopes, as the law does not authorize the sale of + stamps on the English plan. When he was here he laid the subject + before the Postmaster General, who has to-day decided that he + may do this. The envelopes are to be marked with the amount of + postage thereon, say 5 or 10 or more cents as the case may be, + and the initials of the postmaster are to be superadded, and + then the envelopes can be sold. The object is to facilitate the + payment of prepaid letters. Postmasters can interchange + envelopes whenever they can agree to do so among themselves. + +In the issue of the next day (Express, July 8th) appeared the following +editorial: + + FREE STAMPED ENVELOPES. When the Bill for Cheap Postage was + before Congress, it contained a clause authorizing the sale of + stamps on the English system. The provision was however stricken + out, leaving the public only the old method of prepaying letters + during the business hours of the Post Office. A suggestion was + made to our new Postmaster, Mr. Morris, that the public + convenience would be very much promoted if he would sell + envelopes which would pass free through his office. By this + measure letters could be sent at any hour of the night to the + post office and the postage paid, where the writer desires it, + by enclosing it in a free envelope. The postmaster proposed to + sell stamps at five cents each, but this not having been + sanctioned by Congress, we should think would not be the best + way, and as the public convenience demands something of the + kind, we are glad to learn that he has prepared envelopes of the + kind referred to, some of which we have seen. They are marked + "Five Cents," and under these words is the name "R. H. Morris." + For letters over one ounce they are marked according to the Post + Office Rates in the same way. These envelopes will be sold by + the Postmaster at six and a quarter cents each, or sixteen for a + dollar of the common kind and common size. This will be as + cheap or cheaper than they can be bought in small quantities at + the stationers. A thin envelope will contain two letters and be + subject only to a single postage. Envelopes of various sizes + will also be furnished and of fine quality when desired by the + purchaser. The plan we hear, has also been adopted by the + postmaster at Washington, D. C., and has met the approval of the + Postmaster General. We think it will add to the revenue of the + Department very considerably. + +From the preceding extract we should infer that envelopes marked in some +way "Five Cents," "R. H. Morris, P. M." had been issued and used at New +York, and possibly something of the kind at Washington. The latter would +be signed C. K. Gardner, P. M., but up to the present day none have been +found. They must have been prepared at New York at least, since the +editor of the Express claims to have seen them. They were probably made +by some of the New York hand stamps noted as current at this time, +leaving out the date and signed by the postmaster. + +Such an arrangement was clumsy and liable to abuse and could have had +but a short duration in so large an office as New York, and in the +Express of the 14th of July, 1845, appears another editorial as follows: + + Post Office Stamps. We would call the attention of merchants and + indeed all who pay postage, to the advertisement of the + postmaster, who offers to sell stamps of the value of five cents + each for the prepayment of letters. This is the cost of the + postage under 300 miles. The stamps should be generally adopted + as they will give additional facilities to business men, and + save them time in making change. The postmaster will receive + nothing for this trouble and his stamps beyond the profit of + lost stamps. The disposition of the postmaster to make the new + system popular merits the thanks of our citizens. + +In another column of the same paper appears the advertisement of the +postmaster referred to in the editorial. + + POST OFFICE, + _New York, July 14th. 1845_. + + The public is respectfully informed that the undersigned has + caused to be prepared stamps for the prepayment of postage, made + for five cents each, which will be sold in parcels of five and + upwards. To prevent counterfeits they will be sold only at this + office and the branch office. The public may therefore be + assured that any stamps which may be offered for sale at any + place other than the two post offices are spurious and will not + be considered as prepayment. + + (Signed.) Robert H. Morris, P. M. + + [Evening papers please copy.] + +Unfortunately these articles contain no description of the stamp issued, +and it will occur to those familiar with the process of engraving stamps +at that date, that the production of a stamp as elaborate as the stamp +known, in so short a time as elapsed between the date of the first and +last of these articles, was either a remarkable piece of work, or had +been commenced some time before. Possibly the stamps first issued were +not those known to collectors and have never been discovered. + +Be this as it may, the plate contained more than a single stamp. From +double copies that have passed through our hands, we have proof that it +consisted of at least eight different varieties, arranged in two +horizontal rows of four stamps each, differing in minute details and at +different distances apart. There may have been more, but this remains to +be verified. The stamp which appears to have occupied the upper left +hand corner of the sheet shows in each letter the outlines of the same +letters, engraved in black and a little lower down than the white ones, +as if the intention had originally been to have the value appear in +black on a white label. It is said that the plate is now in the +possession of the consolidated Bank Note Companies (American) of New +York. At any rate PROOFS were struck from it long after the stamp was +out of use, in various colors. + + +NEW YORK POST OFFICE. + +ISSUE OF JULY 14, 1845. + +Portrait of President Washington, faced 3/4 to left in an oval, 191/2 mm. +wide by 211/2 mm. high, with a back ground of colored lines, crossed at +right angles and bordered by a colorless line. Solid colored label +bordered by a colorless line above and below the oval, inscribed in +colorless ordinary capitals, above "_Post Office_," below "_Five +Cents_." Foliated ornaments in the four corners, the upper enclosing +small colorless labels inscribed in small colored capitals "_New_," at +the left "_York_," at the right, the whole surrounded by a colored line +forming a rectangle. + +Engraved on copper at New York by Messrs. Rawden, Wright and Hatch. + +Plate impression 201/2 by 28 mm., on slightly bluish paper. + + 5 cents black. + +In most of the catalogues this stamp has been described also, as on +white paper. Such specimens are shown, but they are produced by some +chemical action of the gum used to fasten them to letters, or of the +composition of the paper or other accidental causes. Specimens may be +also found of a buff color as if steeped in coffee, another changeling +produced by the action of strong gum. + +Each stamp is signed A. C. M. in red ink. They are generally cancelled +with a pen and blue ink, or by the word "Paid" hand stamped in red ink, +or by the dating stamp. + +There is another type of stamp said to have been issued by the +postmaster of New York in 1849. The design is two concentric circles, +the inner 131/2, the outer 171/2 mm. in diameter. In the center, "_One +Cent_" in two lines of ordinary colored capitals, about 2 mm. high. +Between the circles, above, "_U. S. Mail_;" below, "_Prepaid_" in +similar letters 21/2 mm. high. They were printed in black on small squares +of rose colored paper, and afterwards on paper varying from bright +yellow to pale drab and generally glazed. + +This stamp was chronicled in Kline's Manual, first edition, 1862, as a +"Carrier Stamp," and has since been alternately considered a +governmental, or a local stamp. Upon what ground it is so confidently +asserted to have been issued by the New York postmaster, and its date +assigned to 1849, seems never to have been stated. It is certain however +that if it were issued prior to 1851, it did not prepay any authorized +government postage, and if issued after 1847, such an issue was +forbidden by law unless authorized by the Postmaster General. It is +hardly to be supposed that the postmaster of New York City would have +openly violated the law. The inscription, "U. S. Mail," does not prove +anything but probably means "prepaid to the U. S. Mail," and the stamp +is probably the issue of some of the local delivery companies. + + + + +V. + +STAMPS OF THE ST. LOUIS POSTMASTER. + + +Of all the stamps of this character, those issued by the St. Louis +Postmaster have been most discussed in the Philatelical Press. The ten +cents was first noticed in an article in the Stamp Collector's Magazine +in November, 1863, and the five cents was mentioned in Kline's Manual, +3rd edition, 1865. Mr. L. W. Durbin first mentioned the second die of +the 10 cents, Mr. Pemberton the second die of the 5 cents, and Mr. Scott +is entitled to the credit of discovering the third die of each. + +It is unnecessary to repeat the numerous discussions, pro and con, +concerning the authenticity of these stamps, since the present author +discovered, and republished in Le Timbre Poste, in May, 1873, the +following articles from contemporaneous daily papers, which leave no +further room for doubt concerning the two values, 5 and 10 cents. + + _Missouri Republican._ July 17th. 1845. + + "Free stamped envelopes. For the convenience of those who may + wish to prepay their packages at any hour of the night, Robert + H. Morris, the postmaster of New York, as we learn from the + Express, has prepared a variety of stamped envelopes. They are + marked five cents, ten cents, &c., and under these words is the + name R. H. Morris. The five cent envelopes will be sold by the + postmaster at 61/4 cents each, or 16 for a dollar of the common + kind and common size, and the others in proportion. This will be + as cheap as they can be bought in small quantities at the + stationers. A thin envelope will contain two letters and be + subject only to a single postage. Envelopes of various sizes + will also be furnished and of fine quality when desired by the + purchaser. The plan has also been adopted by the postmaster at + Washington and has met the approval of the Postmaster General. + We think it not only a convenience to the public but that it + will add to the revenue of the Department very considerably. The + above arrangement would be a great convenience to many persons. + Why should not the postmaster here adopt the same plan. We + believe the public generally would buy them." + +This article, although a mere repetition of the article of the Express, +and like that mentioning envelopes of New York and Washington which no +one has ever seen, contains at the end a reference which was evidently +the inspiration of the St. Louis postmaster to issue his stamps, for we +read in the Missouri Republican of November 5th, 1845, the following: + + "LETTER STAMPS. Mr. Wimer, the postmaster, has prepared a set of + letter stamps, or rather marks to put upon letters, indicating + that the postage has been paid. In this he has copied after the + plan adopted by the postmaster of New York and other cities. + These stamps are engraved to represent the Missouri Coat of + Arms, and are five and ten cents. They are so prepared that they + may be stuck upon a letter like a wafer and will prove a great + convenience to merchants and all those having many letters to + send post paid, as it saves all trouble of paying at the post + office. They will be sold as they are sold in the East, viz: + Sixteen five cent stamps and eight ten cent stamps for a dollar. + We would recommend merchants and others to give them a trial." + +And a few days later in the same paper of November 13th, 1845, we again +read: + + "Post Office Stamps. Mr. Wimer, the postmaster, requests us to + say that he will furnish nine ten cent stamps and eighteen five + cent stamps for one dollar, the difference being required to pay + for the printing of the stamps." + +The above articles contain nearly the whole history of the stamps of St. +Louis. We learn the name of the postmaster who had them made, (the name, +however is incorrectly spelled) their use and price, the date and object +of their issue. A thorough search of all the files preserved, of the +daily papers published in St. Louis from January, 1845, to December, +1848, resulted in no further discoveries concerning them. + + +ST. LOUIS POST OFFICE. + +ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 5th, 1845. + +Arms of the State of Missouri. A round shield parted per pale; on the +dexter side, gules (red or vertically lined ground), the grizzly bear +of Missouri, passant guardant, proper; on a chief engrailed azure +(horizontally lined), a crescent argent; on the sinister side, argent, +the arms of the United States, (the stamp is dotted or gold) the whole +with a band inscribed "United we stand, divided we fall" (The buckle +below on the left, in the 5 cents, should be omitted). Supporters on +each side, a grizzly bear of Missouri, proper; rampant guardant, +standing on a scroll inscribed "Salus Populi Suprema lex esto." Above, +the value is expressed in large outline numerals, ornamented and shaded. +In the corners "_Saint_" and "_Louis_" with numerous flourishes. Below +the arms "_Post Office_" in large ordinary capitals. The whole in a +rectangular frame of a thin and thick colored line. + +Engraved on copper by J. M. Kershaw, at St. Louis. The plate consisted +of six stamps, three of each value, and was delivered to Mr. Wymer, and +is said to have been lost with other of his effects during the war. The +engraver thinks he printed about 500 sheets, at three different times, +upon such paper as he happened to have at hand, and that as the plate +deteriorated easily, he probably retouched it slightly each time in +parts, before printing. He denies positively the possibility of the +figures upon the twenty cent value being his work. These are all the +facts he can now vouch for, and states that many of the statements from +time to time attributed to him "were the ideas of his interviewers, who +tried to refresh his recollection and may have mixed him up." + +Plate Impression in black upon three qualities of bluish paper, 3 +varieties of each value. + + 5 cents, black 171/2 by 221/2 mm. + 10 cents, black 181/2 by 221/2 mm. + +These stamps are printed on a rather thick greenish blue paper, on a +thinner grey-blue paper, and on a very thin greyish paper, which agrees +with the recollection of the engraver that he printed three different +lots of them. A pair is also known on a coffee colored paper. They were +taken from buff envelopes, and are undoubtedly discolored by the action +of the paper or gum. Those on white paper have been made so by chemical +action. + +The varieties may be thus distinguished: + +FIVE CENTS. The dashes in the corners form a sort of triangular +ornament, or branch. The letters are block capitals, shaded by a fine +line. There are no lines or dashes under "_Post Office_." + +_First Variety._ (_a_) The buckle on the garter has the point and tongue +turned up to the left. + +(_b_) There are six dashes above "_Saint_," and eight above "_Louis_," +of which the top and bottom ones on each side are long strokes. + +(_c_) One long and two short lines and a speck under "_Saint_," and one +long and three short lines under "_Louis_." + +(_d_) A long diamond in top of numeral, and a mis-shapened diamond in +the bow of the numeral, with four dots above and nine below it, and a +dot in the ball of the numeral. + +(_e_) The bear in the shield is on a vertically lined ground. + +_Second Variety._ (_a_) The buckle has the tongue and point turned down +to the right. + +(_b_) There are eleven dashes above "_Saint_," and ten above "_Louis_," +one of which cuts the frame on the right. + +(_c_) One long and two short lines, a dot, and a horizontal stroke below +"_Saint_," one very long, and three short lines under "_Louis_," two +above and two below the level of the bear's ear. + +(_d_) A triangle in the top of the numeral, and a diamond in the bow of +the numeral, with four dots above and nine below the latter. No dot in +the ball of the numeral. The right end of the scroll is double, and +touches the frame. + +(_e_) The bear is on a vertically lined ground. + +_Third Variety._ (_a_) The buckle has the point turned down to the +right. + +(_b_) There are twelve lines above "_Saint_," and seventeen above +"_Louis_." + +(_c_) There are one long and three short lines under "_Saint_," and one +long and two short lines and a dot under "_Louis_," the latter on a line +between the ear and eye of the bear. + +(_d_) A diamond in the top of the 5, and an upright diamond in the back, +with eleven dots below and four dots above it. + +(_e_) The bear is on a ground lined horizontally above and vertically +below. + +Mr. Pemberton thinks, from a fine clear copy he had seen, that for some +reason the numeral of this variety had been originally engraved as a 1. +He says there is a thin line to the right of the down stroke of the 5, +three small dots in a curve to the right of the diamond in the top of +the 5, and two small dots, one over the other to the left of the +diamond. + +_Fourth Variety._[A] Mr. Pemberton describes a fourth type of the Five +cents which he claims is a restoration of the second variety, from which +one variety of the 20 cents was made by alteration. + +(_a_) The buckle has the point turned down to the right. + +(_b_) There are eleven dashes above "_Saint_," and ten above "_Louis_." + +(_c_) There are four lines under "_Saint_," and three long and two short +lines under "_Louis_," the last on a level with the bear's ear. + +(_d_) A diamond in the top, and a long diamond in the back of 5, with +four dots over and four dots under the latter. Coarser shading around +the figure, and a curved vertical line at the back of the bow, being +part of the 0 of 20 badly erased. + +(_e_) Bear on a vertically lined ground. The two lines of the frame +above Louis bulged. + + [A] NOTE.--Without examining the specimen from which Mr. + Pemberton described, it is impossible to say that it may not be + one of the retouches which Mr. Kershaw thinks he made. + +TEN CENTS. The words "_Saint_," and "_Louis_" are in small, colored, +ordinary capitals, unshaded. There is a long flourish curved upwards +over each word. It seems to have been intended to have a point with a +short dash on each side of it, above each of these, with a second long +flourish curved upwards and then brought down round the end of the word, +and continued as a flourish under them, but the details are different in +the several types. The numerals are ornamented by a diamond in the +middle of each down stroke, with three dots, above and below each +diamond, except in type one, which has only two dots below the diamond +in the 1. + +The following varieties will be noticed: + +_First Variety._ The point and right dash, between the corner flourishes +on both sides, usually missing, and the upper flourish does not come +distinctly round the right hand word. + + 3 lines beneath "Post Office." + 5 " " "Saint." + 4 " " "Louis." + +_Second Variety._ The point and right dash, between the flourishes in +the right hand corner, gone, and the upper flourish, does not come round +the right hand word distinctly. + + 3 lines beneath "Post Office," with a smaller stroke over each. + 4 lines beneath "Saint." + 4 " " "Louis." + +_Third Variety._ The point between the dashes, between the flourishes on +the left, missing. + + 3 lines beneath "Post Office," with a smaller stroke over each, + and dots between them. + 3 lines and 2 dots beneath "Saint." + 4 " 1 " " "Louis." + +Mr. Pemberton at one time chronicled a fourth variety of this value +also, but could not afterward identify it. Indeed the impressions show +great variation from the intended design in the corner flourishes, which +seem to have been engraved too fine in parts. + +TWENTY CENTS. While the author and many others do not believe the twenty +cent value to be genuine, in deference to such authorities as Messrs. +Scott and Pemberton, who accept the few specimens known, they are here +described. In the American Journal of Philately, of January, 1870, Mr. +Scott, after describing the three varieties each of the 5 and 10 cents +for the first time, mentions the 20 cent value as a new discovery. +Comparing the three specimens, he says: Two are exactly alike, and have +evidently been altered from variety three, above described, while the +third is different, having evidently been altered from variety two. At a +later date he mentions a fourth specimen. Five specimens are all that +have ever been chronicled, we believe. + +Mr. Pemberton describes the first three more at length, in a paper in +the Stamp Collector's Magazine, for January, 1871. He says he had before +him 13 stamps of the 5 cent value, and 12 of the 10 cents, but he does +not state how many he had of the 20 cents, but that 10 of the 25 +specimens were lent him from America. The American Journal, for +January, 1871, however, says he had the three known specimens of the 20 +cents. The theory of his article is that the twenty cents was made by +erasing the numerals, and of course incidentally other surrounding parts +of the varieties two and three, of the five cent value on the plate, and +engraving the numerals 20, printing that value and afterwards erasing +the 20 and replacing the five. It is also the theory of the article that +this was done with all three varieties of the 3 cents, although the +author had seen only two varieties of the 20 cents, and only one +specimen of the 5 cents, which he could torture into a re-engraving. He +alters the arrangement of varieties of Mr. Scott, to which we prefer to +adhere, and thus describes them: + +_Variety One_, from variety three of the five cents. + +One long and one short line under "_Saint_." Half of each of the +original top strokes and the third stroke under "_Louis_" being erased, +but the dot left. The inner line of the frame erased from the T to L, +and a smaller portion of the outer frame above erased also. + +_Variety Two_, from variety two of the five cents. Four strokes under +"_Saint_," but bolder and closer than the original, the vertical stroke +over the left bear's paw nearly erased. + +Four strokes under "_Louis_," but deeper and more regular, the third +stroke downwards on a level with the bear's ear. L of "Louis" has been +re-engraved. Bear's paw on the garter erased. + +The inner line of frame half erased between "_Saint_," and "_Louis_." + +It remains to be added that the numerals are, in both these varieties, +very badly drawn, single lined and solid, instead of open and +ornamented, and are shaded by miserably drawn irregular horizontal fine +lines of uneven length, totally different from the figures in the other +two values. + +It is both impracticable and useless to attempt to repeat here all the +arguments for and against the authenticity of these specimens. It is +claimed that they were found in the same file of letters with the +greater part of the specimens of the other values known. That the rate +they indicate was a regular rate upon heavy letters from St. Louis to +New York, and that many letters so marked that do not bear stamps, were +found in the same and other files; that there are no traces of erasure +of the 5 by scratching, and the paper is no thinner under the numerals +than elsewhere. This seems to be the substance of what can be said in +their favor. + +On the other hand they are not alluded to in the notices published in +the Republican, above quoted, or elsewhere; the engraver is positive +that he did not alter the values; says that he retained the plate until +after Mr. Wyman had ceased to be postmaster, which was at least two +years after the stamps were prohibited by law, and that the workmanship +of the numerals could not possibly be his, and would be a disgrace to +any engraver; the figures are apparently made by an unskilled hand with +an ordinary pen and ink; competent authorities in such matters state +that it is possible to remove printing ink from paper; three of the +known specimens have been photographed, two of one variety and one of +another; in all the numerals differ, those of the two varieties +mentioned by Mr. Scott as corresponding, vary as much as the two from +different varieties of the five cents. While it is true that a portion +of the inner line of the frame is gone between Saint and Louis, and that +the strokes are bolder beneath these words on one variety, it is not +apparent that they are nearer together, or of different shape as Mr. +Pemberton thought, or that the L of "Louis" has been re-engraved. The +absent lines need no comment. Lastly, the work has a blurred appearance, +as if the ink had slightly run into the paper around these famous 20 +numerals, and in all the photographs they are of a different color from +the remaining parts of the same stamps, and the other stamps +photographed with them, particularly noticeable in light photographs, +while the blurred appearance is more apparent in the dark photographs. +If these facts do not convince those who believe in the authenticity of +these 20 cent varieties, that they, with Messrs. Scott and Pemberton, +have been the victims of a clever fraud, the question will probably +never be settled for them, as no new facts are likely at this date to be +discovered. + +The two cent value, once chronicled, is of a different design, and an +admitted invention. + + + + +VI. + +STAMP OF THE BRATTLEBORO POSTMASTER. + + +The stamp issued by the Postmaster, of Brattleboro, Vermont, is +catalogued as a local as early as Kline's Manual, 2nd edition, 1863. The +first magazine to describe it was Taylor's Record, February, 1865, which +states that it was issued in 1848, by F. N. Palmer, to supply a +temporary lack of the current five cents and gives a fair description of +it. The American Journal of Philately, in January, 1869, in an article +by Dr. Petrie, gave the first correct account of it. The article gives a +letter purporting to have been written by Dr. Palmer, who says it was a +strictly private enterprise, neither ordered or repudiated by the +Department, and did not appear in his account with the head office at +Washington. "My object," he says, "in issuing it was to accommodate the +people, and save myself labor in making and collecting quarterly bills, +almost everything at that time being either charged or forwarded without +prepayment. I was disappointed in the effect, having still to charge +the stamps and collect my bills. As to the number issued, I should say +five or six hundred as an experiment. They were engraved by Mr. Thomas +Chubbuck, then of Brattleboro, now of Springfield." + +Mr. Palmer thinks the stamp was issued during his first year as +postmaster, (1845). + +The March number of the same journal, for the same year, mentions a +specimen on a letter of 1846, postmarked with a pen, November 10th, but +the stamp cancelled with the word "PAID," hand stamped in red. In the +Stamp Collector's Magazine, November, 1870, Mr. L. H. Bagg, +recapitulating the foregoing, states incidentally, that one reason for +this accommodating spirit on the part of the postmaster, was that his +salary depended on the cash receipts of his office, and hence his +anxiety to have as many letters prepaid as possible, a fact which +assists us in understanding why a stamp should have been issued at such +a small place as Brattleboro then was. The postmarked letter shows that +the use of the stamp did not do away with the necessity of marking the +letter "PAID," and that it was this mark and not the stamp that was +recognized by other postmasters. In his interview with Mr. Bagg, the +engraver, Mr. Chubbuck, was quite confident that Mr. Palmer burned all +the unsold stamps in his possession upon the appearance of the first +regular United States Stamps, that the bill for engraving them was not +collected until June, 1848, and that the charges were $7.50 for +engraving the plate, and $1.50 for printing 500 stamps. Mr. Bagg also +obtained from Mr. Chubbuck a part of a sheet, eight stamps, which was +afterwards purchased by Mr. Scott, who got together all the copies he +could, and thus reconstructed the sheet, which was shown to have +contained ten varieties, in two horizontal rows of 5 stamps each, each +stamp separately engraved, the words "Eng. by Thos. Chubbuck, Bratt'o," +appearing in small script under the middle stamp of the lower row, and +not extending over the length of that stamp. + + +BRATTLEBORO POST OFFICE. + +ISSUE OF 1845 OR 1846. + +"F. N. P.", the initials of the postmaster, Frederick N. Palmer, in +fac-simile, with flourish beneath, on a vertically lined ground, in an +oblong with cut corners, bordered by a heavy colored, a colorless and a +finer colored line in a band lined diagonally, (from right above, to +left below) and bordered by another fine colored, a colorless and +heavier colored line, forming an oblong rectangle, and inscribed above +"_Brattleboro, Vt._," in colored black letters, "_P._ and _O._" on left +and right, in ordinary colored capitals, and "_5 Cents_" in outline +capitals below. + +Plate impression 21 by 19 mm., in color, on brownish paper. + + 5 cents, black. + + + + +VII. + +STAMP OF THE NEW HAVEN POSTMASTER. + + +This stamp was discovered in an old collection by Mr. Wm. P. Brown, and +described by him in his Curiosity Cabinet in May, 1871. The New Haven +Palladium of May 11, 1871, has the following account of the discovery, +which, though it contains some errors as to the former postal rates, and +some ignorance as to the history of the stamps of the United States, is +worthy of insertion here. + + "A CURIOSITY." + + "An old envelope post office stamp, issued at New Haven, of the + denomination of 5 cents, marked 'PAID,' and subscribed by 'E. A. + Mitchell, P. M.,' has lately turned up. It must have been issued + over 20 years ago and is probably one of the oldest United + States stamps in existence. Mr. Mitchell was postmaster of this + city from 1844 to 1850. When he took office the rates were 6, + 10, 121/2, and 25 cents for single letters, according to distance, + no prepayment being required. The rates were afterwards reduced + to 10 and 5 cents according to distance, and subsequently to + five cents, uniform for all distances, the weight not exceeding + one quarter ounce, and prepayment required. At this period + envelopes began to come in use, and as prepayment of postage + could only be made at the office during business hours, Mr. + Mitchell took the responsibility of issuing envelopes, stamped + as above, with his signature on each, and selling them at the + cost of envelopes and postage as an accommodation; some of the + post offices refused to recognize them, and reported the fact to + the Department. As however the stamps could only be used at the + New Haven office, and were sent as prepaid matter, properly + entered on the New Haven Post Bill, there could be no loss to + the government, and the Department taking a liberal view of the + subject, authorized their continuance. There is no doubt that + the adoption of stamps by our government was much hastened by + the issue of these prepaid envelopes, and it can truly be said + that they were the first stamps issued by the United States. Mr. + Mitchell is still in possession of the original plate." + +From a letter of Mr. Mitchell's, printed in the American Journal of +Philately in May, 1871, it further appears that Mr. Mitchell permitted +parties to bring their own envelopes to be stamped. The die was a simple +hand stamp engraved by F. G. Gorham, and the ink employed was that in +ordinary use for hand stamps in the office, red or blue. He was +postmaster from September, 1844, to 1852, and thinks the stamp was +issued first in 1845. Only one original stamp has so far been found. + + +NEW HAVEN POST OFFICE. + +ISSUE OF 1845. + +Large rectangular stamp, with corners cut by quarter circles. Frame of a +very heavy outside line with an interior fine line. "_Post Office_" in +heavy block letters inclined to left, in a straight line across the top, +"_New Haven, Ct._," in a curved line of Roman capitals, in a second +line. Large numeral "5" with "PAID" in large block capitals beneath, +signature (E. A. Mitchell) written, and "P. M." in ordinary capitals +forming the fifth line. + +Impression 26 by 31 mm., from brass hand stamp, in color on white or +colored envelopes. + + 5 cents, red. + +The only known original is cut square. In 1871, Mr. Mitchell made a few +re-impressions in red and blue ink, which he signed and distributed to +collectors. The die was then deposited in the archives of the New Haven +Colonial Historical Society. + + Reprints. 5 cents, blue impression, red signature. + 5 " red " blue " + 5 " " " black " + 5 " " " no " + +All on large white paper. + + + + +VIII. + +STAMPS OF THE PROVIDENCE POSTMASTER. + + +These stamps, of which the 5 cent value was catalogued as early as 1863, +and the 10 cent in June, 1865, were issued by Mr. H. B. Sayles, +postmaster at Providence, and engraved by a Mr. Kidden, of that city in +1846. None of the daily papers of the locality, which we have been +permitted to consult, seem to have noticed the issue. The plate has +however been preserved among the archives of the State of Rhode Island. + + +PROVIDENCE POST OFFICE. + +ISSUE OF 1846. + +"_Post Office_," in a curved line, "_Prov. R. I._" in a straight line, +and "_Five Cents_" in a curved line, all in outline colorless block +capitals on a ground of fine horizontal lines, bordered by a fine +colored, a broad colorless and second fine colored line, forming a +horizontal oval, the space outside filled in with similar horizontal +lined ground to form a rectangle, bordered by a fine colored line, the +bottom and right side double thickness, and ornamented with a white +foliated ornament in each of the four corners, separated by a white ball +on the sides, and by from two to five balls above, but none at the +bottom, where there is instead a prolongation of the foliation. + +Plate impression (copper), 20 by 28 mm., on yellowish white paper. + + 5 cents, black, + 10 cents, black. + +These stamps were issued gummed. + +The paper of the sheet measures 851/2 by 88 mm. On the plate there are +three stamps in each horizontal and four in each vertical row, or twelve +stamps. The upper right hand corner stamp alone bears the value "_Ten +Cents_." If for the sake of convenience the first stamp on the left of +the upper row is designated as type one, the next two, etc.; the first +stamp on the left of the second row as type four; the first of the third +row as seven; and the first of the fourth row as ten, the following may +be noticed among the many points of difference. The plate was originally +ruled into spaces for the stamps by very fine lines, which seem to have +been carried straight through over the spaces intended to separate the +stamps, and not always to have been perfectly obliterated afterwards. On +the right of the plate there is also a vertical line parallel to the +right side of all the stamps in the right hand row, at the distance +separating two stamps (nearly 2 mm.) as if the intention had been to add +another stamp to each horizontal row. + +_Type 1._ At the upper left corner, the horizontal frame line thickened +projects to the left and the vertical line projects upward. 5 balls +between the foliations the middle one is an oblong rectangle, the end +ones touch the ornaments. The side balls are on a line with the tops of +the letters of "Prov., R. I." There is a period after Cents. + +_Type 2._ At the upper left corner, the horizontal frame line thickened +projects to the left. At the lower left corner both the horizontal and +vertical lines thickened project. Both the horizontal top and bottom +lines continue on the right to Type 3. 5 balls, the middle one is a +square, the next on the right is the lower half of a circle, the next on +left flat at top and bottom. These three are all small. The end ball on +the right larger than the others. Both it and the end ball on the left +are flat on top. "F" in "Five" very close to the border. Side balls +above the line of the top of the letters of "Prov., R. I." A period +after Cents. + +_Type 3._ Ten cents. The horizontal top line of frame projects each way. +The vertical line at the right plain above but thickened and partially +obliterated below the lower right corner. The lower horizontal line +projects to the left to Type 2. 5 balls, the middle one large and +square, the extreme right one nearly round, the remaining three +irregular and nearly equal in size. "E" of "Office" touches the oval. +Side balls below the line of the top of the letters of "Prov., R. I.," +and lower point of left foliation cuts into the left ball. No period +after Cents. + +_Type 4._ The top horizontal line projects to the left. The bottom +horizontal line projects both to the left and right. 5 balls. The middle +one is a small oblong rectangle. Those next to it very small. Left side +ball on a level with the top line of letters of "Prov., R. I.," but the +right ball smaller and lower down. No period after Cents. + +_Type 5._ The top horizontal line projects to the left, and part of it +is thickened. It also projects to the right. The bottom horizontal line +projects to the left. 5 balls. The middle one in an oblong rectangle. +The "s" of Cents, resembles an 8. Side balls are above the line of the +top of "Prov., R. I." No period after Cents. + +_Type 6._ The top horizontal line projects to left. The bottom +horizontal line also. The vertical left line projects to type 9. 5 +balls. The middle one is a square. Shading of "E" of "Office" touches +the oval. The side balls are below the tops of "Prov., R. I." No period +after Cents. + +_Type 7._ The top horizontal line projects both to left and right. The +right vertical line projects above the corner. 4 balls only. The middle +one is gone. They are all small. A period after Cents. + +_Type 8._ The top horizontal and left vertical lines both project at the +upper left corner. 5 balls. The middle ball is a square. The top of the +"E" of "Office" touches the oval. The "s" in Cents is very small, and is +followed by a period. + +_Type 9._ The top horizontal line projects both ways, and the left +vertical line projects above the upper left corner. Both vertical lines +are continued down to type 12. 2 balls only, the middle ones are left +out. "V" in "Prov." is too large and the "F" of "Five" touches the oval. +No period after Cents. + +_Type 10._ The top horizontal and right vertical lines both project +beyond the upper right corner. 5 balls. The middle one square. The lower +leaf of the upper left foliation has no notch. Point after Cents. + +_Type 11._ The top horizontal line projects to the left and both +verticals project upwards. 5 balls. The middle one is square. The end +balls project above top line. No period after Cents. + +_Type 12._ Both vertical lines project up to Type 9. 5 dots. Middle one +is an oblong rectangle. The next on the right projects above the frame. +The one at right end is nearly round, but both those at the left are +rectangular. Ball at right side large and flat. No period after Cents. + +It has been stated that the engraver of the original plate re-engraved +these stamps for the benefit of collectors many years ago. However this +may be, there are a number of very dangerous counterfeits in existence, +as well as some that are easily detected. + +In the following table the lines which touch the letters or other parts +are counted as well as those between them. By these differences and +peculiarities the position of a given specimen on the plate can readily +be determined. + +The following peculiarities are noticed in Le Timbre Poste, page 5, 1871. + + Row A, Width of the oval + " B, Height of the oval + + Horizontal lines between the; + Row C, Upper frame and oval + " D, O of Office, and oval above + " E, V of Prov., and oval above + " F, V of Prov., and C of Cents + " G, C of Cents, and oval below + " H, P of Prov., & E or T of 5, 10 + " I, I of R. I., and S of Cents + " J, P of Post, and P of Prov. + " K, E of Office, and I of R. I. + + ------------------------------------------------------------- + |Type|Type|Type|Type|Type|Type|Type|Type|Type|Type|Type|Type| + | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + A |241/4 | 24 | 24 | 233/4| 233/4| 24 | 24 | 24 | 241/4| 24 | 24 | 241/4| + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + B |181/2 | 181/4| 181/4| 181/2| 181/4| 181/4| 181/4| 181/2| 181/4| 181/2|181/4 | 181/4| + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + C | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + D |12 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 11 | + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + E |15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 15 | + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + F |13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + G | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 9 | + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + H | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + I | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 4 | + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + J | 6 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | + | | | | | | | | | | | | | + K | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | + ------------------------------------------------------------- + + + + +IX. + +STAMP OF THE ALEXANDRIA POSTMASTER. + + +This stamp was discovered by the present author, and was first +chronicled in an article by him in Le Timbre Poste, of February, 1873. A +second specimen is chronicled in Durbin's Philatelic Monthly, of August, +1879. They are both postmarked with the ordinary dated hand stamp of +Alexandria, D. C., the word "PAID," and large numeral "5." The first +postmark is dated July 10th, that of the second is illegible, but the +letter was dated Sept. 9th, 1846. + + +ALEXANDRIA POST OFFICE. + +ISSUE OF 1846. + +Large round stamp, 30 mm. in diameter, with border of 40 six-rayed +stars. Within "_Alexandria_," above, and "_Post Office_," below, in +heavy block capitals, a six-rayed star separating the words, on each +side. In the centre "PAID," in smaller capitals, with the numeral "5" +beneath. + +Impression from wood block, 30 mm. in diameter, on yellow paper. + + 5 cents, black. + +This stamp appears to have been originally stamped upon the buff +envelopes common at the time, and to have been cut out and fastened to +the letter. No further information concerning it has yet been +discovered. The files at Washington, of the Alexandria Gazette, the only +Alexandria paper of that period, are defective from May 22nd, to +October, 1845, and in part for 1847. Daniel Brien was Postmaster at +Alexandria during 1845-47. + + + + +X. + +STAMPS OF THE BALTIMORE POSTMASTER. + + +This stamp was first chronicled in the Philatelical Journal in 1874. The +copy there described was the only one known, until very recently, a +second copy was described in the New York World, and subsequently that +and another were mentioned in the Alexandria Gazette, of August 3rd, +1886, as having been in possession of Mr. Thomas Semmes, of Alexandria. +These are described as postmarked respectively, January 15th, and 31st., +1847, with the other marks usual upon letters of the period. From 1845 +to 1849, Mr. James Madison Buchannan was the postmaster at Baltimore, +and is said to have issued this stamp in the fall of 1846. Further +details are wanting. The stamp is a simple looking slip of paper +containing the signature of the postmaster in fac-simile, in one line, +and the value, "_5 Cents_," in a second line, bordered by a frame of +single colored lines, crossed at the four angles. + +Impression, 55 by 15 mm., in color upon thin bluish paper. + + 5 cents, black. + +[Illustration: James M. Buchannan (handwritten signature) PAID 5 (with 5 +inside circle)] + +Besides these adhesive stamps, Mr. Buchannan also issued a species of +franked envelope. Two copies of this were found by Mr. Robt. H. Smith, +in examining his old letters. They are the ordinary buff wove envelopes +of the period, size 80 by 137 mm., of the old simple form with straight +edged flaps. In the right upper hand corner the signature "James M. +Buchannan," hand stamped, 501/2 mm. long, the "B," 41/2 mm. high. Beneath +this in a second line the word "PAID," in capitals, 4 mm. high, and 16 +mm. long is also hand stamped. Below this again, a large numeral "5," +111/2 mm. high, in an oval 201/2 mm. long by 71/2 high, is also hand stamped. + +The specimen described is hand stamped with the ordinary round hand +stamp of Baltimore, Md., and dated Nov. 24th, no year stated and is +directed to the present owner and finder. + +Impression hand stamped in blue ink on buff envelopes. + + 5 cents, blue. + +Besides these it has been claimed that the stamp known as the +"horseman," was also issued in 1860 or 1861, by the Postmaster of +Baltimore. It may be described as a rough design of a horseman, +galloping to the right, holding a streamer, inscribed: "_One Cent_." On +ribbons above, "_Government City Dispatch_." Rough frame of vertical +lines with rough ornaments in the corners, bordered by a single colored +line. + +Impression, 23 by 17 mm., apparently lithographed in color on white +paper. + + 1 Cent, red. + 1 " black. + Variety, 1 Sent " + +It will appear further on, that at this date, 1860, and long prior +thereto, the law prohibited postmasters from recognizing or permitting +to be used any stamps not received from the Postmaster General. In a +letter published in the American Journal of Philately, July 20th, 1869, +W. H. H. Corell, 3rd Assistant Postmaster General, says: "The records of +the Department do not contain any reference to the other stamp, Post +Rider." It is supposed to have been issued by one of the numerous "City +Dispatch" companies located in New York. These facts and the very rough +workmanship, so unlike any of the authorized Government issues, would +seem sufficient to settle the absolutely unofficial character of this +stamp. + + + + +XI. + +STAMP OF THE MILLBURY POSTMASTER. + + +In the collection of letters received by Col. Isaac Davis, of Worcester, +Mass., now in the library of the American Antiquarian Society, were +found, in 1884, two letters written and posted at Millbury, in August +and December, 1846, postmarked with the ordinary dating stamp of +Millbury, of the dates August 21st, and December 16th, respectively, and +stamped with an adhesive stamp, cancelled with the word "PAID," in large +capitals, partly on the letter and partly on the stamp. The earliest +also bears a large "V," in an octagon frame, and the other a large +numeral "5," in a circle. Col. Asa H. Waters, was postmaster of Millbury +in 1846, having received his commission, dated January 2nd, 1836, from +President Jackson, "Old Hickory," and retained the office until +November, 1848, when he resigned and obtained the office for Henry +Waterman, who had been his assistant. A third copy of the adhesive stamp +is in the possession of Col. Waters, postmarked exactly as the first +described specimen, but the date is July 18th. Both Col. Waters and Mr. +Waterman state that the idea of the stamp was suggested by the reception +of letters bearing the New York stamp, and that the stamp was printed in +Boston, from a block cut in 1846. Neither gentleman has any data by +which to fix more exactly the date of its issue. + + +MILLBURY POST OFFICE. + +ISSUE OF 1846. + +Head of Washington, 3/4 face to the right, on a colorless circular disk, +161/2 mm. in diameter, shaded to left of the head, and part way in front +by 4 diagonal lines, and bordered by a circular band, 2 mm. wide, edged +outside and inside by a colored line. The band is inscribed above, +"_Post Office_," below, "_Paid 5 Cents_," in colored block capitals, +except "5 Cents," which is in script. There are three five-pointed stars +irregularly formed on each side in the band. The outer circle is a +little flat between T and O. The vertical diameter is 1/2 mm. longer than +the horizontal. + +Impression from wood block 22 by 221/2 mm. in diameter, in black on smooth +unsurfaced white paper. + + 5 cents, black. + + + + +XII. + +STAMPED ENVELOPES OF THE WASHINGTON POSTMASTER. + + +The Daily Union, published at Washington, Wednesday, July 23rd, 1845, +and the National Intelligencer, of Friday, July 25th, 1845, contain the +following advertising editorial[A]: + + "INTERESTING TO CITIZENS AND SOJOURNERS IN WASHINGTON. Upon + inquiring at the city post office, we learn that Col. Gardiner + has had franked (or rather prepaid) envelopes prepared, which do + away with the necessity of personal application at the delivery + window when one wishes to pay postage on sending off a letter. + They are for sale at the post office, at the following rates; + which barely pay the cost, after deducting the sum chargeable on + each for postage, viz: + + 18 envelopes to enclose letters charged at 5 cents for $1.00 + 9 " " " " 50 + 1 " " " " 61/4 + 9 " " " 10 cents 1.00 + 4 " " " 10 " } 50 + 1 " " " 5 " } + + This plan, it will be recollected has been adopted in the + northern cities to the great advantage of the public, and its + introduction here will save our fellow citizens many a long and + hitherto, indispensable trudge, in this metropolis of + magnificent distances." + +The latter paper, however quotes the price of the 5 cent envelopes at 6 +cents, instead of 61/4. These are evidently the envelopes mentioned in the +article of the Express, of July 8th, quoted in the chapter on the stamps +of the New York postmaster. Up to the present time none of them have +been reported to have been found. + + [A] The newspaper articles concerning these envelopes were found + by Mr. C. F. Rothfuchs who, at the suggestion of the author, + kindly searched the files of the Washington papers. + + + + +XIII. + +STAMPS OF THE PHILADELPHIA POSTMASTER. + + +From 1845 to 1849, Dr. Geo. F. Lehman was postmaster of Philadelphia. It +is asserted that he adopted for use in the post office at Philadelphia, +a number of peculiar devices of his own, which appear to have been a +substitute for postage stamps. They are described as bands with the +names of the persons who mailed the letters upon them, which were +fastened around the letters, and upon receipt at the post office, were +removed by the clerks and kept as vouchers, the amount of postage due +being charged to the account of the sender, and collected with the +quarterly bill. There are also said to have been in use several other +designs in the form of stamps, printed and sold by the post office, +which when fastened upon the letter indicated that the office had +received postage, and such letters were then forwarded and marked as +paid. + +Although several varieties of these are said to have been in use, none +of them have yet been found. + + + + +XIV. + +STAMPS OF THE WORCESTER POSTMASTER. + + +In the National Aegis, published at Worcester, Mass., September 2nd, +1846, may be found the following item: + + "POST OFFICE STAMPS. The postmaster has issued postage stamps of + the denomination of five cents and ten cents. They are very + convenient, and will save the trouble of making change at the + post office, and will enable people to send prepaid letters at + times when the office is closed. To cover the expense of + engraving and printing, these stamps are sold at five per cent + advance upon the regular rates of postage." + +Maturin L. Fisher was postmaster at Worcester, from 1839 to 1849, and +Andrew A. Williams was his chief clerk in 1846. The above item was +recently found by the present author in searching old files of +newspapers, for information about the various postmaster's stamps. No +other Worcester paper seems to have noticed the matter, and no further +information has so far rewarded the limited inquiry and search possible +since the discovery. Both of the gentlemen in the office at the time are +now deceased. + + + + +XV. + +STAMPS OF THE PITTSFIELD POSTMASTER. + + +A short notice published in one of the Springfield, Mass., papers, in +the summer of 1874, asserts that in overhauling the vaults of the +Berkshire Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Pittsfield, a number of +stamps were found that were issued by the Pittsfield postmaster, in +1846-7. Phineas Allen was postmaster of Pittsfield at the time. No +further information concerning these stamps, has rewarded inquiry. + + + + +XVI. + +OBSERVATIONS. + + +It is by no means improbable that other similar devices were in use in +other towns and cities at this period, by which prepayment of postage +was secured. The salaries of many of the smaller offices depended on the +amount of postage collected, and the importance of all offices was +estimated by the revenue collected. It was natural, therefore, as the +public demand for such accommodation grew, that the postmaster should +adopt a device tending to their own benefit. There are in the possession +of the present author a number of hand stamps, apparently cut from +letters and envelopes, inscribed such and such a "Post Office," "5 Cents +Paid," which would seem to be stamps of this kind, but in the absence of +further information, are not here chronicled. The wide spread use of +such stamps would appear from the following caution, published in the +Courier, of New York, July 18th, 1845. + + "The postmaster of this city has given notice that he has + prepared stamps for the use of merchants, and requests them to + provide themselves with these stamps to facilitate the business + of the post office, and for their own convenience. It will be + observed that the postmaster warns the public that any stamps + offered for sale at any place other than the post office of this + city are spurious. That the use of proper stamps by merchants + will be a great convenience is admitted; but these stamps, thus + offered, should be considered in no other light than the + personal obligations of the postmaster, unauthorized as far as + the public know, by any proper authority, and if issued by the + postmaster of one city, may also be issued by the postmaster of + any town or city in the United States; and if this practice + becomes general, the amount in these stamps held by the public + will be very considerable, and will evidently lead to great + abuses and probably losses. + + In case of the death or removal of a postmaster, we know of no + legal obligation of his successor to consider these stamps of + any value whatever. + + Post office stamps to be of general utility, should be issued by + the General Post Office at Washington, sanctioned by law, and + with suitable penalties in case of forgery: they would be of + great advantage to the Post Office Department, and would much + facilitate business in various ways, but if issued by any or all + postmasters, will in some cases be used "to raise the wind," and + may raise it pretty effectually in cases of death or default, as + the amount held by the public in any of the large cities would + be a very considerable sum." + + (Signed) CAVEAT. + +This article was reprinted by numerous journals, among them the Express, +of New York, July 18th, 1845. + + + + +XVII. + +THE ISSUE OF 1847. + + +Notwithstanding these manifest dangers, noticed by the Courier and +Express, the public continued to demand and use, and the postmasters to +issue, as we have seen, these unauthorized stamps, without action on the +part of Congress, or interference by the Department, until the beginning +of 1847 when, apparently in response to the necessities of the case the +following law was passed: + + STATUTES OF THE UNITED STATES, XXIX Congress, Session II, + Chapter LXIII, Section 1, approved March 3rd, 1847. An Act to + establish certain Post Roads and for other purposes. + + "And be it further enacted, that to facilitate the + transportation of letters by mail, the Postmaster General be + authorized to prepare postage stamps, which, when attached to + any letter or packet, shall be evidence of the prepayment of the + postage chargeable on such letter, which said stamps the + Postmaster General may deliver to any deputy postmaster who may + apply for the same, the deputy postmaster paying or becoming + accountable for the amount of the stamps so received by him, and + if any of said stamps shall not be used, but be returned to the + General Post Office, the amount so returned shall be credited to + such deputy postmaster, and such deputy postmaster may sell or + dispose of any stamps so received by him to any person who may + wish to use the same, but it shall not be lawful for any deputy + postmaster, to prepare, use, or dispose of any postage stamps + not authorized by and received from the Postmaster General. And + any person who shall falsely and fraudulently make, alter or + forge any postage stamp with intent to defraud the Post Office + Department, shall be deemed guilty of felony, and on conviction + shall be subject to the same punishment as provided in the 21 + Section of the Act approved March 3rd, 1825, entitled an Act," + etc. + +This is the first authorization of postage stamps in the United States, +and it will be well to observe that the use of any stamps other than +_those authorized and received from_ the Postmaster General is strictly +prohibited. The use of the stamps of the postmasters herein before +treated of, must therefore have ceased from and after the 1st of July, +1847, when the law went into effect, or as soon thereafter as supplies +were received from the Department. This effectually determines the +character of such locals, as the so-called "Horseman," and "U. S. Mail +Prepaid," before referred to. + +According to the law and custom in the United States, a contract for the +engraving and printing of stamps, under the authority of this Act, was +made by the Postmaster General with Messrs. Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and +Edson, for four years. During this time they furnished 4,400,000, five +cent stamps, and 1,050,000, ten cent stamps, of which 3,712,000 five +cent, and 891,000 ten cent stamps are officially reported to have been +distributed by the Department to deputy postmasters for sale. A portion +of these, valued at $12,038.55, were however afterwards returned to the +Department and exchanged for those of the subsequent issue, and credited +to the deputies who returned them. + + +ISSUE OF JULY 1ST, 1847. + +The issue consisted of two values only, five and ten cents. + +FIVE CENTS. Portrait of Benjamin Franklin, Continental Postmaster +General, facing three quarters to the left, on an oval disk with hatched +ground, 141/2 by 171/4 mm., bounded by a broad colorless line with a fine +colored line outside, in a rectangular frame, also bordered by a broad +colorless line with a fine colored line outside. The ground work of this +frame is composed of fine horizontal colored lines, and is ornamented by +foliations, and inscribed in outlined colorless capitals, "_U._" and +"_S._," in the upper corners, with "_Post Office_," between, following +the form of the oval, large numeral "5," and "5," in the lower corners, +with "_Five Cents_" between, following the form of the oval. + +Between the lines of the outer border, exactly in the centre, are the +initials of the engravers, "R. W. H. & E.," in small colored capitals. + +Plate impression, 181/2 by 231/2 mm., in color, on faintly bluish paper. + + 5 cents, bronze. + +TEN CENTS. Portrait of George Washington, first President, facing three +quarters to the right, on an oval disk, with hatched background, +bordered by a broad colorless line, with a fine colored line outside, in +a rectangular frame, bordered in the same manner. The ground of the +frame and inscriptions are similar to the five cents, but changed for +the value to a large "X," in each lower corner, with "_Ten Cents_," +between. Same small initials in the lower border. + +Plate impression, 181/2 by 231/2 mm., in color, on faintly bluish paper. + + 10 cents, black. + +In the Hartford Times of August 5th, 1885, appeared a long article, +entitled: "The First Postage Stamps," from which the following relating +to the actual date of this issue may be here repeated. + + "Thirty eight years ago to-day the first postage stamps were + used in the United States. * * * On the 25th of March, 1840, + John M. Niles, of Hartford, became Postmaster General and + signalized his administration by many reforms. * * * It was + necessary to cap all by a genuine innovation, and he performed + this by suggesting the postage stamp. The suggestion was + received with ridicule, and Mr. Niles soon after retired. * * * + When Cave Johnson assumed the post office, on the 5th of March, + 1845, he found it an Herculian task to reinstate the reform + measures of Mr. Niles. * * * Among the measures of Mr. Niles + that he adopted was the postage stamp idea. * * * Johnson + garnished his conversation with fathering the suggestion + originated six years before. * * * The matter took form as a + bill. * * * Approved March 3rd, 1847. The date of the issue was + appointed as July 1st, but there was a delay in the contractors' + work and the time ran over a month. + + On the 5th of August, soon after the opening of the Postmaster + General's office for the day, an old gentleman called to see Mr. + Johnson on business. The gentleman was the Hon. Henry Shaw, a + New Yorker, * * * and the father of the well known Henry Shaw, + Jr., (Josh Billings). * * * Mr. Johnson came into his office + accompanied by the printer of the new stamps, a few minutes + after Mr. Shaw had arrived, on that August morning. Sheets of + the stamps were laid before the Postmaster General, who, after + receipting for them, handed them to his visitor to inspect. Mr. + Shaw returned them after a hasty glance, and then drawing out + his wallet, he counted fifteen cents, with which he purchased + two of the stamps--the first two ever issued. The five cent + stamp he kept as a curiosity, and the ten cent stamp he + presented to Governor Briggs, as an appropriate gift." + + +OBSERVATIONS. + +In nearly all the early catalogues and in some recent foreign ones, +these stamps are catalogued upon _white_ paper. Mr. Terrell, Third +Assistant Postmaster General, in a letter published on page 111, +American Stamp Mercury, 1870, states positively that this issue was +never printed except upon faintly tinted bluish paper. It may be +observed, generally, that the paper of all stamps of the early issues of +all countries which were affixed to the blue or bluish paper in general +use at the time, has a tendency to vary from the original color, +sometimes becoming blue or bluish, when originally white, darker or +lighter blue or even whitish if originally blue. This has been variously +explained, as the action of some ingredient in the paper of the letter, +or of the stamp, in the gum or the ink. + +It must be further observed that the color of the impression of the five +cents varies greatly from the original pale red brown, called bronze. +Many shades of faint red brown, red brown, faint dark brown, deep dark +brown, black brown, bluish black, and almost pure black, may be found. +Whether these result, as seems to be the case, from a natural change in +the course of time, from something in the ink, paper or surroundings of +the stamp itself, or whether it results from the use of different +colored ink originally, may perhaps be impossible now to determine. + +The ten cent, however, varies very little in the color of the +impression. Beyond a lighter, or grayish shade, a black with a bluish +cast, and the ordinary black impression, little is to be noticed. + +The stamps are separated in the sheet by about 2 mm., each way. Double +copies of the five cents, adhering either by the side, or by the top and +bottom, are often found on old letters, and occasionally, three or four +adhering specimens are encountered. The ten cents is almost invariably +found in single specimens, though a few pairs, and even three used +together are known. + +According to a statement in the American Journal of Philately, of April, +1871, this issue was withdrawn from circulation between June 11th and +September 30th, 1851. The instructions of the Department to the deputy +postmasters, concerning the distribution of the next issue, published in +June, 1851, order that these five and ten cent stamps must not be +recognized as prepaying letters after the 30th of June, 1851, and +request the public to return them to the deputy postmasters, in exchange +for others of the new issue. The report of the Postmaster General for +the year expiring June 30th, 1851, and published in the fall of that +year, further states: "Directions for the destruction of the dies and +plates, employed in the manufacture of the stamps formerly used, have +been given, and for counting and burning such stamps as have not been +issued to postmasters or have been returned." + +These facts probably explain the extreme rarity of unused stamps of this +issue, and the re-engraving of the dies by the Government, when it was +considered advisable to make an exhibit of all its issues of adhesive +stamps at the Centennial Exhibition. + +The existence therefore, of a specimen of four unused five cent stamps, +adhering by the sides, and another of four unused ten cent stamps, +adhering also by the sides, in the private collection of Mr. Sterling, +is worthy of notice. The latter specimen, at any rate, is probably +unique, and though called whitish paper by him, has nevertheless, the +bluish tint, and certainly is not _white_ paper. + +NOTE. There are _proofs_ however on white paper. + + + + +XVIII. + +THE ISSUE OF 1851. + + +The Act of the XXXI Congress, Session II, Chapter XX, approved March +3rd, 1851, and entitled: "An Act to reduce and modify the Rates of +Postage in the United States, and for other purposes" reads: + + "Be it enacted, etc., that from and after the 30th day of June, + 1851, in lieu of the rates of postage now established by law, + there shall be charged the following rates, viz: For every + single letter in manuscript, or paper of any kind, upon which + information shall be asked for, or communicated, in writing, or + by marks or signs, conveyed in the mail for any distance, + between places within the United States, not exceeding 3,000 + miles, when the postage upon said letter shall have been + prepaid, three cents, and five cents when the postage thereon + shall not have been prepaid, and for any distance exceeding + 3,000 miles, double these rates; for every such single letter or + paper when conveyed wholly or in part by sea, and to or from a + foreign country, for any distance over 2,500 miles, twenty + cents, and for any distance under 2,500 miles, ten cents, + excepting however, all cases where such postages have been or + shall be adjusted at different rates by postal treaty or + convention already concluded or hereafter to be made; and for a + double letter there shall be charged double the rates above + specified; and for a treble letter, treble these rates; and for + a quadruple letter, quadruple these rates; and every letter or + parcel not exceeding half an ounce in weight, shall be deemed a + single letter, and every additional weight of half an ounce, or + every additional weight of less than half an ounce, shall be + charged with an additional single postage. And all drop letters, + or letters placed in any post office, not for transmission, but + for delivery only, shall be charged with postage at the rate of + one cent each, and all letters which shall hereafter be + advertised as remaining over or uncalled for in any post office + shall be charged with one cent in addition to the regular + postage to be accounted for as other postages now are." + +The second section fixed the rates upon newspapers of all descriptions, +coming from the publishers, etc., etc., which were not to be paid for by +stamps, but: + + "Every other newspaper circular, hand bill, engraving, + pamphlet," etc., etc., "shall be charged one cent an ounce under + 500 miles and one cent each additional ounce between 500 and + 1500 miles," double beyond, etc., etc. + +The third section provides: + + "And be it further enacted, that it shall be the duty of the + Postmaster General to provide and furnish to all deputy + postmasters, and to all other persons applying and paying + therefor, suitable postage stamps, of the denomination of three + cents, and of such other denominations as he may think expedient + to facilitate prepayment of postages provided for in this Act; + and any person who shall forge or counterfeit any postage stamp, + provided or furnished under this Act, whether the same are + impressed or printed on or attached to envelopes or not, or any + die, plate or engraving therefor, or shall make or print, or + knowingly use or sell, or have in his possession, with intent to + use or sell, any such false, forged or counterfeit die, plate, + engraving, or postage stamps, or who shall make or print, or + otherwise procure to be made or printed, any postage stamps of + the kind provided and furnished by the Postmaster General, as + aforesaid, without the especial authority and direction of the + Post Office Department, or who, after such postage stamps have + been printed, shall, with intent to defraud the revenue of the + Post Office Department, deliver any postage stamps to any person + or persons other than such as shall be authorized to receive the + same by an instrument of writing duly executed under the hand of + the Postmaster General, and the seal of the Post Office + Department, shall on conviction thereof be deemed guilty of + felony, and punishable by a fine not exceeding 500 dollars, or + by imprisonment not exceeding five years; or by both such fine + or imprisonment, and the expenses of procuring and providing all + such postage stamps and letter envelopes as are provided or + authorized by this Act, shall be paid, after being adjusted by + the auditor of the Post Office Department, on the certificate of + the Postmaster General, out of any money in the Treasury, + arising from the Revenues of the Post Office Department." + +The 4th section provides that postage stamps shall be defaced as the +Postmaster General may direct, and the penalty for omitting so to do. + +The 10th section provides for the appointment of carriers, the rate to +be one or two cents prepaid, the carriers to be paid out of the receipts +from this postage. + +The 11th section authorizes the coining of the three cent coin, probably +to facilitate the payment of these rates. + +The other matters mentioned in the foregoing Act are of little interest +here, but the following circular contains some matters of importance: + + REGULATIONS CONCERNING POSTAGE STAMPS. + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, + _June 10th, 1851_. + + "To facilitate the payment of postages upon letters and + packages, postage stamps of the following denominations are + provided and furnished by the postmaster General, pursuant to + the third section of the "Act to reduce and modify the rates of + Postage in the United States," and for other purposes approved + March 3rd, 1851. + + Viz: No. 1. Printed in black, representing the head of + Washington, of the denomination of twelve cents. + No. 2. Printed in red, representing the head of + Washington, in profile, of the denomination of three + cents. + No. 3. Printed in blue, representing the head of Franklin, + in profile, of the denomination of one cent. + + These stamps will be furnished to one or more of the principal + postmasters in each county, who will be required to supply the + other postmasters in their vicinities, upon being paid for the + amount furnished." + +The remaining provisions relate to the mode of distribution, accounting, +cancelling, etc., and are of no particular interest. The circular is +signed "Nathan D. Hall, Postmaster General." + +A similar circular dated April 3rd, 1852, is almost an exact repetition +of the foregoing. The stamps issued may be described more fully thus: + + +ISSUE OF JULY 1ST, 1851. + +ONE CENT. Bust of Benjamin Franklin, first Postmaster General, in +profile, facing to the right, in an oval disk 17 by 201/2 mm., with a +ground of very fine horizontal colored lines, slightly waved, bordered +by a colorless line between two fine colored lines. The colorless line +is ornamented by a line of fine dots. Above is a label, bordered at the +top by a similarly ornamented colorless line, between two fine colored +lines, terminated at the ends by the corner ornaments of the stamp, with +a ground of fine colored lines following the lines of the oval, and +inscribed in outline capitals "_U. S. Postage_." Below the oval is a +similar label, the ends terminated by a similar border, with a ground of +fine colored lines, inscribed "_One Cent_" in outline capitals. This +label is shaded by a number of vertical lines. Scroll and foliated +corner ornaments extending down the sides. There is no outside line +finishing the frame. The stamps are very near each other on the sheet. + +Plate impression, 19 by 22 mm., color, white paper. + + 1 cent, shades of indigo blue. + +THREE CENTS. Bust of Washington, first President of the United States, +in profile to left, on an oval disk, with hatched ground, bordered by a +fine colorless line between two fine colored lines, surrounded by a +frame composed of colorless lines, forming diamonds on a solid ground, +the alternate diamonds filled in with diagonal colorless lines, leaving +a colored chain conspicuous, with rosettes in the four angles. The space +between the oval and frame filled with horizontal lines, and the corners +outside the rosettes filled with ornamented triangles. Above and below +all these are solid colored labels, with a small piece containing a +diamond cut off at each end by a vertical colorless line, inscribed in +colorless Roman capitals, above "_U. S. Postage_," below "_Three +Cents_." The whole is surrounded, at a little distance, by a colored +line forming a rectangle. + +Plate impression 20 by 25 mm., color, white paper. + + 3 cents, in shades of brick and rose red. + +TWELVE CENTS. Bust of Washington, after Stewart, facing three quarters +to the left, on an oval disk 131/2 by 17 mm., with hatched ground, +bordered by a colorless line between two colored lines. This colorless +line is crossed by horizontal lines. About this is a frame like that of +the 3 cents, with rosettes at the angles, but showing six and two half +links in the chain on each side, instead of five and two half links as +in the three cents. The outside corners are filled by small foliations. +The space between the oval and frame is filled by horizontal lines. +Inscription above "_U. S. Postage_," below "_Twelve Cents_" in colorless +capitals, shaded outside on the back ground and following the curve of +the oval. The whole is surrounded by a fine colored line. + +Plate impression, 19 by 25 mm., color, white paper. + + 12 cents, black. + +As it was considered desirable to keep the amounts collected and paid +for delivery by carriers (under section 10 of the act) separate, a +special stamp for the payment of such postage was soon added: + + +ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 29TH, 1851. + +ONE CENT. Bust of Benjamin Franklin, in profile, to the left, on an oval +disk, 15 by 171/2 mm. with hatched ground, bordered by a colorless line +between two fine colored lines. Frame, labels, etc., like the three +cents, but with a colorless star between curved colorless lines at the +end instead of the diamonds. The inscription is in colorless Roman +capitals, on the upper label "_Carrier's_," and "_Stamp_" in the lower +label. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 24 mm., color, rose paper. + + No value indicated, indigo blue. + +Specimens exist in brick red, some of which show the crack in the die. +These must be proofs, although a letter purporting to be from W. M. +Ireland, Third Assistant Postmaster General, dated August 10th, 1869, +and published in the August number of the American Journal of Philately, +after describing this stamp says: + + "Color, orange-brown, typographed in color on white paper. + Proofs were issued printed in blue on pink paper; also in green + and yellow. It was issued about September 29th, 1851, but was + suppressed almost immediately, owing to its great similarity to + the then three cent stamp. Only about 300,000 were ever issued. + It has always surprised me that the Department has never kept + any official history of its stamps." + +This stamp was succeeded by the; + + +ISSUE OF NOVEMBER, 17, 1851. + +ONE CENT. Eagle poised for flight, turned to the left, resting on a +branch of laurel, on an oval disk, 18 by 13 mm., the ground of clouds +and rays, surrounded by a fine colored line, a colorless line, and a +band of solid color inscribed in colorless Roman capitals above "_U. S. +P. O. Dispatch_," below "_Prepaid, One Cent_," with ornaments of oak +leaves on the left and of laurels on the right. + +Plate impression, 19 by 25 mm., color, white paper. + + 1 cent, blue. + +A letter dated from the Post Office Department, Finance Office. July +20th, 1869, and signed W. H. H. Corell, Third Assistant Postmaster +General, published in the American Journal of Philately, says: + + "The blue stamp "Eagle" was used for prepaying City letters + delivered by carriers. It was issued about Nov. 17th, 1851, and + was withdrawn Jan. 27th, 1852. It was very little used except in + Philadelphia, Pa., and Cincinnati, Ohio." + +As a matter of fact however, the published reports of the Postmaster +General, shows that there were issued: + + 4,777,552 from Nov. 1851, up to June, 1852. + 4,370,383 " June 1852, " " " 1853. + 7,103,416 " " 1853, " " " 1854. + +These stamps were all engraved and printed by Messrs. Toppan, Carpenter, +Cassilar and Co., of Philadelphia, under a contract with the Department. + +The collector naturally desires to know what supposed peculiarities of +the public demand led to the selection of these values, and not others. +As already shown, the carriers were paid out of the receipts from the +sale of the two carrier stamps. + +The one cent was required for newspapers and other printed matter, +either singly or in twos, threes, fours, fives, sixes, etc., and Mr. +Sterling has preserved specimens thus used, adhering, either in strips +by the sides or ends, or in blocks. + +The three cent stamp paid the ordinary letter rate, and two or more +would be required on double, triple, etc., letters. Mr. Sterling has +also preserved strips and blocks of these found so used. + +The single postage to California was six cents. This was also the double +letter rate, and it seems singular that a stamp of this value was not +issued. Its place was supplied by two three cent stamps, the double rate +to California by four three cent stamps, etc. That it was also supplied +occasionally by half of the twelve cent stamp, cut diagonally from +corner to corner, specimens so used on the original envelopes in the +possession of the same gentleman abundantly prove. The twelve cent must, +therefore, have had no function except to replace a quadruple ordinary +rate, or a double California rate. For foreign letters, the postage was +10 or 20 cents, when not provided for by treaty. Most of the treaties +fixed the same rates, and stamps of those values would seem to have been +required. The fact that prepayment was optional, may have influenced the +demand for these values. + +Soon after the issue of the foregoing series, the postal rates were +again discussed in congress, and the law amended as follows: + + XXXIII Congress, Session II, Chapter 173, Section 31, approved + March 30th, 1885, entitled: "An Act further to amend the Act + entitled: 'An Act to reduce, etc., approved March 3d, 1851.'" + + Be it enacted, etc. That in lieu of the rates of postage now + established by law, there shall be charged the following rates + to wit: For every single letter in manuscript, or paper of any + kind in which information shall be asked, or, communicated in + writing, or by marks or signs, conveyed in the mail, for any + distance between places in the United States not exceeding 3,000 + miles, three cents; and for any distance exceeding 3,000 miles, + ten cents. And for a double letter, there shall be charged + double the rates above specified; and for a treble letter, + treble these rates, and for a quadruple letter, quadruple these + rates; and every letter or paper not exceeding half an ounce in + weight shall be deemed a single letter; and every additional + weight of half an ounce, or every additional weight of less than + half an ounce, shall be charged with an additional single + postage; and upon all letters passing through or in the mail of + the United States, except such as are to or from a foreign + country, the postages as above specified, shall be prepaid, + except upon letters and papers addressed to officers of the + government on official business, which shall be so marked on the + envelope. And from and after the first day of January, 1856, + the Postmaster General may require postmasters to place postage + stamps upon all prepaid letters, upon which such stamps may not + have been placed by the writers. + + And all drop letters, or letters placed in the post office, not + for transmission through the mail, but for delivery only, shall + be charged with postage at the rate of one cent each, and all + letters which shall hereafter be advertised as remaining over or + uncalled for in any post office, shall be charged with one cent + each in addition to the regular postage, both to be accounted + for as other postages now are. + + Section 2. And be it further enacted, that it shall be unlawful + for any postmaster or other person, to sell any postage stamp or + stamped envelope for any larger sum than that indicated upon the + face of such postage stamp, or for a larger sum than that + charged therefor by the Post Office Department. + + [Here follows the penalty for so doing.] + + Section 3. And be it further enacted: That for the greater + security of valuable letters posted for transmission in the + mails of the United States, the Postmaster General be, and + hereby is authorized to establish a uniform plan for the + registration of such letters on application of parties posting + the same, and to require the prepayment of the postage, as well + as a registration fee of five cents, on every such letter or + packet, to be accounted for by postmasters receiving the same, + in such manner as the Postmaster General may direct: Provided, + however, that such registration shall not be compulsory: and + shall not render the Post Office Department, or its revenues + liable for the loss of such letter or package, or the contents + thereof. + +By this Act there was established for the first time compulsory +prepayment, at a uniform rate of 3 and 10 cents, according as the +distance was less or greater than 3,000 miles, upon letters in the +United States, and the Act of the XXXIV Congress, Session III, Chapter +1, approved January 2d, 1857, entitled: "An Act to provide for the +compulsory Prepayment of Postage on all transient printed matter," which +provided, that such postage "shall be prepaid by stamps or otherwise, as +the Postmaster General may direct," completes the legislation upon the +subject, so far as it is of interest here, up to the year 1861. + +Upon the approval of this Act, the following circular, dated at +Washington, March 12th, 1855, was issued to postmasters: + + NEW POSTAGE ACT. + + INSTRUCTIONS TO POSTMASTERS. + + The particular attention of Postmasters and others is invited to + the annexed Act, passed at the last session of Congress. It will + be observed: + + 1st. That from and after April 1st, 1855, the single rate of + postage on a letter conveyed in the mail, for any distance in + the United States, not exceeding three thousand miles, is three + cents, and for any distance exceeding three thousand miles, ten + cents. + + 2nd. That from and after April 1st, 1855, prepayment by stamps, + stamped envelopes or in money is compulsory. + + 3rd. That from and after January 1st, 1856, all letters, between + places in the United States, must be prepaid either by postage + stamps or stamped envelopes. + + 4th. That the laws relating to the Franking Privilege are not + altered. + + 5th. That the existing rates and regulations in regard to + letters to or from Canada, and all foreign countries, remain + unchanged. + + Unpaid letters mailed before April 1st, 1855, will be forwarded + and delivered upon payment of the postage, by the person + addressed. Postage stamps and stamped envelopes, of the + denomination of ten cents, will be prepared and issued speedily, + and the Department will use every exertion to supply all post + offices with one and and three cent stamps also, as fast as they + are required. + + Absolute prepayment being required on all letters to places + within the United States, from and after April 1st, 1855, great + care should be used as well in prepaying the proper amount on + letters above the weight of half an ounce, as on single letters. + + Postmasters will post up conspicuously in their respective + offices a notice, calling attention to the provisions of the Act + requiring prepayment. + + The provisions in regard to the registration of valuable letters + will be carried into effect, and special instructions issued on + the subject, as soon as the necessary blanks can be prepared and + distributed. + + (Signed) JAMES CAMPBELL, + Postmaster General. + + _Post Office Department, March 12, 1855._ + + N. B.--Copy of the Act of March 3d, 1855, on the back. + +Another circular dated at Washington, Nov. 20th, 1855, also signed by +the Postmaster General, after reciting certain regulations which are +addressed to and concern only the postmasters themselves, contains the +following: + + "Section 7. The denominations of postage stamps authorized by + the Department to be issued, are _one_, _three_, _five_, _ten_ + and _twelve_ cents." + +The one, three and twelve cents of the issue of 1851, remaining in use +without apparent change, and the same contract with Messrs. Toppan, +Carpenter, Cassilar & Co., of Philadelphia, remaining in force, the +following were added to the series: + + +ISSUE OF MAY 5TH, 1855. + +TEN CENTS. Portrait of Washington, after Stewart, faced three-quarters +to the left, on an oval disk with hatched ground, bordered by a +colorless line between two fine colored lines, the colorless line +crossed in parts by small horizontal lines, on a hatched back-ground, +bordered by outlined foliations, which form small ovals in the upper +corners containing a colorless "X," with "_U. S. Postage_" in colored +capitals between them. Thirteen colorless stars on the ground above the +oval. "_Ten Cents_" in colorless capitals in a waved line below. + +Plate impression, 18 by 24 mm., in color, on white paper. + + 10 cents, green. + +This stamp was issued to provide for the single rate to California. + + +ISSUE OF JANUARY 5TH, 1856. + +FIVE CENTS. Portrait of Jefferson, the third President of the United +States, faced three quarters to the right, on an oval disk, 121/2 by 151/2 +mm., with hatched ground, bordered by a colorless line between two fine +colored lines, in a broad frame with solid ground, ornamented by +colorless lines forming a geometric lathe pattern. This frame is +rounded at the corners, with a small projection of about 2 mm. between +at the top, bottom and sides, and is surrounded at a little distance by +a fine colored line following the same outline. On the back ground, +without labels, above "_U. S. Postage_," below "_Five Cents_," in +colorless Roman capitals. + +Plate impression, 19 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper. + + 5 cents, in shades of yellow brown, red brown, + and dark brown. + +This stamp was issued to prepay the registration fee, but is often found +in unsevered pairs upon California letters, and sometimes in triplets +including the registration fee and a single postage to California. + +On the 24th of April, 1856, a stamp of the value of twenty-four cents +was approved. + +TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. Portrait of Washington, after Stewart, faced three +quarters to the right, on an oval disk, with hatched ground, bordered by +a colorless line, surrounded by a solid band of color, inscribed in +colorless Roman capitals, above "_U. S. Postage_," below "_Twenty-four +Cents_," separated by a sort of buckle at the sides. A broad solid +colored frame, ornamented by colorless lathe work is surrounded, at a +little distance, by a fine colored line, and the corners are rounded, +with a single swell between them above and below, and three between them +at the sides. + +Plate impression, 181/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper. + + 24 cents, lilac. + +Although made and approved, this stamp is said to have been withheld +from issue in this imperforate condition. They were finished and gummed, +and some of them seem to have gotten into circulation, as occasional +specimens are to be found in collections, and one entire sheet, at +least, is known to have existed. + + +OBSERVATIONS. + +Every collector ought at least to be aware of the nature and character +of the varieties that exist in these stamps. Although many of them are +very minute, and can be distinguished only by the use of a good +magnifying glass, others, once noticed, can readily be selected by the +unassisted eye. Few will care, probably, to place more than the most +marked varieties in their collections, still fewer will have the +patience to explore the necessary piles of common "stock," in order to +find these marked varieties, for the most marked are the most uncommon, +or to distinguish the more minute varieties from each other. + +The plates of all values printed 200 stamps each upon the sheet. Before +the stamps were distributed, each sheet was cut vertically into half +sheets, the place where they were to be cut being marked on the plate by +a vertical colored line, and each half containing ten rows of ten +stamps each. Upon each side of the plate, at a little distance from the +outer row of stamps, the tops of the letters being towards the stamps, +and running along the sides of the 5th and 6th stamp from the top or +bottom of the sheet, and part of the 4th and 7th stamp, is the maker's +imprint, "Toppan, Carpenter, Cassilar & Co., BANK NOTE ENGRAVERS, +Phila., New York, Boston and Cincinnati," with "No--P." in a second +line. This imprint was afterwards changed by leaving out the third name. + +The one cent eagle is an exception, as the imprint here appears at the +top and bottom of the sheet, running along the space covered by four +stamps, and the sheet is said to have contained only 100 stamps. + +Upon some of the sheets, of the other values, from the first plate, +there is also a vertical line from the top to bottom of the plate, +probably upon each outer margin. Upon other sheets, this does not +appear. Specimens of these are now difficult to obtain, as the wide +borders at the sides, the top and bottom of the sheets, were usually cut +off when the stamps were used. + + +ONE CENT UNPERFORATED. + +The stamps are about 1/2 mm. apart between the nearest points of the tops +and bottoms, and 1 mm. between the nearest points of the sides. + +It should be noticed that the top and bottom labels have a fine line +parallel to the solid body of the inscribed labels, both at the top and +bottom. + +The imprint is about 11/2 mm. from the outer row of stamps. The central +vertical line is about 13/4 mm. from each central row. The side vertical +lines are about 33/4 mm. from the outside rows. These dimensions vary +slightly. There is little appreciable difference in the stamps in a +sheet, except in the thickness of the lines bordering or shading the +ornaments. In some specimens, these lines are all fine in all parts of +the stamp, in others, they are much heavier, and in others fine in parts +and heavy in other parts, in many gradations. The color used seems to +have been always the same, varying only in intensity, as more or less +ink was left on the paper in printing. Dark, or pale specimens, with +intermediate shades may therefore be found. The paper is always white, +but more or less tinted with the color of the stamp from imperfect +wiping of the plates. + + +THREE CENTS UNPERFORATED. + +The number of plates used in printing this value unperforated, has not +been possible to determine. The distance between the stamps varies +considerably in different plates. In some, they are only 7/10 mm. apart +between the tops and bottoms, in others a little over 1 mm. In some they +are only 9/10 mm. apart between the side lines, in other fully 1-2/10 +mm. Specimens with broad, white margins (A) show the paper to have +extended, sometimes 15 mm. beyond the stamps. The vertical lines are (B) +6 mm., or (C) 21/2, 3 and 33/4 mm. from the center rows. The makers imprint +(D) is about 11/2 mm. from the outer rows, but varies slightly in +different sheets. + +The process of making these plates is said to have been; first to mark +out on a soft plate of steel the points at which the right vertical line +of each vertical row of stamps was to come, by a dot at the top and +bottom of the plate. These dots were sometimes too large and too heavily +put in, and may be found in some specimens (E) at or near, the upper or +lower right hand corner of the stamp. The lines however were not always +accurately drawn so that the dot appears (F) on the top or bottom line, +at a distance to the left of the corner, or (G) above the line, or (H) +below the line, or (I) entirely outside of the stamp to the right. These +lines having been drawn, the next step in the process was to put in the +body of the design, which had been engraved on a soft steel punch or +die, and then hardened, by placing the die successively in the position +to be occupied by each stamp on the plate, and "rocking" it back and +forth under pressure. As this process was not as perfect as that now +employed, the die was not always placed in exactly the proper position, +not infrequently being too near or too far from the vertical side lines, +or the die was not rocked far enough, and the edges were left imperfect. + +In the design, it was evidently intended that the outside lines should +be equally distant from the top and bottom labels, and the side edges of +the block, and that the corners should be exactly mitered. The top and +bottom lines are practically always at the same distance from the +labels, and one engraver maintains that they were engraved on the die. +But specimens are plentiful in which (a) the top and bottom line +projects beyond the side line, or (b) does not touch it, or rarely (c) +is double or split, or again the side line (d) projects beyond the top +or bottom line, or (e) does not touch it. Again, instead of the side +line being (f) at the proper distance from the corner blocks, it is not +infrequently (g) too far from one or more of them, or (h) too near one +or more of them, or (i) touches one or more of them. Again, the side +line is found (j) connecting with the next stamp above or below, and +occasionally there is a second line (J) near this between two stamps. + +In the die itself it will be noticed that the lower left block is almost +always a little further to the left than the top one, in fact, that the +distance from the right of the right block to the left of the left block +is about 1/4 of a mm. greater at the bottom than at the top of the stamp. +The lower right rosette is a little too far also to the right, +ordinarily at least. The blocks vary in size in the same and different +stamps, as well as the diamonds in them, which are not of uniform shape +or size. The labels above and below are crowded upon the rosettes. The +sides of the groundwork should terminate in a straight line, formed by +the bases of the little colored triangles, which touch each other. But +this line is often broken in appearance as parts of it are too finely +cut, or the die was not rocked far enough. In some cases this seems to +have been remedied by re-engraving this line, and there is a heavy line, +independent of the base lines of the triangles extending, (K) from +rosette to rosette, (L) from the lower rosette to the upper triangle, +(M) from the lower rosette to the middle of the upper triangle, (N) from +the lower rosette to the top of the upper triangle, (O) from the lower +rosette to the upper block, (P) a light line extending from the lower +rosette to the upper block, (Q) a heavy line extending from the middle +of the lower block to the upper triangle, (R) or from the middle of the +lower triangle to the upper rosette. Frequently there is a light line +(S) from the side of the triangle in the corner to the adjacent block. +The triangles are ordinarily shaded by horizontal parallel lines, and +are formed by a single fine line on the top and vertical sides, while +the curved side is double. But the following variations occur: (T) the +triangle has a heavy side line, (U) a double side line, (V) a triple +side line, (W) is white or nearly so, the horizontal line having +disappeared. + +Again it will be found that there are added lines along the whole or +part of either side line, making these double, or even triple. Thus +whether there is a distinct line, as described, between the rosettes, +etc., or not, if the next line be called the frame line, there may be +found varieties with an extra line outside the frame line, but (k) very +near it, (l) farther from it, (m) very heavy, the frame line being +thin, (n) the frame line split into two parts from the middle up, (o) +frame line split into two parts from chin up, (p) two extra side lines +all the way, (q) extra line from the level of the chin to the upper +rosette, (r) extra line from the level of the lips to upper rosette, (s) +from the level of the lips to the centre of the rosette, (t) from the +level of the nose to the top of the triangle, (u) from the level of the +breast to the top of the triangle, (v) opposite the bottom rosette. If +there be added to these letters the numerals 1 to express the left side, +2 the right when the variations occur along the whole side, and 1 for +the top, 3 for the bottom on the left side, 2 for the top, and 4 for the +bottom on the right side, when the variations occur only at the top or +bottom, the following table will facilitate investigation. + + On the On the + LEFT Specimens Showing RIGHT + at the at the + Top Bottom Top Bottom + + A^1 broad margin over 6 mm. and no line A^2 + B^1 " " ver. line 6 mm. from stamp B^2 + C^1 " " " 21/2 to 31/2 " C^2 + D^1 " " printer's imprint D^2 + ... ... dot on or near the corner E^2 E^4 + ... ... " " the end line, away from corner F^2 F^4 + ... ... " above " G^2 G^4 + ... ... " below " H^2 H^4 + ... ... " outside the corner I^2 I^4 + a^1 a^3 end line projecting beyond the corner a^2 a^4 + b^1 b^3 " " not touching " b^2 b^4 + c^3 " " split or double c^4 + d^1 d^3 side " projecting beyond " d^2 d^4 + e^1 e^3 " " not touching " e^2 e^4 + f^1 f^3 " " ordinary distance from block f^2 f^4 + g^1 g^3 " " too far from " g^2 g^4 + h^1 h^3 " " too close to " h^2 h^4 + i^1 i^3 " " touching the " i^2 i^4 + j^1 j^3 " " connecting with the next stamp j^2 j^4 + ... ... " " and another " " " J^2 ... + K^1 heavy " from rosette to rosette K^2 + L^1 " " " low. roset. to up'r triangle L^2 + M^1 " " " lo. r. to mid. of " " M^2 + N^1 " " " " " top of " " N^2 + O^1 " " " " " " block O^2 + P^1 light " " " " " " P^2 + Q^1 heavy " " mid. low. block to triangle Q^2 + R^1 " " " " tri. to up. roset. R^2 + S^1 S^3 fine " " triangle to adjoining block S^2 S^4 + T^1 T^3 triangle with heavy side line T^2 T^4 + U^1 U^3 " extra " U^2 U^4 + V^1 V^3 " 2 " " V^2 V^4 + W^1 W^3 " white or nearly so W^2 W^4 + k^1 extra line, outside frame line near it k^2 + l^1 " " " " far off l^2 + m^1 heavy " " thin frame line m^2 + n^1 frame " split into 2 parts half way n^2 + o^1 " " " " 3/4 " ... + p^1 two extra lines, continuous ... + q^1 extra line frame, lev. of chin to up'r roset. ... + r^1 " " " lips " ... + s^1 " " " " center roset. ... + t^1 " " " nose, top of trian. ... + u^1 " " " breast, " ... + v^1 " opposite the bottom rosette ... + +All the variations mentioned in this table have been found. It is +scarcely possible that each of them exists separately, i. e.; on +specimens that are in other respects normal. Many of them have been +found so, but most of them only in combination. The following may be +mentioned: + + A, B, C, D. Specimens showing broad margins with no outer line, + with outer line 6 mm. from stamp, with outer line about 3 mm. + from the stamp, or with printer's imprint, have been found, both + from the left and right sides of the sheet, with all the other + parts normal. These would be, + + A^1 f^{1 2 3 4}, A^2 f^{1 2 3 4}, B^1 f^{1 2 3 4}, B^2 f^{1 2 3 4}, + C^1 f^{1 2 3 4}, C^2 f^{1 2 3 4}, D^1 f^{1 2 3 4}, D^2 f^{1 2 3 4}. + + With the vertical line about 3 mm. from the stamp, three corners + only normal, the side line too near the lower right block, a dot + on the upper right corner, the right line connected with the + stamp below, and a fine line from each of the upper triangles to + the block above, which would be C^2 f^{1 2 3} h^4 E^2 j^4 S^{2 4}. + + And also with the vertical line about 3 mm. from the stamp, all + the corners normal, a heavy line terminating the ground between + the rosettes on the right, both the triangles on the right + connected with the blocks next them, and an extra vertical line + in the upper right triangle, which would be C^2 f^{1 2 3 4} K^2 + S^{2 4} U^2, which will serve to show the character of the + combinations in which these varieties may be found. + + Varieties showing the dot, E to I, generally present other + varieties also. The following combinations may be noted: + + With the bottom line double, or rather split, three of the + triangles have fine connecting lines, c^3 c^4 S^{2 3 4}. + + With the right side prolonged, and continuous with the side line + of the stamp above or below, j^2 or j^4. + + With the right side line prolonged upwards, and continuous with + the lower, but not with the upper stamp and a second line 1 mm. + to left from stamp to stamp, J^2. + + With the extra line outside the frame line on right and near it, + all the other parts being normal, the line of the ground work + not appearing as a separate line, k^2. + + With an extra line outside the frame line on right and near it, + a heavy line from rosette to rosette on the right, giving the + appearance of three parallel lines on that side, a similar line + from rosette to rosette on the left, and a fine line from the + upper right triangle to block, k^2 K^{2 1} S^2. + + With the same arrangement, but the heavy line on the right of + ground extends to the top of the upper triangle, there is a fine + line to the block, k^2 K^1 N^2 S^2. + + With an extra line outside the frame line on the right but + further from it. The left line touches the rosette, and is very + near the upper left block. The upper triangles both have the + extra vertical line, and the right triangles both have the fine + line connecting them with the adjacent block, l^2 h^1 U^{1 2} + S^{2 4}. + + With the right frame line split into two parts in its lower + half. The upper right triangle has the extra vertical line, and + the fine line to upper block, n^2 U^2 S^2. + + With the extra line outside the left frame line, and a distinct + line between the left rosettes, the right line near the corner + blocks, k^1 K^1 h^{2 4}. + + With the same peculiarities, but frame line touches the lower + left corner, k^1 K^1 h^2 i^4. + + With two extra lines outside the left frame line, and a heavy + line between the left rosettes, so that the stamp appears to + have four lines on that side. The right frame line runs from + block to block, touching both triangles and rosettes. There is a + dot in the lower right corner, and another to the left of it, + p^1 S^1 i^{2 4} E^4 F^4. + + With the extra line on the left very light, and a heavier one + outside, and the ground does not appear to end in a line, m^1. + + With the extra line on the left the usual thickness, and the + frame line heavier. The right frame line touches all the parts + on that side, l^1 i^{2 4}. + + With the frame line on the left split into two parts from the + level of the chin up, the inner touches the rosette, the + triangle and almost touches the block. The right frame line is + split into two parts in the lower half. Both the right triangles + have the finer line, and the upper the extra vertical line, q^1 + i^2 n^2 U^{2 4} S^4. + + With the extra outside line from level of lips to the upper + rosette. All four triangles are connected with the blocks, the + upper right and lower left have the extra vertical line, r^1 + U^{1 2 3 4} S^{3 4}. + + With extra outside line from level of the lips to the level of + the center of the rosette. The frame line is too near the top on + the left, the upper right triangle is connected with the block, + and has the extra vertical line, the lower right triangle is + also connected with the block, s^1 h^1 S^{2 4} U^2. + + With the extra left line from the level of the nose to the top + of the rosette, the upper right triangle connected with the + upper block, and with extra vertical line, t^1 S^2 U^2. + + With the extra line on the left from the level of the breast to + the top of the rosette, the frame line is too near the upper + left corner, and an extra vertical line in all the triangles, + u^1 i^1 U^{1 2 3 4}. + + With the extra line on the left opposite the bottom rosette + only. The two upper triangles are connected with the blocks, and + an extra line in the upper right one, v^1 S^{1 2} U^2. + + With the left frame line heavy, and too near to the bottom + block, a split runs off to left half way down. Both sides appear + to have a heavy line from rosette to rosette, but the left one + is irregular, all the triangles are connected with the adjoining + blocks, and all except the lower right one have the extra + vertical line, h^3 n^1 S^{1 2 3 4} U^{1 2 3} K^{1 2}. + +In the above descriptions, no mention has been made of those parts that +are in their proper ordinary position. + +These varieties are the leading ones, and are probably more than enough +to show the combinations. Less conspicuous ones are numberless. Owing to +the scarcity of adhering specimens, and the uncertainty as to how many +plates were actually employed, no attempt has been made to reconstruct +any plate. It is perhaps necessary to repeat that the collection of any, +except perhaps the more marked varieties, is not advocated. + +The color of these stamps varies wonderfully, every shade from pale to +dark, with yellowish vermilion, pink, red, and carmine may be found. +Some are undoubtedly changelings from accidental causes, particularly +those that run from brown and black brown, to an almost jet black, which +were at one time much sought after. + + +UNPERFORATED FIVE CENTS. + +The stamps are about 11/2 mm. apart each way on the sheet. All have the +projection at the top and bottom. Double and triple adhering specimens +may be found, but are rare. The imprint is on the sides, 13/4 mm. from the +stamps. No specimens have been found with vertical lines. + +The color is generally dark, either a chestnut brown, or with a stronger +reddish cast. + + +UNPERFORATED TEN CENTS. + +The stamps are 21/2 mm. apart each way on the sheet. The imprint is at +about 13/4 mm. from the side rows. The few specimens with the vertical +lines examined, show it at 3 mm. from the stamps. The color is a +yellow-green, of which dark and light impressions may readily be found. +A block of four used, adhering 2 and 2, is possessed by Mr. Sterling. + + +UNPERFORATED TWELVE CENTS. + +The stamps are 1 mm. apart each way on the sheet. The vertical line 21/2 +mm. from the stamps. No specimens with the imprint have come under the +notice of the author. The color is very uniform, slightly greyish-black. +Adhering specimens are rare. A pair adhering by the sides, used, and a +block of four unused, are in Mr. Sterlings' collection, and the curious +specimens divided diagonally, on the original letters, in the same +collection, have already been mentioned. + + +UNPERFORATED TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. + +The imprint is at the side, 13/4 mm. from the stamp. The stamps are 2 mm. +apart. The rarity of specimens has prevented further examination. The +color of the specimens seen is lilac, with the reddish cast. + + +ONE CENT "CARRIER," (FRANKLIN.) + +This stamp was never issued perforated. The imprint is 4 mm. from the +side rows, and the stamps are about 1 mm. apart. + + +ONE CENT "CARRIER," (EAGLE.) + +This stamp was never issued perforated, and any specimens so catalogued +will be found to be the reprints. The printer's imprint is at the bottom +or top of the four centre rows in the sheet. As the Department is +accustomed to call the half sheets issued "sheets," it is often +difficult to know which is meant. It has been stated that there are only +100 stamps on the plate. The imprint is 4 mm. from the stamps, and the +places where the stamps are to be cut apart are indicated by single +lines ruled horizontally and vertically. + + + + +XIX. + +THE ISSUE OF 1857. + + +Without any change in the law, and, so far as is known, without any +announcement of the improvement, on the 24th of February, 1857, the +three cent value of the type of 1851 was issued perforated, and the +other values of the series speedily followed with the perforation, and +so remained without addition until the middle of 1860. + + +ISSUE OF 1857. + +Same values, types and colors as the prior issue, perforated with 15 +holes in the space of two millimetres. + +Plate impression, in color, on white paper, perforated 15. + + 1 cent, shades of indigo blue. + 3 " " " red. + 5 " " " brown. + 10 " " " green. + 12 " " " black. + +The report of the Postmaster General, dated December 1st, 1860, states +that: + + "Larger denominations of postage stamps have been adopted and + introduced, especially intended for the purpose of affording + requisite facilities to prepay the postage on letters to foreign + countries, and of removing all excuse heretofore existing for + paying such postages in money. The new denominations are + twenty-four cents, thirty cents and ninety cents. The two latter + have been introduced since July 1st, last," i. e. since the + commencement of the new fiscal year. + + +ISSUE OF JUNE 15TH, 1860. + +TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. The stamp described on page 95 as prepared +imperforated in 1856, but not regularly issued in that condition, was +now issued perforated. + +Plate impression, 181/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +15. + + 24 cents, lilac. + + +ISSUE OF AUGUST 12TH, 1860. + +THIRTY CENTS. Head of Benjamin Franklin, in profile to the left, similar +to that on, the Carrier's Stamp of September, 1851, on an oval disk with +hatched back-ground bounded by a colorless line ornamented by a single +fine colored line. A colored back-ground fills out the rectangle and is +ornamented by a shield of the United States in each of the four corners, +the bottom of the shields pointed towards the center, and the ground +just behind them ornamented by colorless rays, with a foliated ornament +on each side of them. Between the ornaments in colorless capitals, on +the solid ground, above, in two lines, "_U. S._" and "_Postage_," below +"30," on the left side "_Thirty_," and on the right side "_Cents_." + +Plate impression, 20 by 24 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 15. + + 30 cents, orange. + + +ISSUE OF AUGUST 13TH, 1860. + +NINETY CENTS. Bust of Washington, in General's uniform, after Trumbal, +faced three quarters to the left, on closely hatched ground, appearing +nearly solid, square below, arched above, bordered by a colorless line. +Solid arched label above, inscribed in colorless capitals, "_U. S. +Postage_"; below, solid straight label, inscribed in the same letters +"_Ninety Cents_." The ends of the upper label are curved inwards, those +of the lower label outwards, and the colorless line borders the ends and +remaining side of each. Outside a double colored line borders all, +forming foliated ornaments, etc. There is an added colored line at the +top and bottom, and fine lines shading the ornaments. + +Plate impression, 181/2 by 24 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +15. + + 90 cents, deep indigo blue. + +The twenty-four cents was required to prepay the single rate of postage +on letters to England, and the thirty cents to prepay the single rate on +letters to Germany. The ninety cents does not seem to have been required +for any single rate. The contract with the Bank Note Engravers, Toppan, +Carpenter and Co., expired on the 10th of June, 1861, and all the stamps +made by them were withdrawn from circulation, and ceased to be +available for postage, between August 1st, 1861, and January 1st 1862, +as will appear from the circulars quoted, relating to the issue of 1861. +They have been reprinted, differently perforated, and sold to collectors +by the department. (See chapter on reprints.) + + +OBSERVATIONS. + +The one, three, five, ten and twelve cent values were first made by +perforating sheets from the original plates, and later, certain changes +were made that require to be noticed. + + +ONE CENT, PERFORATED. + +The first perforated sheets being from the same plates as the +unperforated, the same observations apply to them. It is to be noticed +that these had the fine colored line outside the labels _at the top and +bottom_. Owing to the nearness of the stamps on the sheets the +perforation generally cut into the stamps, either at the top or bottom, +and cut these lines, but the remains will be found on the points left +between the holes. Careful search will secure specimens in which both +these lines are intact, though they are somewhat rare. The vertical +lines, printer's imprint, etc., are of course in the same positions, and +the same varieties of finer or coarser lines may be found. The color +varies in the same degree. The paper is apparently the same, with the +same tinting, from the imperfectly wiped plates. + +In later specimens, however, the attempt was made to keep the +perforations from impinging on the printed portion. This was done by +removing the larger portion of the fine colored lines outside the +labels, and with them, portions of the upper and lower ornaments. In +many cases, they appear to have been wiped off, and the ends are +smudged. In others, they are clear and distinct. A great many varieties +result, as a greater or less portion of the lines or ornaments were +removed. Some of them are curious enough, in stamps that have always +been supposed to present no varieties. The fact being pointed out, it is +hardly worth while to attempt to distinguish them. + +The vertical lines and printer's imprints are in the same positions. +The stamps are still so near together that evenly perforated specimens, +i. e.; specimens in which the perforation does not cut some portion of +the stamp, are not easily found. + +_Two marked varieties_ may be noticed. In one, the outer fine line _is +removed above the top label_, while that under the bottom is left +intact. In the other, this outer line is removed _below the bottom +label_, while it remains intact above the top label. Both these +variations are exceedingly uncommon and appear to belong to the bottom +and top rows of the sheet respectively, though this has not been +verified. The same observations may be repeated as to variations in the +thickness of lines, the color of the paper and the impression. + +_Oddities._ Specimen showing two rows of perforations at the top and +bottom. Specimen without the outer lines to labels, unperforated. + + +THREE CENTS PERFORATED. + +The first perforated sheets of the three cents were from the same plate +as the last unperforated sheets, and consequently have the rectangular +outside frame lines, not only at the sides, but at the top and bottom as +well. As the stamps measure 25 mm. vertically and are only 1 mm. apart, +and the horizontal rows of perforation are about 251/2 mm. from center to +center of the holes vertically, the perforations generally cut into the +stamp and partially obliterate these lines. As the stamps are only 1 mm. +apart at the sides, and are 191/2 mm. wide, and the vertical rows of +perforations are 201/2 mm. from center to center of the holes horizontally +and the holes are nearly 1 mm. in diameter, the side perforations also +usually cut into some part of the stamp. It is therefore quite difficult +to find good specimens of this variety, and to distinguish some of the +minor varieties, as the corners are generally imperfect. Specimens were +found showing the sheet cut along the colored vertical line, and (X) +perforated between this line and the stamp, from either half of the +sheet. New plates were however, soon constructed. In one of these, No. +24, the side lines are drawn on the plate from the top to the bottom, +and are about 191/2 mm. apart. The fine outer lines at the top and bottom +are entirely omitted. The maker's imprint, "Toppan, Carpenter & Co., +Bank Note Engravers, Phila., New York, Boston and Cincinnati," 11/4 mm. +from the outer rows, is 68 mm. long. "No. 24 P," is 4 mm. from the +outer rows. The vertical center line is 13/4 mm. from the stamp. The sheet +measures 418 mm. from side to side, and 2521/2 mm. from top to bottom of +the printed part. The paper is 447 by 283 mm. The vertical rows of +stamps are 11/2 mm. apart, and the vertical rows of perforations nearly 21 +mm. apart horizontally from center to center of the holes. The last two +rows at the sides are a little further apart. The horizontal rows of +holes are 251/2 mm. apart vertically. Most of the differences in the +stamps on this sheet arise from the fact that the central portion is not +always placed in the same position in regard to the vertical lines. A +few of the stamps show dots in or near the corners. + +In some the lines are too near some of the corners, in some too far off, +and in others they touch and even cut into the blocks. Some few show +double or partly double lines. + +The whole sheet from plate 24, above mentioned, does not contain all the +varieties round, nor are they arranged just in the same order that they +appear in portions of other sheets examined. + +All the varieties possible, considering merely the position of the +corners and side lines, would be 246. So that each stamp on a sheet +might be different in this respect without showing them all. + +In sheet 24 however, only 32 exist. There are therefore, a number of +each variety, as follows, by the table previously given: + + hhhh 1 hiif 1 ifih 2 fihh 5 + hhhf 2 hifh 1 ifif 13 fiih 8 + hhih 16 hfif 3 fhhh 2 fiii 2 + hhif 20 ihih 14 fhhi 1 fiif 9 + hihh 2 ihif 32 fhhf 2 fihh 2 + hihi 2 iiih 7 fhih 3 fihi 3 + hiih 20 iiii 12 fhif 5 ffhf 1 + hiii 5 iiif 1 fhff 1 ffif 2 + +The 11th stamp in the first horizontal row, the 11th and 12th in the +second row, the 13th in the 4th row, and the 17th to 20th in the 10th +row show an extra line to the left of the left bottom rosette, V^1. + +In the 18th vertical row the left line actually cuts through the left +block in four specimens which are marked as if it merely touched in the +foregoing list. + +The 14th and 15th stamps in the top row show the dot. + +The 13th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th stamps in the upper row show +the right vertical line not only too far, g^2 g^4, as marked, but very +far from the corner block. + +The 9th stamp in the upper row has the double left line. + +The center stamps of this sheet are all of the varieties marked hiih in +the list, on the right half of the sheet, and hhih or hhif, on the left +half. + +None of the more prominent varieties are to be found on this sheet +unless the 9th stamp in the upper row may be considered as such. Loose +specimens from other plates show the vertical line only 7/8 mm. from the +stamps. Some of these are otherwise like those mentioned before, and +hfhg, gfff and ffhf from the left side, and hfhh, fhfg, fgfg and ifig +have also been noted. The above are all cut at or near the vertical +line. Some of the same varieties exist perforated along this line, and +higg and fihh exist also so perforated. In loose specimens have also +been found, igig, ihih, ifif, hhhf, hhhi, hhfh, hhff, hhif, hfhh, hfif, +hfig, hgig, hgif, hifi, hiih, gfgh, gfgf, gfff, ghgh, gigi, ffff, fffh, +ffhg, fgfg, fghf, fghg, fgig, fhfh, figh, varieties not on sheet from +plate 24. + +Passing now from these varieties dependent upon the nearness of the +lines and corner blocks the following more interesting variations may be +found: + +With the upper left corners too far from the blocks, the others being +ordinary; there is an extra line outside the frame line and close to it, +at the right, g^1 f^{2 3 4} k^2. + +With the upper left corner too far from the block, the lower left corner +too near to the block, an extra line outside the frame line and close to +it, g^1 f^2 h^3 f^4 k^2. + +With the upper left corner too far from the block, the others ordinary, +the frame line light, the extra line heavier. Numerous specimens showing +the frame line broken, those with it perfect are much rarer, g^1 f^{2 3 +4} m^2. + +With the upper right corner very near the block, all the others ordinary +but the right frame line runs only half way down, and into the ground +work. The extra line outside is the real side line, beginning too far +from the upper right corner, and running down to the right position at +the bottom (Y). Both the triangles on the right have the fine line +connecting them with the adjacent blocks, and also the extra vertical +line, f^1 i^2 t^{3 4} Y^2 S^{2 4} U^{2 4}. + +With the side line on the right starting at the usual distance from the +block, and running off to the right, and ending half way down, at nearly +twice the distance from the body of the stamps at which it started. A +second line starts at the proper distance from the stamp, and inside the +other at about the level of the lower point of the upper triangle, and +runs off to the right, down to the level of the lower rosette. A third +line starts at the proper distance from the stamp, inside this at about +the middle of the stamp, and runs down straight, (Z) g^1 f^2 i^3 f^4 +S^{1 2 3} Z^2. + +With the right line split about 1/2 way down, into two or three parts, i^1 +f^{2 3} g^4 n^2. + +With an extra line on both sides, f^{1 2} g^3 f^4 k^1 k^2. + +With an extra line outside the left frame line, but far from it (almost +the same distance as the frame line is from the blocks), f^1 f^2 h^3 g^4 +l^1. + +With the frame line thin, often broken, and the extra line heavy and +further off. The outer line is really the one drawn on the plate, and +the inner line probably put in afterwards. A number of differing +specimens. Also one in which there is no side line on the left except a +very thin line from the level of the chin down, and another from the +middle of the lower triangle down, apparently an impression from a worn +plate, the left margin is wide, the perforation cutting into the next +stamp, m^1 in varieties. + +With the left frame line split into two parts from the level of the chin +up, n^1. + +These variations, and a few others easily recognized, not found in the +imperforate stamps add to the table: + + LEFT. RIGHT. + Top Bottom Top Bottom + + X^1 perforated along center line X^2 + ... extra line inside half way Y^2 + ... side line starts thrice Z^2 + extra line opposite lower 1/2 of stamp w^4 + " " " 1/4 " x^4 + " cen. of roset. to cen. of stamp y^4 + " lower block to upper " z^4 + +The color of all these stamps varies like the unperforated greatly, and +the same remarks concerning it might be here repeated. + + +PERFORATED FIVE CENTS. + +The stamps are 21/2 mm. apart between the sides and 11/2 between the tops +and bottoms; the imprint etc., as before. In these sheets the +perforations generally cut into the stamp. They were printed in many +varying shades of several colors; dark brown, dark black-brown, yellow +brown, red brown, and almost rose. + +The second plate was slightly altered. The little projection or salie at +the top and bottom was partially or wholly removed, forming the +following variations: + + 5 cents perforated, projection at top and bottom. + " " 1/2 " " " + " " no " " or " + +The color is very variable, numerous shades of dark black-brown, dark +chestnut-brown, brown, and yellow-brown may be found. + + +PERFORATED TEN CENTS. + +The stamps were apparently, a little further apart in some sheets than +in others, and the color presents only shades of the yellow-green. A +specimen is shown perforated in two rows at the sides. + + +PERFORATED TWELVE CENTS. + +There seems to have been no change in this value. An oddity is shown, +showing two extra lines at the right. + + +TWENTY-FOUR, THIRTY AND NINETY CENTS. + +The plates for these values having been prepared with a view to +perforating, the stamps are arranged about 13/4 mm. apart between the +sides, and 11/4 mm. apart between the tops and bottoms. There is very +little difference to be noted in the color beyond a dark and lighter +shade of the orange of the thirty cents, and of the dark blue of the +ninety cents. There are however, two shades of the lilac of the +twenty-four cents, a red and a blue cast. + + + + +XX. + +THE ISSUE OF 1861. + + +The reason for the introduction of this issue is not to be found in any +change in the law. The report of the Postmaster General, dated on +December 2d, 1861, states that: + + "The contract for the manufacture of postage stamps having + expired on the 10th of June, 1861, a new one was entered into + with the National Bank Note Company of New York, upon terms + very advantageous to the Department, from which there will + result an annual saving of more than thirty per cent, in the + cost of the stamps. In order to prevent the fraudulent use of + the large quantity of stamps remaining unaccounted for, in the + hands of postmasters in the disloyal States, it was deemed + advisable to change the design and the color of those + manufactured under the new contract, and also to modify the + design of the stamp upon the stamped envelope, and to substitute + as soon as possible the new for the old issues. It was the + design of the Department that the distribution of the new stamps + and envelopes should commence on the first of August, but, from + unavoidable delays, that of the latter did not take place until + the 15th of that month. * * * Those of the old issue have been + exchanged and superseded. The old stamps on hand, and such as + were received by exchange, at the larger offices, have been to a + great extent counted and destroyed, and those at the smaller + offices returned to the Department." + +The Act of the 27th Congress, Statute II, Chapter 37, Section 14, +approved March 3d, 1861, had so qualified the Act of 1851: + + "As to require the ten cent rate of postage to be prepaid on + letters in the mail, from any point in the United States east of + the Rocky Mountains to any State or Territory on the Pacific, + and from any State or Territory on the Pacific to any point in + the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. And all drop + letters shall be prepaid by postage stamps." + +Other sections also introduced minor changes in the rates on printed +matter, which it is not important to notice. + +The denomination of the stamps of the new issue therefore remained at +first the same. + +The circular letter from the Department to the several postmasters, +informing them of the change is as follows: + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT. + + _Finance Office_ ... 1861. + + POSTMASTER, + + Sir: You will receive herewith a supply of postage stamps which + you will observe are of a new style, differing both in design + and color, from those hitherto used, and having the letters U. + S. in the lower corners of each stamp, and its respective + denomination indicated by figures as well as letters. You will + immediately give public notice through the newspapers and + otherwise, that you are prepared to exchange stamps of the new + style for an equivalent amount of the old issue, during a period + of six days from the date of the notice, and that the latter + will not thereafter be received in payment of postage on letters + sent from your office. + + You will satisfy yourself by personal inspection that stamps + offered in exchange have not been used through the mails or + otherwise; and if in any case you have good grounds for + suspecting that stamps presented to you for exchange, were sent + from any of the disloyal states, you will not receive them + without due investigation. + + Immediately after the expiration of the above period of six + days, you will return to the Third Assistant Postmaster General + all stamps of the old style in your possession, including such + as you may obtain by exchange, placing them in a secure package, + which must be carefully registered in the manner prescribed by + Chapter 39, of the Regulations of this Department. + + Be careful also to write legibly the name of your office as well + as that of your county and state. A strict compliance with the + foregoing instructions is absolutely necessary, that you may not + fail to obtain credit for the amount of stamps returned. + + Instead of sending stamps to the Department you can if + convenient, exchange them for new ones at some city post office, + where large supplies are to be found. It being impossible to + supply all offices with new stamps at once, you will deliver + letters received from Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, + Indiana, Maryland and Pennsylvania, prepayed by stamps of the + old issue, until September 10th, those from other loyal states + east of the Rocky Mountains until the first of October, and + those from the states of California and Oregon and from the + Territories of New Mexico, Utah, and Washington, until the first + of November, 1861. + + Your Obedient Servant, + A. N. ZEVELY, + Third Assistant Postmaster General. + +A second issue of this circular merely extended the dates September +10th, October 1st and November 1st, 1861 to November 1st, December 1st, +1861, and January 1st, 1862, respectively. + + +ISSUE OF AUGUST 14TH, 1861. + +The portraits upon the 8 types or values of this issue seem to be copied +from the same pictures as were those on the corresponding denominations +of the preceeding issue. The same values are represented, that is: + +ONE CENT. Portrait of Benjamin Franklin, in profile to the right, on an +oval disk with engine turned ground of interlaced colored lines on a +solid colored ground, framed round with interlaced colorless lines of +engine turned work on solid colored ground, bordered by a colorless line +with exterior fine colored line. "_U. S. Postage_" in colorless ordinary +capitals in a curved line following the oval above, "_One Cent_" in the +same letters and reversed curve below. Corners of quarter circles and +two foliated ornaments. "1" and "1" in the upper and "_U._" and "_S._" +in the lower corners, in ornamental colorless numerals and letters, on a +vertically lined ground. + +Plate impression, 20 by 251/2 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 1 Cent, pale and dark blue. + +THREE CENTS. Head of Washington, in profile to left, upon engine turned +ground with sinuous frame of interlaced engine turned colorless lines +upon a solid colored ground, bordered by a colorless line, with exterior +fine colored line following the curves of the ground. Above, "_U. S._" +in a straight line with "_Postage_" below it in an arched line, and +large numeral "3" on each side. Below the head "_Three_," in reversed +curve with "_Cents_" in double curve below and "_U._" and "_S._" at the +sides all in colorless capitals and numerals on the engine turned frame +and ground, the corner numerals and letters ornamented. Corners and +sides filled out with foliated ornaments. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 3 cents, shades of rose. + +FIVE CENTS. Head of Jefferson, faced three quarters to the left on an +oval disk with rectangular hatched ground, bordered by a colorless line +with fine colored exterior line. Broad frame of engine turned colorless +lines on a solid ground, with rounded corners, and curved outwards at +top, bottom and sides, bordered by a colorless line and a fine colored +line. Large "5" in upper corners, and "_U. S. Postage_" in a double +curve above the oval, "_Five Cents_" in a curved line following the oval +below, "_U._" in lower left, and "_S._" in lower right corner, all in +colorless letters upon the engine turned work of frame. The corners are +filled out with foliated ornaments. + +Plate impression, 20 by 251/2 mm., in color, upon white paper, perforated +12. + + 5 cents, ochre, shades of brown. + +TEN CENTS. Head of Washington, faced three quarters to left, on a +rectangularly hatched ground, bordered by four bands, forming a sort of +oval. The bands are bordered all around by a colorless and exterior fine +colored line. The upper band is inscribed "_U. S. Postage_," on the +solid ground, and the ends of the bands are rounded; the lower band is +inscribed "_Ten Cents_" on the solid ground, and the ends of the band +are curved inwards; the side bands are of irregular shape, with the ends +rounded and bear four stars each, on a horizontally lined ground. The +rest of the stamp is composed of colorless foliated ornaments, between +colored lines upon the solid ground, forming irregular ovals in the +corners, with a band between the upper ones, bearing five stars, "10" +and "10" in the upper, "_U._" and "_S._" in the lower corners, on +horizontally lined ground, letters, numerals and stars all colorless in +colored outlines. + +Plate impression, 20 by 241/2 mm, in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 10 cents, green, yellow-green. + +TWELVE CENTS. Head of Washington, similar to the ten cents, on an oval +disk, with rectangularly hatched ground, bordered by a colorless line +and exterior fine colored line. Broad frame of engine turned colorless +lines on a solid ground, with rounded corners and waved edges, bordered +by a colorless line, and a fine colored line. The corners are filled out +with loops on colored ground. "12" and "12" set diagonally in the upper +corners, "_U. S. Postage_" following the curve of the oval above, +"_Twelve Cents_" in double curve line below, and "_U._" and "_S._" in +the lower corners. The letters and numerals are colorless, with colored +outlines on the engine turned work of frame. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 241/2 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 12 cents, black. + +TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. Small portrait of Washington, faced three quarters to +the right, on a rectangularly hatched ground, surrounded by a fancy +lozenge-shaped frame of engine turned colorless lines on solid colored +ground, bordered by a colorless line and exterior fine colored line. The +upper corners are filled out with foliated ornaments, containing the +numerals "24" and "24," set diagonally with 3 colorless stars between. +The lower corners each contain a large colored star between foliated +ornaments. "_U._" on the left and "_S._" on the right star; "_U. S. +Postage_" above and "_Twenty-four Cents_" below the head, near and +following the outer curve of frame. The letters, numerals and ornaments +are all colorless, but with colored outlines. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 24 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 24 cents, lilac. + +THIRTY CENTS. Head of Benjamin Franklin, in profile to left, on a +circular disk with diagonally hatched ground, 161/2 mm. in diameter, +bordered by a colorless line and exterior fine colored line. A colorless +line between two fine colored lines, at about 2 mm. from the circle, +with foliated ends, forms a label above and below, the upper inscribed +"_U. S. Postage_," the lower "_Thirty Cents_," on lined ground, in +colorless letters outlined with color. Foliated ornaments without color, +but colored outlines form irregular spaces in the corners, with "30" and +"30" in the upper, "_U._" and "_S._" in the lower ones, in colorless +letters outlined and heavily shaded in color on a lined ground. + +Plate impression, 20 by 24 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 30 cents, orange. + +NINETY CENTS. Head of Washington, in General's costume, after Trumbal's +portrait, faced three quarters to the left, on an oval disk, 131/2 by 171/2 +mm., with rectangularly hatched ground, bordered by a colorless line and +exterior colored line, surrounded by a band forming a point above and +below, and bordered outside by a second colorless line and an exterior +colored line, and crossed by fine colored lines. "90" and "90" on this +band above, "_Ninety Cents_" below in colorless letters with colored +outlines. Waved band with similar borders crossing the former above, +and inscribed "_U. S. Postage_" in the same letters. The lower corners +are filled with foliated ornaments upon which are "_U._" and "_S._" in +similar letters. + +Plate impression, 19 by 24 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 90 cents, indigo blue. + +It will be noticed that the original contract under which these stamps +were first manufactured by the National Bank Note Co., expired in 1865. +On its expiration a new contract was made with the same company for a +term of four years longer. + +To preserve the history of the postal legislation of the United States +which effects the use of stamps, the provisions of the Act of the XXXVII +Congress, Session III, Chapter 71, approved March 3d, 1863, must be +noted here, although they did not result in any change in the stamps in +use, except the addition of two new values: + + Sec. 3. No mail matter shall be delivered until postage + is paid. + + Sec. 13. The Postmaster General is authorized to establish + branch offices for the sale of stamps, etc. + + Sec. 17. Postage must be prepaid at the time of mailing + on domestic letters, transient printed matter + and all other things not herein provided for. + + Sec. 18. Daily, weekly, etc., publications must be prepaid + quarterly in advance by the receiver. + + Sec. 23. Drop letters will be charged 2 cents, to be prepaid + by postage stamps, but no carrier's fee. + + Sec. 32. The registration fee to be fixed by the Postmaster + General, but not to exceed in any case 20 + cents. + +In accordance with these last provisions however, there were issued two +additional values. + +The report of the Postmaster General for the year 1863, states that a +two cent stamp had been prepared and issued, principally to prepay the +postage on drop letters, and the report for 1878, fixes the date of +issue at of the 1st of July, 1863. + + +ISSUE OF JULY 1ST, 1863. + +(As additional to the series of 1861.) + +TWO CENTS. Very large head of Andrew Jackson, on an oval disk with +rectangularly hatched ground, bordered by a fine colorless line with an +exterior colored line; on a band above, similarly bordered, and with +parallel lined ground, "_U. S. Postage_" in colorless capitals outlined +and shaded; on short bands, similarly constructed, below on the left +"_Two_," on the right "_Cents_." Foliated ornaments in the four corners, +forming small solid circles, bearing the numeral "2" in the upper, and +colorless ovals bearing "_U._" on the left, and "_S._" on the right, in +irregular shaped colored letters. + +Plate impression, 20 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 2 cents, black. + +The Postmaster General having fixed the registration fee at 15 cents, a +stamp of that denomination was issued. + + +ISSUE OF APRIL 1ST, 1866. + +FIFTEEN CENTS. Bust of Abraham Lincoln, on an oval disk 131/2 by 18 mm. +with rectangularly hatched ground, bordered by a broad colorless line, +between two fine colored lines, and ornamented by short horizontal +colored lines. On the sides, Roman fasces, without the ax, on each side. +Above on a scroll, bordered by a colorless line between two fine colored +lines, curved up and back to form small ovals, and ending at the top in +foliations and inscribed on the band "_U. S. Postage_" in colorless +capitals, in the ovals "15" in colorless numerals; below, a curved band +following the outline of the oval, similarly bordered, and inscribed in +similar letters "_Fifteen Cents_"; foliated ornaments forming colored +ovals in the corners, with "_U._" in the left, "_S._" in the right, in +colorless capitals. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 15 cents, black. + +Issued originally for registered letters, this stamp also served the +next year, principally to prepay the postage on letters to Belgium, +Prussia, Holland, Switzerland and the German Postal Union. + +The entire series of 1861-63-66 was reprinted in 1874. + +It may also be noticed, that the act of the XXXIX Congress, Session I, +Chapter 281, approved July 27, 1866, authorized the use in all post +offices of weights of the denomination of grams, 15 grams to equal one +half ounce, and the postal laws to be applied accordingly. + +Also the Act of the XL Congress, Session I, Chapter 246, Section 10 and +11, approved July 29th, 1868, provided penalties for re-using stamps +that had once paid postage, and authorized the sale of stamps at a +discount of five per cent to persons to sell again as agents. + + +OBSERVATIONS. + +The plates of this issue having been prepared with a view of +perforating, the stamps are placed sufficiently far apart to allow a +perforation, without ordinarily cutting into the stamps. Occasionally +eccentricities may be found, which are the result of accident. The +sheets, as in the previous issue, consist of 200 stamps, the central +point is indicated by three lines at the top and at the bottom, and the +sheets are cut apart on this line and distributed in half sheets of 100, +or ten stamps in ten rows. The printer's imprint is generally to be +found at the center of the top and bottom of each half sheet, at about 4 +mm. from the printed stamps, and consists of a small colored label with +a dotted edge, inscribed "National Bank Note Co." preceded by "New +York," and followed by "City" in colored capitals. The plate number also +appears near this. + +The ONE CENT varies in color from a pale blue to a dark blue, generally +of the shade known as ultramarine. The paper is ordinarily white with a +yellowish cast, but there are specimens which appear surfaced with the +same ink as the stamp, which is probably an accident from imperfect +wiping of the plates, and others the paper of which has a pale pink +cast, both on the front and back. + +The TWO CENTS varies from grey to black, with occasional specimens +partially tinted with the ink, probably from the same cause as in the +one cent. + +_Variety._ Doubly perforated at the sides. + +The THREE CENTS varies from a very faint rose to a deep rose, with +occasional specimens tinted as in the other values, probably from the +same cause. + +_Variety._ Doubly perforated at sides. + " " top and bottom. + +There are also a few specimens known of a scarlet tint. They resemble +the ordinary stamps of this value in all other particulars, and it does +not appear to be settled whether they were ever used or not. Proofs, +both perforated and unperforated, exist in this shade, and the better +opinion would seem to be that all of this shade are proofs. It is +claimed, however, that a sheet, or part of a sheet unused, was picked up +at the New York Post Office by a collector. + +Strips of ten stamps adhering, forming a vertical row from the sheet, +and showing a double perforation along the sides are also exhibited. + +Unperforated specimens have been catalogued. + +The FIVE CENTS was originally issued in a pale yellow brown or ochre, +but was changed in September to a darker brown, with a reddish cast, +there is also a brown with a yellowish cast, another with a blackish +cast and a chestnut brown. It would appear that the latter is the true +color composed of red, yellow and black, and that the others result from +some improper mixing of these colors, by which one or the other +predominates. + +_Variety._ Doubly perforated at the sides. + +A "yellowish brown," meaning the brown with a yellowish cast, has been +chronicled unperforated. + +The TEN CENTS is light and dark green. The lighter shade is generally +called a yellow-green, but the two shades differ only in intensity. + +The TWELVE AND FIFTEEN CENTS also vary from grey to deep black. + +The TWENTY-FOUR CENTS is violet, and pale or dark lilac. + +The THIRTY CENTS is of two shades of orange, and an orange-brown. + +The NINETY CENTS is faint deep blue and indigo blue. + +The number of the several values of these stamps issued, without the +_grille_ is approximated as follows: it being not quite certain whether +a few with the grille were not issued prior to the dates to which the +enumeration is made. + + 1 cent 91,256,650 + 2 cents 254,265,050 + 3 cents 1,847,559,100 + 5 cents 8,258,460 + 10 cents 28,872,780 + 12 cents 7,639,525 + 15 cents 2,139,300 + 24 cents 10,238,650 + 30 cents 3,208,980 + 90 cents 337,770 + + + + +XXI. + +THE ISSUE OF 1867-9. + + +The Act of the XXXIX Congress, Session I, Chapter 114, Section 7, +approved June 12th, 1866, entitled an Act to amend the Postal Laws, had +provided among other things. + + "Sec. 7. And be it further enacted: that whenever it shall + become expedient in the opinion of the Postmaster General to + substitute a different kind of postage stamps for those now in + use, he shall be, and is hereby authorized to modify the + existing contracts for the manufacture of postage stamps, so as + to allow the contractors a sum sufficient to cover the increased + expenses, if any, of manufacturing stamps so substituted." + +The Report for the Postmaster General for the year ending June 30th, +1867, states that experiments had been made in printing postage stamps +on an embossed paper, which appeared to offer a fair guarantee against +fraud; that the tissues of the paper were broken by the process, so that +the ink of the cancelling stamps penetrated the stamps in such a manner +as to render cleaning impossible; that the adhesiveness of the stamps +was also increased, to say nothing of other advantages, which recommend +the invention. Some of these curious experiments will be noticed in the +chapter on Essays. The plan adopted was, however, to emboss the stamp, +after it was printed, with a series of small square points, arranged in +the form of a rectangle, much in the same way that checks are sometimes +treated to prevent alteration. This breaks the tissues of the paper. The +French collectors call this a _grille_, or grating, which it resembles. +There were several varieties used on this issue, and they were applied +to the stamps then current, without other change in the design, paper, +color or gum. + + +ISSUE OF 1867 TO 1869. + +The first variety was a grille covering the entire stamp, adopted May +8th, 1867, and applied only to the; + + 3 cents, rose, perforated 12, grilled all over. + +If this is examined with a glass on the face of the stamp, there appear +to be rows of slightly raised squares, separated by depressed straight +lines, with a still more raised cross, formed by diagonal lines running +from corner to corner of the square. If the back is examined, the +straight lines appear raised, the crosses depressed. In all specimens +examined, the embossing is very flat. + +The second variety does not cover the entire stamp, but shows a +rectangle, measuring 13 by 16 mm., composed of 16 rows of 20 small +squares each. It was adopted August 8th, 1867, and was applied only to +the; + + 3 cents, rose, perforated 12, large grille. + +Copies with this grille may be found in which one side row or the other +shows only half squares instead of whole ones, also with some of the top +or bottom rows missing, wholly or partly. + +_Var._ 121/2 by 16 mm., 151/2 by 20 rows, 3c., perf. 12. + 121/4 " 15 " 15 by 181/2 " 3c " + +The appearance of this grille, examined on the face, is just the reverse +of the preceding, as the straight lines are raised and the crosses +depressed. + +The third variety was a still smaller rectangle, about 11 by 14 mm., +composed of 14 rows of 17 small squares or parts of squares. The date is +January 8th, 1868. Numerous variations may be found. It was applied only +to the; + + 1 cent, blue, perforated 12, medium grille. + 2 " black " 12 " + 3 " rose " 12 " + 10 " green " 12 " + 12 " black " 12 " + 15 " black " 12 " + +_Var._ 111/2 by 141/2 mm., 15 by 18 rows, 3c, rose, perf. 12. + 11 by 14 mm., 14 by 171/2 " 3c " " + 14 by 17 " 3c " " + 14 by 161/2 " 1c blue " + 14 by 161/2 " 3c rose " + 14 by 161/2 " 10c green " + 14 by 161/2 " 12c black " + 14 by 161/2 " 2c " " + 14 by 161/2 " 3c rose " + 11 by 13 mm., 14 by 161/2 " 3c " " + 14 by 16 " 3c " " + 101/2 by 14 mm., 14 by 161/2 " 3c " " + 13 by 161/2 " 3c " " + 13 by 161/2 " 10c green " + +_Oddity._ With 2 grilles touching on the same stamp. 3 cents, rose, +perforated 12. + +_Note._ It is not uncommon to find parts of two grilles on the same +stamp at a distance from each other, part of a grille being at the top +and part at the bottom, or part of a grille on each side. The oddity +noted presents two grilles touching by the top and bottom, one a little +farther to the left than the other, making a strip of squares from the +top to the bottom of the stamp. + +This medium grille if examined on the face is quite different from the +foregoing large grille. It appears to be composed of raised lines +between the squares and depressed crosses in them. A glass transforms +these lines into rows of diamonds. On the reverse it appears as if +composed of depressed lines, between the squares, and raised crosses in +them. + +_Note._ The other values so far as known, have not been found with this +grille. Up to May, 1868, only the values from 1 to 12 cents had been +noted by the stamp papers as having been found with any grille. The 24 +and 30 cents are chronicled with a grille in the November, 1868, but the +90 cents was not so noticed until much later, February, 1869, (see +American Journal of Philately). + +The fourth and most common grille is a square of 9 by 14 mm., composed +of 12 rows of 161/2 squares each. The date of its adoption is not known. +It was applied to the whole series. + + 1 cent, blue, perforated 12, small grille. + 2 " black " 12 " + 3 " rose " 12 " + 5 " brown " 12 " + 10 " green " 12 " + 12 " black " 12 " + 15 " black " 12 " + Nov. 1868, 24 " lilac " 12 " + " 30 " orange " 12 " + Feb. 1869, 90 " blue " 12 " + +_Varieties._ 9 by 14 mm., 12 by 161/2 rows, 1c., perf. 12. + " " " 3c " + " 12 by 17 " 30c " + + +OBSERVATIONS. + +The colors are generally stronger than in those without the grille. The +majority of the specimens of these stamps appear to have the surface of +the paper tinted slightly with the color of the stamps, possibly from +some imperfection in cleaning the plates. A few values have been noted +on pure white paper. + + 1 cent, blue, small grille, perforated 12. + 2 " black " " 12 + 10 " green " " 12 + +The 3 cents, rose, small grille, unperforated, has been noted, and + + 2 cents, black, grille, variety 4 { unperforated + 3 " rose " " 4 { at the + 5 " brown " " 4 { sides. + +The re-impressions of these designs did not have the grille. + +The five cents was in use up to September, 1870. + +Some specimens examined seem to indicate that all these varieties of +grille are occasionally to be found reversed, i. e. they present the +appearance on the face that is usually to be seen on the back, and vice +versa. + +Of these stamps with the grille, there were, issued approximately the +following numbers: + + 1 cent 9,638,600 + 2 cents 46,440,000 + 3 " 231,773,300 + 5 " 1,006,400 + 10 " 3,076,070 + 12 " 2,087,575 + 15 " 868,080 + 24 " 167,453 + 30 " 214,000 + 90 " 26,870 + +During the currency of these stamps, a new contract was entered into +with the same company. A special despatch to the St. Louis +Globe-Democrat, dated Oct. 3rd, 1868 states: + + "Postmaster General Randall to-day accepted the proposal of the + National Bank Note Company, of New York, for furnishing stamps + for four years at 251/2 cents per 1000. This includes everything + required for preparing the stamps for immediate use, gumming, + perforation printing and preparing receipts. The contractors are + also required to furnish new designs, at least four of which + must be printed in combination colors." + +The number of the several values of these stamps issued, with the +_grille_ is approximated as above, it being not quite certain whether a +few without the grille were not in stock at the dates from which the +enumeration is made. + + + + +XXII. + +THE ISSUE OF 1869. + + +The New York Evening Post of October 6th, 1868, also contains a notice +of; + + "THE NEW CONTRACT FOR POSTAGE STAMPS. + + In June last, Postmaster General Randall, advertised for + proposals for furnishing the Government with postage stamps for + a term of years. The Committee of experts appointed for the + purpose, decided in favor of the National Bank Note Company, and + on Saturday last, the Postmaster General awarded the contract to + that Company for a term of four years. We have been shown proofs + of the new stamps, and they reflect credit upon the artistic + taste of the Company." + +Some of these proofs are then described. + + "One of the characteristics of the stamps manufactured by this + Company is that the ink used prevents persons washing, and using + the stamps a second time. The fiber in the centre of the stamp + is broken completely, and they adhere better, while the ink of + cancellation sinks into the paper. The engraving on these stamps + are remarkable copies of historical pictures, and bear the test + of microscopical examination." + +These are probably the only words of approbation to be found in the +daily press among the host of comments upon these stamps, which by the +terms of the contract were to be ready on the first of February, 1869. +Messrs. Butler & Carpenter, of Philadelphia, had claimed to be entitled +to the award on the ground that they had submitted a better bid than the +National Bank Note Co., which resulted in delay and the appointment of +the commission above mentioned. + +However, in March, 1869, the greater part if not all the values were +printed and ready for issue, but were distributed to the public only as +the stock of the old issue was exhausted. About the end of April they +began to appear, and even in September only the 1, 2, 3 and 6 cents were +to be obtained in the larger post offices. Already the public demanded +that they should be replaced, and this was done in April, 1870. As late +as March, 1870, the 90 cents of the previous issue was on sale in some +of the offices. + +This unfortunate issue was generally received with approval by the +Philatelic press. It is certainly well engraved, and forms an +interesting and handsome series for the most part, and is an adornment +to the collectors' album. But it is hardly so well suited to the +practical requirements of a postage stamp. It was announced that the +series was intended in some sort, to portray the history of the Post +Office in the United States, beginning with Franklin, the Continental +postmaster, and the post rider of the early days, followed by the +locomotive of a later day, and the Ocean Steamer carrying the mails +which had become so important a branch of the postal service, the most +important scenes in the early history of the country, its triumphant +arms, and Washington its first and Lincoln its last President. But +hardly had it been issued before its doom was sealed. + +In August the New York Tribune says: + + "The greater part of the stamps sold at the Post Office in this + city are worthless, and have not sufficient gum to make them + stick to letters. One can be amused, or become indignant, in + watching people who buy stamps, demanding a little mucilage from + the clerk, in order to fasten the stamp on their envelopes. It + appears that the invention of embossing which is continued in + this emission, while it spoils the stamps, does not increase + their adhesive properties as was pretended." + +Other papers pronounced the stamp too small. The comic papers exhibited +caricatures in which the people were looking for their stamps in their +pocket books with powerful microscopes. + +The Evening Telegram says: + + "The new United States postage stamps have a very un-American + look." + +The Evening Mail says: + + "Our old postage stamps were really neat and pleasing in + appearance. They were National and American, as they ought to + have been. The head of Washington was venerable, and our three + cent stamps were as perfect as they well could be. So also the + one cent stamp with the head of Franklin was equally + appropriate. There was a fitness of congruity in putting the + head of the old, thrifty economist, on the one cent stamp. Our + youth were reminded of the wise saws and sayings of "Poor + Richard" and it taught them that if they learned to save the + cents, the dollars were more likely to take care of themselves. + But now think of the miserable, confused looking thing, with its + wretched printing, that the Post Office has given us for the + present three cent stamp. It is neither historical, national, + beautiful, nor anything but a paltry evidence of the fact, that + some engraver has got paid or will get paid for a job that ought + never to have been done. Can our authorities not let well enough + alone? + + Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, all have railroad engines + such as ours. What is there in a big chimney on a railroad + carriage to indicate the nationality of our postal system. Aye, + but there are words, "United States Postage" on the stamp. Just + so. We remember to have seen a boy's drawing on a sheet of + paper, the words "this is a church" underneath, and certainly + the artistic performance needed the index, but not more so than + the new stamp requires a similar proclamation to tell the world + what it means. And then again look at the printing of the word + "Postage." Can our engravers do nothing better than that? We + hope that the contractors have been paid for their work. If so, + then let the post office folks give us back again our old head + of Washington, and save us from looking at the contemptible + thing that we are now getting in its stead." + +Another paper says: + + "The present miserable experiments in blue, with a meaningless + legend, are to be recalled and something new in red is to be + substituted. The old heads of Washington, Jefferson, Jackson, + Franklin and Lincoln are to be restored. It is about time that + some definite form and design of postage stamp should be + adopted, so that people may know to a certainty what mucilaged + square of paper will carry a letter to its designation, and what + not." + +The New York Herald says: + + "The old style of three cent postage stamps had thereon a face + of Washington, out of compliment to a good man. It now has a + railway scene to represent how Congressmen make money. The two + cent stamp represents a man on horseback. This represents + Booth's death ride into Maryland. The one cent stamp should + represent a cow with the favorite son of the Covington + postmaster fast to her tail. This out of compliment to Grant." + +An Eastern paper says: + + "The Government introduced the present nondescript things called + postage stamps, for the purpose of frightening counterfeiters." + +And later the Herald says: + + "Another attempt is to be made to give us decent postage stamps. + We suppose it will fail, as so many have hitherto. Our postal + authorities try too much. If they will only take the Italian or + French stamp, and put Washington's head in place of Victor + Emanuel's, or Napoleon's, they cannot fail; but they will try + some improvements and spoil all." + +The post office department announced the issue in the following +circular: + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT. + + _Finance Office, March 1st, 1869._ + + Sir: + + At an early day, in the regular course of business, the + Department will issue to Postmasters stamps of new designs. + [See description annexed.] In the proposed issue the six cent + stamp is substituted for the five cents. You are required to + exhaust all of the present style on hand, before supplying the + public with the new; and in no case will you be allowed to make + exchanges for individuals, or to return stamps to the Department + to be exchanged. The stamps now in use are not to be + disregarded, but must be recognized in all cases equally with + the new ones. + + Special attention is called to the fact that sheets of all + denominations below 15 cents contain 150 stamps. The 15 cents + and all higher denominations, contain 100 stamps on each sheet. + This must be borne in mind to prevent mistakes in counting, as + in the present issue each denomination has but 100 stamps to the + sheet. Special requests for the new style of stamps will be + disregarded until the stock of the present issue in possession + of the Department is exhausted. Due notice will be given of the + date of issue of any new design of stamped envelopes, therefor + all inquiries respecting them will be disregarded. + + (Signed.) A. N. ZEVELY, + Third Assistant Postmaster General. + +The description upon the other side requires to be supplemented for +collectors, but is incorporated in those following. + + +ISSUE OF MARCH 19TH, 1869. + +Composed of ten values each of a different type. + +ONE CENT. Head of Franklin, in profile, looking to the left, on a +circular disk horizontally lined, surrounded by a broad circle +ornamented with colorless pearls, bordered by a band of rayed lines +between fine white lines, with exterior fine colored line, and divided +into three labels by ornaments at the sides and bottom. "_U. S. +Postage_" at the top; large numeral "1" in a small oval (sic) with a +border of colorless loops between the words "_One Cent_" at the bottom. +Color, Roman ochre. Corners plain without color. + +Plate impression, circular, 20 by 20 mm., in color, on white paper, +perforated 12, grilled and without grille. + + 1 cent, Roman ochre. + +TWO CENTS. Post horse and rider facing to the left, trees, fence, etc., +in background, surrounded by ornamental scroll work, "_United States_" +in small colored capitals on the ground above, a curtain inscribed +"_Postage_" in colorless capitals at the top. "_Two Cents_" at the +bottom on a ribbon with large numeral "2" between the words, both in +outline shaded. Color, light bronze. + +Plate impression, 20 by 19 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12, +grilled and without grille. + + 2 cents, yellow-brown, light and dark chestnut-brown. + +THREE CENTS. Locomotive heading to the right, surrounded by ornamental +scroll work, "_United States_" in colored block capitals on a curved +band, "_Postage_" in colorless capitals in a tablet beneath, at top. +"_Three Cents_" in outline shaded block capitals, in two scrolls at the +bottom, with numeral "3" in a shield (sic) between the words. Color, +Imperial ultramarine blue. + +There is no shield as stated in the official description. + +Plate impression, 20 by 19 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12, +grilled and without grille. + + 3 cents blue. + +SIX CENTS. Head of Washington, three quarters face looking to the right, +on a ground of vertical and horizontal lines, bordered by a solid broad +colored line, ornamented by 68 pearls. Spandrels checkered and bordered +by colorless lines. Frame square, composed of vertically lined squares +in the upper corners, with narrower horizontally lined label between, +with a broad colored border, ornamented by pearls and exterior colorless +and colored line above. The colored labels are narrower than the upper +squares at the sides, and are bordered by colorless pearls and an +interior white line, an exterior colorless and fine colored line. +Horizontally lined label across the entire bottom, widened at the ends +to correspond with the upper squares, with exterior colorless and +colored line. "_U. S._" in upper left and right corners of frame +respectively. The word "_Postage_" in upper bar of frame, "_Six Cents_" +in lower, the numeral "6" between the words, and "_United States_" on +each side. Color, ultramarine. + +Plate impression, 20 by 20 mm., square, in color, on white paper, +perforated 12, grilled and possibly without grille. + + 6 cents blue. + +TEN CENTS. Shield of the United States on which is resting an eagle with +outspread wings, looking to the left. "_United States_" in small +colored capitals with "_Postage_" in large outline capitals, shaded in +a second line beneath, in the upper section of the shield, numeral "10" +in lower. The words "_Ten Cents_" in scroll at the bottom in outline +shaded capitals. The whole design surrounded by thirteen stars arranged +in a semicircle, (sic) color, orange. The background is rayed behind the +eagle and the semicircle of stars are upon this only, the background +behind the shield is of clouds, there is no frame. + +Plate impression, 19 by 18 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12 +and grilled, possibly also without grille. + + 10 cents orange. + +TWELVE CENTS. Ocean Steam ship, headed to left in horizontal oval, +surrounded by ornamented scroll work. In a double tablet with arched top +on horizontally lined ground, and colored capitals in a curved line, +"_United States_" and "_Postage_" in outline capitals on a solid ground. +On three scrolls in outline capitals and numerals shaded, "_Twelve +Cents_" at the bottom, with numeral "12" between the words. Color, +malori green. + +Plate impression, 20 by 19 mm., in color, on white paper, slightly +surfaced green, perforated 12 and grilled, possibly also without grille. + + 12 cents, green. + +FIFTEEN CENTS. Microscopic reproduction of the large picture, in the +Capitol at Washington, of the "Landing of Columbus," in an oblong +rectangle 20 by 10 mm., with rounded upper corners, surrounded at a +little distance by a single colored line. Ornamental and scroll work at +top and bottom on a ground ruled horizontally inside and vertically +outside of the scrolls, the whole surrounded by a colorless and fine +colored line. On a colorless tablet, in Gothic capitals, "_U. S._"; in a +curved line of outline capitals on the ground, "_Postage_" at top. +_Fifteen Cents_ at bottom, with numerals "15" underneath in outline +colorless capitals, on the ground. Colors: picture, Prussian blue, +scroll and ornamental work pale Indian red. + +Plate impression, 211/2 by 211/2 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12, grilled and not grilled. The paper is more or less surfaced with +blue. + + 15 cents blue and brown. + +NOTE. There are two varieties of this stamp, depending on the type, and +an error, the latter was however never circulated. The line of the +frame, above the picture, is curved up on the left hand, beginning under +the O, and on the right hand beginning under the G, in what is called +the O. G. curve, till the two meet in a point. In the ordinary variety +there are two fine lines within the space left for the picture, which +along the whole top, including the curved corners and this central +double curve, are united in a heavy line and at about 1/2 a millimeter +from the center line on each side, curve down, as well as up, to a +point, forming a diamond. On the sides and bottom within this line, +there is a shading of fine diagonal lines. When the picture is exactly +in position, which is rare, the colored line surrounding it falls +between these fine lines, and on the heavy curved line, just touching +the lower part of the diamond. + +In the rarer variety, the two fine lines, the broad top line, and the +bottom of the diamond are all omitted, the entire space is either empty +or shows one, two or three horizontal lines across the top of the space, +and three or four across the bottom, with a row of short horizontal +lines at the sides. When the picture is in proper place there is an +almost blank space at the top, and apparently a white line surrounding +the picture. When it is misplaced the colored lines described can be +seen and there appear to have been several varieties, as there were more +or less of them. + +_The error_ is not as is sometimes supposed an error of printing, but in +the plate. Two plates, one for each color, had to be used. Originally, +there were 150 stamps as in the smaller values, (See circular of March +1st, 1869 above cited) but upon the plate for printing the picture, it +is said one picture was reversed, and the error once discovered, the +plate was cut down to print only 100 stamps as stated in the circular. +It is probable that no copies with the error were ever circulated. + +TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. Microscopic reproduction of the large picture at the +Capitol, of the "Signing of the Declaration of Independence" forming an +oblong rectangle 20 by 10 mm., with all four corners cut off diagonally, +surrounded by a fine colored line at a little distance. Ornamental +scroll work at top and bottom on a lined ground. A line of pearls on a +colored line, between a colorless and colored line, forms the frame for +the picture. In block capitals "_U._" and "_S._" surrounded by ovals at +upper left and right corners respectively, the word "_Postage_" between +the two, in a curved line of outline capitals, shaded on the background. +"_Twenty-four Cents_" in scrolls at bottom, with numeral "24" beneath in +outline letters shaded. Colors: the picture, purple lake, scroll and +ornamental work, light malori green. Just beneath the picture in small +colored numerals, "1776." + +Plate impression, 211/2 by 22 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12, grilled and not grilled. + + 24 cents, purple and green. + +NOTE. There is the same error of this stamp "reversed picture" stated to +be from the same cause, a defect in the plate as for the 15 cents, and +the same remarks apply. + +THIRTY CENTS. Eagle facing to left, with outspread wings, resting on +shield with flags grouped on either side. The words "_United States +Postage_" in upper section of shield. The numeral "30" in lower. The +words "_Thirty Cents_" across the bottom, with three stars arranged in a +semi-circle at top of the design. Colors: Eagle and Shield, carmine, +flags blue. Except for the change of numerals and words of value, the +omission of the scroll, and the substitution of the two flags on each +side for the clouds, the design, though not the drawing of this stamp is +identical with the ten cents. "Thirty cents" is however in block +letters, the T Y C E in outline, the rest shaded. + +Plate impression, 211/2 by 22 mm., in color, on white paper, slightly +tinted with pink, perforated 12, grilled and not grilled. + + 30 cents, carmine and blue. + +_Error._ There is also an error of this stamp in which the flags are +reversed. It is also stated to be an error on the plate, but may be only +an error in printing. + +NINETY CENTS. Portrait of Lincoln in an oval, looking to the right, +surrounded by ornamental scroll work, numerals "90" at each of the upper +corners, set diagonally in outline, and shaded on vertically lined +ground. On a label with rayed ground, edged by a colorless and colored +line, in outline capitals shaded, "_U. S. Postage_" at top of oval. +"_Ninety_" and "_Cents_" on scrolls at the lower left and right corners +of oval respectively, set diagonally and in colored capitals. In outline +Gothic capitals "_U._" and "_S._" at the lower left and right corners of +the stamp respectively. Colors: portrait black, surrounding ornamental +and scroll work, carmine. It may be well to add that the portrait is +three quarters face, on a square hatched ground, and a single colored +line in same color surrounds the oval at a little distance. The space +left in the frame for the picture is bordered by fine short horizontal +lines, which show when the picture is not properly placed. + +Plate impression, 211/2 by 211/2 mm. square, in two colors, on white paper, +slightly surfaced pink, perforated 12, grilled and not grilled. + + 90 cents, black and carmine. + +The grille in this series is a square 91/2 by 91/2 mm. composed of 111/2 rows +of 12 smaller squares each, apparently separated by raised lines +crossing each other at right angles, each little square divided by +depressed diagonals also, as if produced by forcing a series of pyramids +set close together, but not touching, into the face of the stamp. Seen +from the reverse, the dividing lines are depressed and the squares stand +up like pyramids, with ragged edges showing the broken fibre of the +paper. + +The numbers of the several values of this issue is approximated as +follows: + + 1 cent, 24,988,100 + 2 cents, 114,058,000 + 3 cents 530,346,800 + 6 cents, 6,363,700 + 10 cents, 5,770,130 + 12 cents, 4,088,875 + 15 cents, 2,360,740 + 24 cents, 414,325 + 30 cents 513,180 + 90 cents, 77,650 + + + + +XXIII. + +THE ISSUE OF 1870. + + +In the report of the Postmaster General for the year ending the 30th of +June, 1870, under date of Nov. 15th, 1870, he says: + + The adhesive postage stamps adopted by my predecessor in 1869, + having failed to give satisfaction to the public, on account of + their small size, their unshapely form, the inappropriations of + their designs, the difficulty of cancelling them effectually, + and the inferior quality of gum used in their manufacture, I + found it necessary in April last, to issue new stamps of larger + size, superior quality of gum and new designs. As the contract + then in force contained a provision that the stamps should be + changed, and new designs and plates furnished at the pleasure of + the Postmaster General, without additional cost to the + department, I decided to substitute an entire new series, + one-third larger in size, and to adopt for designs the heads, in + profile, of distinguished deceased Americans. This style was + deemed the most eligible, because it not only afforded the best + opportunity for the exercise of the highest grade of artistic + skill in composition and execution, but also appeared to be the + most difficult to counterfeit. The designs were selected from + marble busts of acknowledged excellence, as follows: One cent, + Franklin, after Rubricht; two cents, Jackson, after Powers; + three cents, Washington, after Houdon; six cents, Lincoln, after + Volk; ten cents, Jefferson, after Powers' statue; twelve cents, + Clay, after Hart; fifteen cents, Webster, after Clevenger; + twenty-four cents, Scott, after Coffee; thirty cents, Hamilton, + after Cerrachi; ninety cents, Commodore O. H. Perry, profile + bust, after Walcott's statue. The stamps were completed and + issues of them began in April last. The superior gum with which + they are coated is not the least of the advantages derived from + the change. + + Upon the conclusion of the postal treaty with the North German + Confederation, fixing the single letter rate by direct steamers + at seven cents, to take effect the 1st of July last, a stamp of + that denomination was adopted, and the profile bust of the late + Edwin M. Stanton selected for the design. This has been + completed in a satisfactory manner, but owing to the temporary + discontinuance of the direct mail steamship service to North + Germany, it has not yet been issued to postmasters. + +It may not be uninteresting to remark that the following stamps were +adapted among other uses, to the payment of the rates under postal +treaties as follows; + + 6 cents, England, Dec. 3d, 1869; + Sandwich Islands, May 5th, 1870; + British Columbia, July 15th, 1870; + Germany, March 31st, 1871. + + 7 cents, Germany, April 7th, 1870; + Denmark, Dec. 1st 1871. + + 10 cent, Italy, Feb. 8th, 1870; + Belgium, March 1st, 1870; + Switzerland, April 13, 1870; + Salvador, Oct. 5th, 1870. + + 12 cents, British Honduras, August 11th. 1869; + New Zealand, Oct. 5th, 1870. + + 15 cents, Brazil, May 9th, 1870. + +The series being ready for issue, was announced to the various +Postmasters in the following: + + CIRCULAR TO POSTMASTERS. + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, + Office of Third Assistant Postmaster General, + + _April 9th, 1870_. + + New Series of Postage Stamps. + + At an early date in the regular course of business, the + Department will issue to Postmasters, postage stamps of a new + design. [See description annexed.] + + You are required to exhaust all of the present style on hand + before supplying the public with the new; and in no case will + you be allowed to make exchanges for individuals or to return + stamps to the Department to be exchanged. + + The stamps now in use are not to be disregarded, but must be + recognized in all cases equally with the new ones. The stamps + known as the series of 1861, of which a few are supposed to be + yet outstanding, are also to be recognized. Those issued prior + to the commencement of the war of the Rebellion were long since + declared to be valueless. + + Special attention is called to the fact that each sheet, of all + denominations of the new series, contains but 100 stamps. This + must be borne in mind to prevent mistakes in counting, as in the + present issue some of the denominations have 150 stamps to the + sheet. + + Special requests for the new style of stamps will be disregarded + until the stock of the present issue, in possession of the + Department, is exhausted. [ * * * * relating to envelopes to be + issued to conform * * * * ] + + [Signed] Wm. H. Terrell, + Third Assistant Postmaster General. + +[The "description annexed" is on the other side and is merely a list of +values, the bust from which the portrait was copied, the color, etc., +exactly following that in the extract from the Postmaster General's +report above.] The exact date of issue is fixed by the Postmaster +General's report, as May, 1870. + + +ISSUE OF MAY, 1870. + +Composed of ten values as follows: + +ONE CENT. Bust of Benj. Franklin, in profile to the left, after +Rubricht, on an oval disk, lined horizontally and obliquely, bordered by +a broad colorless line and exterior colored fine line. Outside of this a +series of colorless curved lines, bordered by fine colored lines, and +foliated at the corners on a ground of parallel vertical colored lines, +completes the rectangle. There is no enclosing colored line at top or +bottom. Short horizontal colored lines form the shadows of the oval and +ornaments. The upper corners are formed by a line curved round from the +oval and terminating in a large ball, a second line curving round from +this and continued along the top, ending in two foliations with a small +leaf-shaped dash beyond. There is a large ball at the intersection of +these lines in the corner of the stamp. A slightly curved line continues +down from the corner, forming the sides. The lower corner being formed +by a curved line starting in a dot, curving upward and round, and +terminating inside the side lines in a large foliation with three balls +above it. The bottom is formed of a waved line. These are all distinct +and plain colorless lines between fine colored lines, and about the +width of the line surrounding the oval. + +The ornaments in the corners have shadows beneath, and on the inner +edges, and the side lines have shadows on the outer edges, formed of +short horizontal lines. The oval has heavy shadows similarly formed. The +vertical lines of the background are fine, and of even width throughout. +Above the oval, a thin colorless line, bordered by a fine colored line, +within and without, parallel with the oval, but curved round at the ends +to meet it, forms a label inscribed in outline capitals, "_U. S. +Postage_," shaded without on a rectangularly hatched ground. Below the +oval a large outline pearled numeral "1" shaded without, divides the +lower border line, and a similar line parallel to the border line, but +terminated at each end by a ball, forms a label inscribed in outline +capitals "_One Cent_" shaded outside on a rectangularly hatched ground. +Above this label are three small white pearls on each side of the +numeral. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 1 cent, imperial ultramarine. + +TWO CENTS. Bust of Andrew Jackson, in profile to the left, after Powers, +on an oval disk lined horizontally and doubly obliquely, bordered by a +broad white line and fine exterior colored line, the whole super-imposed +on a shield, with ground of vertical colored lines, and bordered by a +very fine colored exterior line. The shield is curved in at the top, +corners diagonal, sides curved in and then out, bottom rounded and rests +on a background of horizontal colored lines. There are no exterior lines +on the sides. Below the oval, a large outline numeral "2" divides a +colorless ribbon bordered by fine colored lines, and inscribed "_Two +Cents_" in outline colored capitals shaded outside, on a background of +short vertical colored lines. Above the oval, a band bordered by a +colorless line edged by fine colored lines, extends nearly to the outer +edge of the stamp, and is inscribed, "_U. S. Postage_" in outline +colorless capitals, shaded outside on a rectangularly hatched ground. +The shadows of the shield are made by short vertical lines, those of the +oval by short horizontal lines. The shield is ornamented by fine laurel +leaves on each side, just above the lower label. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 2 cents, velvet brown. + +THREE CENTS. Bust of Geo. Washington, after Houdon, in profile to left, +on oval disk with horizontally lined ground, and occasional diagonal +latticed hatchings, bordered by a broad colorless line with exterior +fine colored line, resting on a shield with vertically lined ground, on +a background of horizontal lines, with a border line on the right side +but none on the left. Above the oval, a band bordered by a colorless +line, with a ball on each end and three little foliations above on each +side, all edged by a fine colored line inscribed "_U. S. Postage_," in +outline capitals, shaded outside on a horizontally lined ground. Below +the oval a large numeral "3," shaded outside, divides a ribbon bordered +by a colored line, and inscribed in similar capitals, "_Three Cents_" on +a ground of short vertical lines. The shadows of the oval are made by +short colored horizontal lines, and those of the shield by vertical +lines. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 3 cents, malori green. + +SIX CENTS. Bust of Abraham Lincoln, in profile to the left, after Volk, +on an oval disk lined horizontally and doubly lined obliquely, bordered +by a colorless line. On a depressed panel, lined horizontally, the sides +projected, darker than the frame of fine vertical lines which surrounds +it, completes the rectangle. There is no terminal line at the sides. +Above the oval a yoke-shaped label, bordered by a colorless line, edged +by fine colored lines, inscribed "_U. S. Postage_" in outline colorless +capitals, shaded outside on a ground of horizontal lines. Below the oval +is a ribbon bordered by fine colored lines, inscribed in the same +letters, "_Six Cents_" divided by a large outline numeral "6," on a +ground of short colored vertical lines. A distinct line borders the +depressed panel all the way around, being heaviest on the left side. The +shadows of the oval and depressed panel are made by vertical colored +lines, and those of the upper and lower labels are made by horizontal +colored lines. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 6 cents, cochineal red. + +TEN CENTS. Bust of Thomas Jefferson, in profile to left, after Powers, +on an oval disk, lined horizontally, and obliquely from right to left, +bordered by a colorless line with exterior colored line, on a shield +bordered by a fine colored line, vertically lined, on a rectangular +background, which is lined horizontally. Above the oval a label formed +by a colorless line edged by a colored exterior line, curved round from +the oval line at the ends, and then parallel with it, having a small +ball ornament at each end, is inscribed "_U. S. Postage_" in outline +capitals, shaded outside, on a ground of vertical lines, except at the +ends, where the lines are horizontal. Below the oval, on a ribbon +bordered by colored lines, in the same letters "_Ten Cents_," on a +ground of short vertical lines, the words separated by large outline +numerals "10." Shadows of the oval in short horizontal lines crossed by +lines parallel to the oval. Shadows of the lower ribbon in vertical +lines. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 10 cents, chocolate. + +TWELVE CENTS. Bust of Henry Clay, after Hart, in profile to the left, on +an oval disk, closely lined horizontally, and bordered by a colorless +line between two fine colored lines, surrounded by labels bordered +without by a second colorless line, between fine colored lines, but +curved inwards, crossed and the sides united in a vertical line at the +sides of the stamp, the whole arranged in a double tablet formed by +vertical lines, terminated by an outside colored line at top and bottom. +The outer edges representing a chamfer are horizontally lined. A little +distance from the edge, a series of diagonal lines between two parallel +lines, represent a beveled edge, making the parts within appear higher. +The upper label is inscribed "_U. S. Postage_," in outline capitals, +doubly shaded outside, on a ground of horizontal lines. The lower label +is inscribed, "_Twelve Cents_," in outline block capitals, doubly shaded +on a ground of horizontal lines. Large outline numerals "12," doubly +shaded, divide the lower band and separate the words. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 12 cents, neutral tint. + +FIFTEEN CENTS. Bust of Daniel Webster, in profile to the left, after +Clevenger, on an oval disk, very closely lined horizontally and +obliquely, bordered by a colorless line, on a vertically lined +background, with no terminal line at the top or bottom. There is a +triangular depression represented in each of the four corners by +horizontally lined ground and shade lines, and mitered at the angles. +Above the oval and following its outline, is a label indicated by a +colorless line between fine colored lines, square at the ends with a +ball beyond, inscribed on a horizontally lined ground in colorless +capitals, outlined by colored lines and shaded without, "_U. S. +Postage_." Below the oval is a similarly formed label with pointed ends, +inscribed in the same letters on horizontally lined ground, "_Fifteen +Cents_," divided by large pearled numerals "15." + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 15 cents, orange. + +TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. Bust of Winfield Scott, in profile to the left, after +Coffee, on an oval disk closely lined horizontally, and bordered by a +colorless line with exterior colored line, on a rectangular background +of horizontal lines. Above and following the line of the oval are +thirteen five pointed stars, two at each end plain, and one letter of +the inscription "_U. S. Postage_" in colored block capitals in each of +the others. Above these and parallel to the oval is a colorless line +between colored lines, divided and curving into two balls below, but +curving into a single ball above and shaded by another colored line. +Above these in each corner on a solid ground of color, bordered by a +similar arrangement of lines, etc., in colorless block numerals "24." +Below the oval is a label inscribed "_Twenty Four_," with another +beneath it inscribed "_Cents_," both indicated by a colorless line +between colored lines, with a horizontally lined background. The letters +are colorless block capitals. In the lower left corner are flags and +cannon, and in the right three muskets stacked. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 24 cents, pure purple. + +THIRTY CENTS. Bust of Alexander Hamilton, in profile to the left, after +Cerrachi, on an oval disk horizontally and obliquely lined, bordered by +a colorless line with outer colored line, on a shield shaped panel +vertically lined, the edges beveled and obliquely lined, resting on a +background of horizontal lines. The upper corners of the panel project +beyond the rest at top and sides, the sides project beyond the curved +bottom, the shadows of the oval on the shield are indicated by short +horizontal lines; those of the shield by vertical lines. Across the +curved top of the shield is a colorless line bordered by outside colored +lines. Across the top of the shield in a double curve of outline +capitals, shaded outside, "_U. S. Postage_." Below the oval, a small +shield, outlined by a colorless line between colored lines, bears the +outlined numerals "30," shaded outside on ground of horizontal lines, +dividing a ribbon outlined by colored lines, inscribed "_Thirty Cents_," +in colored spurred capitals, on a ground of vertical lines. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 30 cents, black. + +NINETY CENTS. Bust of Com. O. H. Perry, in profile to left, after +Wolcutt, on an oval disk bordered by a colorless line with exterior +colored line. The upper half of this line is covered by a cable, rove at +each end to a ring, that supports the lower label. Above the oval a +label with hatched ground, bordered by a colorless line, with exterior +colored line following the oval, the ends curved outward and inward in a +sort of foliation, is inscribed "_U. S. Postage_" in outline capitals, +shaded outside. A five pointed star in each corner. Below the oval, the +lower label, square at the ends, with hatched ground, bordered by a +colorless line and outer colored line, is inscribed "_Ninety Cents_," in +outline block capitals, shaded outside. There is a heavy shadow beneath +the label, an anchor in each lower corner. The whole is on a vertically +lined panel chamfered at the top, bottom and sides. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 90 cents, carmine. + + +ISSUE OF JULY 1870. + +SEVEN CENTS. Bust of Secretary Edwin M. Stanton, in profile to left, on +an oval disk, closely lined horizontally, bordered by a colorless line. +Above and below, a label bordered by a colorless line following the +outline of the oval, but curved round and terminated inside by a ball at +each end. The whole on a panel, vertically lined, with rounded corners, +and large ball on a rectangular background of horizontal lines. The +labels are inscribed in outline capitals, shaded outside on a hatched +ground, the upper, "_U. S. Postage_," the lower, "_Seven Cents_," +divided by a large outline numeral "7," doubly shaded outside. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 7 cents, vermilion. + +All these values were first issued with a grille, of which there are +several sizes, but on many, if not most, even of unused specimens it is +so indistinct that it is impossible to distinguish the outlines, measure +the size, or count the squares. Some very perfect unused specimens have +been examined however, and on the face it appears to be composed of +horizontal rows of depressed diamonds, divided by alternate rows of +smaller raised diamonds, with deep-depressed lines along the sides of +the latter. On the reverse, the appearance is of rows of squares divided +by depressed lines, with little raised crosses in each square. By these +specimens it has also been determined, that there were at least two +distinct sizes of grille. + +The first measures 101/2 by 121/2 mm., composed of 13 by 151/2 rows of +squares. Perfect specimens of the 1, 2, 3, 7 and 10 cent so grilled, +have been found, and satisfactory specimens of the 6, 12, 15, 24, 30 and +90 cents. + +The other variety measures 81/2 by 101/2 mm., and is composed of 10 by 13 +rows of squares. Perfect specimens of the 1, 2, 3 and 7 cents so +grilled have been found, but no satisfactory specimens of any other +value. + +Specimens with only a few distinct squares, are comparatively common. + +The difficulty of arriving at accurate measurement, is increased when +the specimens examined have been used, but apparently the larger of the +above grilles was gradually cut down row by row to the smaller, as +specimens of the 1, 2 and 3 cents, the most used values, are found +undoubtedly grilled. + + 101/2 by 121/2 mm., or 13 by 17 rows. + 10 " 12 " " 13 " 15 " + 9 " 111/2 " " 12 " 15 " + 9 " 11 " " 11 " 14 " + 81/2 " 10 " " 11 " 13 " + +These all now bear a deep yellow or brown gum. The colors are very +uniform. + +As stated by the passage quoted above, there are 100 stamps, or ten rows +of ten stamps in the so called sheet, or properly half sheet, there +being 200 on the plate. The imprint was either "Engraved and printed by +the," in one line, "National Bank Note Co., New York," in a second line +in colorless capitals, on a solid ground, with pearled edges and outer +fine colored line, or the second line above without pearls on colored +ground, bordered by a double colored line. The author cannot state +whether all the values bore both imprints, having only seen the 1, 2 and +3 cents with the first, and the 30 and 90 with the second, the latter +without the grille. These imprints are placed 2 mm. from the stamps, +above and below the 5th and 6th rows on each half sheet, the plate +number being between the 8th and 9th rows. The line on which the sheets +are divided is indicated by three lines forming a sort of arrow head, at +the top and bottom of the sheet. The center rows of stamps are 21/2 mm. +apart, and there are no perforations between them. The vertical rows of +perforation are 221/2 mm. apart horizontally. The horizontal rows 271/2 mm. +apart vertically, but the upper and lower rows are sometimes 281/2 and +sometimes 291/2 mm. apart. If a sheet is selected, where the vertical rows +are so far from the center line as to cut into the stamps, and the +horizontal rows too high or too low, and a stamp from the top or bottom +of the row next to the center cut line is selected, and the perforations +carefully cut off, specimens can be made that have a much larger margin +than the ordinary perforated stamps, and might easily pass as +unperforated. This may not account for all the unperforated specimens, +some of which may be the result of accident, but all the values of this +series and the following may be so made unperforated, and have been so +catalogued. + +The number of these stamps issued with grille, is estimated as follows: + + 1 cent, 95,127,100. + 2 cents, 208,375,550. + 3 " 962,467,790. + 6 " 21,600,900. + 7 " 2,070,800. + 10 cents 8,509,280. + 12 " 2,857,975. + 15 " 4,299,220. + 24 " 637,450. + 30 " 711,430. + 90 " 165,180. + + +ISSUE WITHOUT GRILLE (1873?) + +The use of the grille was finally abandoned altogether. The first notice +of this change appeared in the stamp papers of February, 1873. They were +made by the same company, and are in all respects the same, except the +embossing. + + 1 cent, imperial ultramarine, perforated 12. + 2 cents, velvet brown " " + 3 " milori green " " + 6 " cochineal " " + 7 " vermilion " " + 10 " chocolate " " + 12 " purple " " + 15 " orange " " + 24 " pure purple " " + 30 " black " " + 90 " carmine " " + +The colors do not vary materially from those of the grilled series, but +there are two quite distinct shades of the twelve cents, a blackish +purple and a brownish tint. + + +ISSUE OF 1873. + +In accordance with the provisions of the general law, before the +expiration of the contract with the National Bank Note Company, the +Postmaster General advertised in the daily papers, in December, 1872, +that he would receive bids for furnishing the Department with postage +stamps from the 1st of May, 1873, to the 1st of May, 1877. This +contract, as well as the subsequent one which terminated the 1st of +July, 1881, was awarded to the Continental Bank Note Company, of New +York. The dies and plates, by the terms of the contract with the +National Bank Note Company, were the property of the Government, and +were turned over to the new contractors, who continued to print the +stamps from the same plates, until they were worn out, and theoretically +in the same colors. As new plates were required from time to time, they +were made from the original dies, but bore the imprint of the new +contractor, which resembles the first one described as used by the +National Company, but reads "Printed by the" in the first line, +"Continental Bank Note Co., New York," in the second line. This imprint +probably, was not put upon one of the values above 15 cents. In fact the +30 and 90 cents sent out just before, and for some years after the +expiration of the second contract awarded to this Company, bore the +second named imprint of the National Bank Note Company. + +Specimens are found which show the heavier border lines and shadows of +the different parts of the design, the fine lines of the background, of +the tablets, and sometimes of the shields, being invisible to the eye, +though more or less of them can generally be traced with a glass. These +collectors have designated as "plain frames," as they appear to be +without color. They are, really, defective impressions either from worn +plates, when the plates made by the National Bank Note Company, were +giving out in 1873, or from the poor results of the process of printing +adopted, as is claimed by the Postmaster General. + +But similar varieties have certainly appeared, and for like causes, at +other times. Collectors of curiosities will find: + + 1 cent plain frame, perforated 12. + 2 cents " " " " + 3 " " " " " + 6 " " " " " + 10 " " " " " + +The stamps from the plates with the imprint of this Company, now bear on +the back a white gum, and not the brownish, used by the National Bank +Note Company, which will help to distinguish impressions made by them +from the old plates. The colors, however, are not identical, and will +further serve to distinguish them. There may be exceptions, but +ordinarily the ONE CENT is a pure indigo, without the red or ultramarine +cast, of those printed previously, whether lighter or deeper impressions +are chosen. + +The TWO CENTS has also lost its reddish tone, and is a dull brown, with +a tendency to blackish-brown, whether lighter or deeper in shade. + +The THREE CENTS is of a duller and generally a pale shade. + +The SIX CENTS is much lighter and is a washy pink. + +The SEVEN CENTS is a more yellowish vermilion. + +The TEN CENTS approaches very nearly to the original shade of the two +cents, but is a little more of a blackish brown, very unlike the +delicate original shade. The oval and face lines are dark and heavy. + +The FIFTEEN CENTS is a much paler orange. + +The higher values, TWENTY-FOUR, THIRTY and NINETY CENTS, have a thinner +tone than the deep rich color of the former Company's work. + +In the meantime, the following changes were announced in a circular to +postmasters: + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, + Office of the Third Assistant Postmaster General, + Division of Stamps, Stamped Envelopes & Postal Cards. + + _Washington, D. C., June 21st, 1875._ + + The Department is prepared to commence the issue of postage + stamps of the denomination of five (5) cents to meet the new + letter rate of postage, under the treaty of Berne, to the + following countries, viz: + + [Here follow the names of all countries that had then joined the + Postal Union, to which five cents was the rate.] + + The new five cent stamp is designed from a bust of Gen. Zackary + Taylor in full face, and printed in dark blue color. The + changes in foreign postages will render unnecessary the further + use of the 7, 12 and 24 cent stamps and stamped envelopes, and + they will accordingly be discontinued. + + In order to avoid the liability to mistake caused by the near + similarity in color between the two cent and ten cent stamp, the + former will in future be printed in vermilion, the color of the + discontinued seven cent stamp. + + [Here follows directions to use up the stock of the discontinued + stamps and envelopes, whenever they can be utilized.] + + (Signed.) E. W. BARBER, + Third Assistant Postmaster General. + + +ISSUE OF JULY 1ST, 1875. + +TWO CENTS. Same design, and from the same die and plate as the previous +brown impression, the color only changed. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 2 cents, vermilion. + + +ISSUE OF OCTOBER 5TH, 1875. + +One of the New York daily papers in April, 1882, speaking of the new +five cent stamp (Garfield) about to be issued, says: The history of the +current five cent stamp with Taylor's portrait is as follows: + + The rates for international postage had been decided upon as 5 + cents, the United States series of postage stamps had not such a + value. Mr. Jewell, the Postmaster General at the time, suggested + to President Grant the propriety of having his portrait on the + new stamp of the required value. Gen. Grant did not agree with + his Cabinet officer. Finally, he suggested that if Mr. Jewell + would insist upon consulting his wishes, he (Gen. Grant) would + be well pleased if the portrait of old Zack Taylor, with whom he + served in the Mexican war, could be used on the new stamp. + Instead of instructing the then contractors to prepare a + portrait of Gen. Taylor, which would be in harmony with the + other stamps of the series, Mr. Jewell found in the Bureau of + Engraving and Printing, a portrait of Taylor, which had been + used on the old tobacco strip series. This portrait was + transmogrified into the five cent stamp. It was badly engraved + and of wretched color. + + +ISSUE OF OCTOBER 5TH, 1875. + +FIVE CENTS. Bust of General Zachary Taylor, full face, on an oval disk +lined horizontally and obliquely, the horizontal lines growing closer +and closer towards the top, surrounded by a colorless line with outer +colored line, and resting on a shield, vertically lined, and bordered by +an exterior colored line, all on a background of colored horizontal +lines, the shadows of short horizontal lines. Above the oval is a label, +bordered by a colorless line between fine colored lines, and curved +round and divided at the ends, the outer part terminating in a ball, +horizontally lined and inscribed "_U. S. Postage_," in outline capitals +shaded without. Below the oval is a ribbon, bordered by a colored line, +and inscribed "_Five Cents_," the words divided by a large numeral "5", +all in outline capitals, shaded without on a ground of short vertical +lines. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 5 cents, dark blue. + +The stamp is identical with the two and ten cent values, with the value +changed, and the portrait of Taylor from the six ounce tobacco stamp of +the "series of 1871," placed in the medallion. + +Both the two cent vermilion and the five cent blue, bear the imprint +"Printed by the Continental Bank Note Company," which also prepared the +tobacco stamp in question. + +These two stamps have been chronicled as having been issued grilled. The +error crept into the French edition of this work likewise, but they were +at least never so issued for circulation. + +All the values as issued by this company have likewise been chronicled +as unperforated. If they are not accounted for as indicated under the +remarks made on page 172, they are the result of accident. + +In many cases indistinct dots can be seen where the perforating machine +failed to do its work. Such specimens are curious but do not require +more than mention. + +Before the second contract with the Continental Bank Note Co. expired, +it was consolidated with the American Bank Note Co. under, the name of +the American Bank Note Company, and new plates began to appear with the +imprint of this company, in large colored block capitals, shaded by a +colored line parallel to the letters and an outside row of lighter +horizontal lines. + +The one, two, three, five and ten are found with this imprint, without +material change. The seven, twelve and twenty-four cent having long been +retired are not to be looked for with this imprint, and the fifteen, +thirty and ninety cents at this time were still printed from the plates, +with the imprint of the Continental Bank Note Co. + +The gum has the white shade and the colors are the same as used by that +company. + +The _one cent_ of the dull indigo blue. + +The _two cents_ has a misty look. + +The _three cents_ inclines to a blue-green. + +The _five cents_ has heavier lines and is a darker blue. + +The _ten cents_ returns to the light appearance of the original of 1870 +but is of the yellow-brown shade. + + +ISSUE OF APRIL 10TH, 1882. + +With the letting of the contract for another term in June, 1881, the +American Bank Note Company again secured the contract. + +Soon after the death of President Garfield, it was proposed that his +portrait should be placed on the five cent stamp used for foreign +postage, and the stamp printed in mourning, as was said to have been +done with the fifteen cent stamp, then used for foreign postage, after +the death of President Lincoln. The stamp with the head of Taylor, it +was said had been hurriedly gotten up, and did not correspond with the +rest of the series. By direction of Postmaster General James, the +American Bank Note Co. therefore prepared the new stamp, after a +photograph of President Garfield. Mrs. Garfield was consulted, and +proofs in various colors were, it is said, submitted to her. Instead of +black, she finally selected a vandyke brown. The first proofs were in +black, and at the request of Mrs. Garfield it is stated, the Postmaster +General sent one of them, mounted on card and placed in a frame of +silver, surrounded by a second frame of gold, on a background of purple +velvet, and protected by a glass in an ebony frame, to Her Majesty, the +Queen of England. + +From the correspondence columns of the daily papers, we learn that the +Department received the first invoice of these stamps at Washington, the +7th of February, 1882, and that it was expected to begin the issue the +1st of March, following. Mr. Durbin obtained some copies which he used +on St. Valentines day. But the stamps were not distributed from the +offices until the 10th of April, 1882 and were then sold only as the +supply of the old ones was exhausted. This is the date officially given +by the report of Postmaster General for the year, and the same date is +also given by the New York papers. The description given by the +Postmaster General it is not necessary to repeat. + + +ISSUE OF APRIL 10TH, 1882. + +FIVE CENTS. Portrait in profile to the left, of President Garfield, in +an oval disk 16 by 20 mm., lined horizontally and obliquely, and +bordered by a line of colorless pearls on a broad colored band, resting +on a shield lined horizontally, and bordered by a colored line, very +heavy on the right side and at the bottom, and an exterior fine +colorless line at the bottom and sides, all on a back ground of +horizontal lines bordered at the sides by a terminal line of color. The +shield is square at the top, of the width of the stamp, with +perpendicular sides not quite so far apart, the corners being slanted +back, and is pointed at the bottom which is formed of two diagonal +lines. A large solid six pointed star, bordered by a colorless line and +exterior colored line covers the lower point of the shield and a part of +the pearled border, and bears a large colorless numeral "5." On each +side of this a ribbon indicated by a colored line, inscribed on left +"_Five_," on right "_Cents_," in outline capitals, on a ground of short +vertical lines. On the background of the stamp, beneath all, "_U. S. +Postage_" in colored block letters, shaded on the left and top by +colorless lines. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 5 cents, dark chocolate. + + +ISSUE OF NOVEMBER, 1882. + +Without any notice to the postmasters or the public, new plates were +made by the American Bank Note Company, and slight changes were made in +the engraving. These began to appear in November, 1882, and may be +found in the one three, six and ten cent values. + +ONE CENT. The vertical lines of the background are thickened in the +upper half and so nearly touch, that the ground now appears solid and in +fact from the running of the ink, sometimes really is solid. The curved +ornamental lines in the upper corners and the balls are now shaded with +one or more interior colored lines, instead of being plain. The exterior +shading of horizontal lines is omitted here, at the ends of the upper +labels, and also outside of the side lines, and is very faint under the +lower ornaments and label. + +(_a_) The first impressions of this altered plate are in an ashey blue +and, the upper ornaments are rendered indistinct by the interior lines. +There is a whitish space, like a reflection beneath the bust. + +(_b_) Later impressions in 1886, show the upper ornaments more +distinctly white, and shaded outside again by lines parallel to their +curves. A heavy shadow now appears under the bust, the ground being +almost solid where it falls. The color by daylight is again slightly of +the ultramarine cast, but differing only slightly from the ashey hue by +gaslight. + +(_c_) Later impressions in 1887, show the return to the heavy upper +ornaments, but their exterior shading remains as in (b). The ground work +of the oval is uniform and there is no light or dark shadow under the +bust. The ultramarine is of a more pronounced cast by daylight. + +TWO CENTS. There seems to have been no change beyond that already +mentioned, as the design was soon changed. + +THREE CENTS. The altered die beside the other appears quite different, +but a close examination is necessary to determine the differences at +first. Once detected, they are very apparent. The lines of ground of the +oval are heavier. The cross lines can still be seen with the glass, and +the part behind the head is now crossed by vertical lines also. The +shadows of the upper ornaments are now solid, and the horizontal lines +cannot be detected. The shadows of the oval are also solid, and about +half as broad as in the other die. The horizontal lines can be seen by +the glass, but are very light. This is the most conspicuous difference. +The vertical shadow lines under the lower label are omitted. The shield +in the old die has a ground of horizontal lines on the right side, with +an outside vertical border line, and two fine vertical lines on the +horizontal lines form the shadow of the shield. The altered die has the +three vertical lines, but the horizontal lines are omitted to the point +where the bottom line begins. The color is a blue-green, not +yellow-green as before. + +SIX CENTS. The ground work of the oval, is practically solid or mottled, +that of the panel nearly so. The border line cannot be distinguished +from the ground, while in the original issue, not only is the border +line distinct, but in the "sallie" the fine vertical shadow lines can be +counted inside, and on the right side three, very close together, and +four lines besides these between the panel and the edge, counting the +outside line. In the new, none of these shadows exist, and there are +only _three_ lines between the panel and the edge, including the outside +line. In the old, on the right side, there are fourteen lines in the +frame above and below the projection. In the new there are thirteen +above, and eleven below. The color is a brick red, neither the cochineal +or pink previously used. + +TEN CENTS. The frame lines have all been strengthened as well as those +of the background, so that the entire stamp is more uniform in engraving +and color, but has entirely lost its light look. The edges no longer +fade away, but stand out sharp from the paper. It is apparent to the eye +that the space between the oval and the shield, is reduced one-third its +width. There are only four vertical lines between the line of the shield +and the line of the oval at their nearest point on the left, or six +lines in all; in the originals, there were five lines, or seven in all. +Beneath the ribbon containing the value in the old stamps, the +horizontal lines of the background are scarcely visible, the vertical +shade lines being conspicuous. In the new the horizontal lines are +strong and clear. + +(_a_) The earliest impressions are in muddy yellow brown, quite uniform +all over the stamp. + +(_b_) Later impressions, in 1886, are in a clearer shade of +yellow-brown, and the light on the face has been increased, much +improving the effect. + +(_c_) An odd purple-brown shade appeared in 1886. + +(_d_) A dark black-brown shade is now, 1887, in use. + + +THE ISSUE OF OCTOBER, 1883. + +The Act of the 47th Congress, Session II, Chapter 92, approved March 3d, +1883, provided that: + + "Upon all matter of the 1st class [as defined by chapter 180 of + the laws of Congress, approved March 3d, 1879, entitled: An Act, + etc.] postage shall be charged on and after the first day of + October, A. D. 1883, at the rate of two cents for each half + ounce or fraction thereof, and all acts so far as they fix a + different rate of postage than herein provided upon said first + class matter, are to that extent hereby repealed." + +The report of the Third Assistant Postmaster General under date of +November 8th, 1883, says: + + "Soon after the passage of the Act of March 3d, 1883, + preparations were begun to carry the new law into effect. The + change left the 3 cent denomination of postage stamps of little + utility, it no longer representing the single rate of postage on + any class of matter, and it was determined to discontinue its + issue. As the public would have undoubtedly regarded with + disfavor, the dropping of Washington from portraits, forming the + distinguishing feature in the series of postage stamps, it was + decided to replace the old 2 cent stamp by a new one bearing the + profile of the first president, thus restoring it to its old + place on the stamp in most general use. It was also decided to + issue a new stamp of the value of four cents, a denomination not + previously in use, and designed to cover two rates of letter + postage. The portrait of Jackson, formerly on the 2 cent stamp, + was transferred to this new (four cent) stamp. The following is + a brief description of the new stamp: + + TWO CENT STAMP. + + An oblong shield, slightly shouldered on the upper square, the + lower lines terminating in a point. Within this shield is an + oval containing a profile bust of George Washington engraved in + line, surrounded by a ribbon ending with small scrolls bearing + the legend "United States Postage," in white letters. From each + end of the scrolls a chain of pearls completes the outlines of + the oval. A prominent white-faced figure "2" laps over the lower + centre point of the oval and shield, dividing the words "Two + Cents." The whole is enclosed in a dark upright square to give + relief to the device. The stamp is printed in dark red. + + FOUR CENT STAMP. + + Over an oval containing a bust of Andrew Jackson in profile, is + a ribbon with the legend "United States Postage," in white + letters. A string of pearls forms round the lower half of the + oval and unites the two ends of the ribbon. At the lower part + of the oval, on either side, appears the figure "4," and under + that the words "Four Cents," with a star on each side, all + engraved in white faced letters. The whole device is inclosed + in an upright oblong tablet. The stamp is printed in green. + + It is worthy of notice that these are the first postage stamps + ever bearing the words "United States Postage" in full, the + name of the country being abbreviated to "U. S." on all other + stamps * * * Postmasters were notified by circular of the + coming change of postage, and intrusted to make their + requisitions for 3 cent stamps and envelopes sufficient only + for carefully estimated needs to the 1st October. * * * The + issue of the new 2 cent and 4 cent stamped envelopes was + commenced on the 1st September, and of the 2 and 4 cent + adhesive stamps on the 15th September; and they were so + generally distributed by the 1st October that the change of + postage was attended with but little inconvenience for want of + the necessary stamps." + +The circular issued to postmasters read as follows: + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, + Office of Third Assistant Postmaster General. + + _Washington, D. C., July 18th, 1883._ + + On and after the first day of October, 1883, the rate of postage + on domestic mail matter of the first class, will be reduced from + three cents per half ounce, or fraction thereof, as provided by + Act of Congress, approved March 3d, 1883. + + The department has adopted a new design for the two cent stamp. + + The head of Washington, in profile from Houdon's bust, placed on + a plain tablet. Above the oval, surrounding the head, are the + words "United States Postage," and underneath the tablet are the + words "Two Cents." The stamp will be printed in metallic red. + The engraved stamp on the 2 cent envelope will also bear the + head of Washington. + + A four cent denomination of postage stamps and stamped + envelopes, to cover double postage under the new rate, will also + be issued. + + The design embraces the head of Jackson, similar to that on the + present 2 cent stamp and envelope. No change will be made in the + postage due stamps. + + The same 3 cent stamps and stamped envelopes of the present + design, will continue to be valid after the 1st of October, and + must be accepted in payment of postage whenever offered in + appropriate amounts. + + The drop letter rate of postage will remain the same as now. + + A. D. HAZEN, + _Third Assistant Postmaster General_. + + +ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 15TH, 1883. + +TWO CENTS. Bust of General Washington, in profile to the left, after +Houdon, on an oval disk, lined horizontally and doubly diagonally, +bordered by a colorless line, surrounded by a solid colored band, +ornamented in the lower two-thirds with a row of white pearls, the upper +third broadened into a label, edged outside by a colorless line, with +outside colored line, the ends curved round into a hook, the whole +resting on a shield shaped tablet, corresponding to that of the last +three cents, horizontally lined and edged by a colored line, very heavy +on the right and bottom, with an outside colorless line, the whole on a +rectangular background of horizontal lines, very close together below, +and farther apart above. There are no shadows except a few vertical +lines beneath the projecting part of the top parts of the shield. + +The label above the oval is inscribed "_United States Postage_," in full +colorless capitals, on the solid ground. A large colorless numeral +outlined in color and doubly shaded outside, obscures the point of the +shield and the pearled and colorless border of the oval, dividing the +words "_Two Cents_" in full colorless capitals on the background, so +shaded as to be on a solid colored ground. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 2 cents, metallic red. + +FOUR CENTS. Bust of Andrew Jackson, in profile to left, after Powers, +in an oval disk, horizontally lined, very closely at the top, and doubly +diagonally bordered by a colorless line, twice as wide as that in the +last two cents, surrounded by a solid colored band, ornamented with +pearls below, and broadened above into a label, bordered above and at +the ends by a colorless line, and inscribed "_United States Postage_," +just as in the two cents, the whole resting on a rectangular tablet, +with horizontally lined ground, crossed by vertical lines below the +oval, and bordered by a vertical colorless line on the right and above +the oval on the left, with mitered or bevelled edge, represented by five +colored lines parallel with the top, bottom and sides, the right, upper +third of the left, and bottom bevel crossed by short colored lines at +right angles. On the ground below the oval, which is nearly solid color, +in colorless capitals, "_Four Cents_," between colored five pointed +stars. Large colorless numeral "4" on each side, above the stars and end +letters of the value. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, slightly +surfaced with green, perforated 12. + + 4 cents, blue green. + +The arrangement of the plates, printer's imprint, plate number, etc., is +the same as before, for both of the new stamps. + +The report of 1883 also proposed that the 3 and 6 cent stamps should be +called in, redeemed and destroyed. Nothing seems to have been done about +it however, until Frank Hatton, Postmaster General, issued an order, +dated December 1st, 1884, that the three and six cents of all issues +with the exceptions following, should be exchanged by postmasters for +other values. + + "Especial care must be taken not to redeem postage stamps issued + prior to 1861, as such stamps were long since declared obsolete + and valueless for postage. No six cent stamps were issued prior + to 1861. The three cent issued before that time bears the head + of Washington, and is printed in red. In a straight line at the + top are the words "U. S. Postage," and at the bottom, the words + "Three Cents." The figure 3 does not appear on the stamps, as it + does upon all subsequent issues of that denomination. Stamps + answering to this description, must in all cases be refused." + +On the 14th of January, 1885, Postmaster General Frank Hatton, by order +No. 75, appointed a committee of three to proceed among other things to +the stamp manufactory at New York, and effectually cancel all the +plates, except one working plate of each denomination, of the issues of +1847, of 1851, including the two carrier stamps, of 1861, of 1865 +newspaper and periodicals, of 1869, of the 3, 5, Taylor, 7, 12 and 24 +cents of 1870, 3 and 9 cent newspaper and periodical of 1874, and of all +the Department stamps. + + "One plate of each kind and denomination of postage stamp + reserved as above, and the dies and rolls from which they have + been produced, together with all the cancelled plates, to be + inventoried, waxed and carefully boxed and sealed, and placed in + the vault of the stamp manufactory, in the custody and under the + control of the agent." + +The committee were also to cancel any worn out and unserviceable plates +of the current series, and to count and destroy the official stamps +remaining in the vaults of the American Bank Note Company, of all +denominations and Departments, numbering 17,024,588, of the 3 and 9 cent +newspaper and periodical stamps of 1874, numbering 324,990, and of the +7, 12, and 24 cent stamps of the 1870 issue, numbering 1,414,300, a +grand total of 18,763,878 stamps. On the 24th of February, the committee +reported that they had carried out the order. + +A. D. Hazen, Third Assistant Postmaster General, who recommended this +holocaust, says: + + "I have excepted from this recommendation the 3 cent stamps of + the current series, of which there are 135,800 in the vault, for + the reason that though their general issue has been + discontinued, occasional calls are made for them by some of the + larger offices." + +The reports show further that from January 1st, to June 30, 1886, +1,094,200 three cent stamps were actually issued. During the same +period, 201,600 six cent stamps were also issued, while 645,950 thirty +cent stamps, and only 29,620 ninety cent stamps were issued. As a matter +of fact therefore these values, though retired from general issue, are +more in demand than the two higher values retained, nearly 2 to 1, as +between the 3 and 30 cents, 50 to 1 as between the 3 and 90 cents, or 9 +to 1 as between the 6 and 90 cents, and that too when the general public +is unaware that these values can be obtained at all. + + +CONTRACT FOR 1885-89. + +The contract for the manufacture of adhesive stamps between the +Department and the American Bank Note Company, expiring on the 30th of +June, 1885, sealed proposals were invited by public advertisement of +March 30th, 1885, for a new contract for four years from July 1st, 1885. +The important features of the new contract to be noticed here, are +_first_, that a definite standard of paper to be used for printing the +stamps, made by an improved formula, was for the first time required, +all other contracts having provided that the paper should be equal to a +sample only; and _second_, that all ordinary postage stamps should be +printed wholly by machinery run by steam power. "The two previous +contracts, 1877 to 1881, and 1881 to 1885, expressly stipulated that the +printing should be done on hand roller presses, the use of steam presses +under the contract immediately preceeding the same, 1873 to 1877, which +was silent as to the mode of printing, having resulted in extremely +unsatisfactory work." + +The act of the 48th Congress, Session II, Chapter 342, approved March +30th, 1885, provides: + + "That upon all matter of the first class, as defined by chapter + 180 of the laws of Congress, approved March 3d, 1879, entitled: + An Act, etc., and by that act declared subject to postage at the + rate of three cents for each half ounce or fraction thereof, and + reduced by act of March 3d, 1883, to two cents for each ounce or + fraction thereof, postage shall be charged, on and after the + first day of July, 1885, at the rate of two cents for each + ounce or fraction thereof; and drop letters shall be mailed at + the rate of two cents per ounce or fraction thereof, including + delivery at letter carrier offices, and one cent for each ounce + or fraction thereof where free delivery by carriers is not + established." + +It was claimed that the improvements in machinery had produced steam +presses that could produce better word than the hand presses, at less +cost. Bids were taken for stamps printed entirely by hand, partly by +hand and partly by steam, entirely by steam; the last two with or +without an option reserved to the Postmaster General, to require the +work to be done by hand roller presses. The Treasury Bureau of Engraving +and Printing, the Franklin Bank Note Co., and the American Bank Note +Co., were the only bidders. The latter again secured the contract to +print the ordinary stamps, by steam power entirely, and the newspaper, +postage due and special delivery stamps by hand roller presses. For the +latter of these they are paid $18 per 1000, for the postage due $8.49 +per 1000, and for the steam printed stamps $6.99 per thousand. For these +latter the Government paid $9.19 under the previous contract up to 1885, +$9.98 up to 1881, and $14.99 up to 1877. + +The following is the number of stamps of the issue of 1870 as it is +called without the grille. + + 1 cent, old plate, blue, 1,748,378,900 + 1 " altered " " 1,872,063,600 + 2 cents, old " brown 176,830,300 + 2 " " " vermilion 661,829,150 + 2 " new " red-brown 4,370,788,300 + 3 " old " 4,986,505,600 + 3 " altered " 629,537,100 + 5 " Jackson 80,390,500 + 5 " Garfield 14,454,640 + 6 " old plate 76,726,850 + 6 " altered " 8,013,300 + 7 " 3,349,100 + 10 " old " 79,126,690 + 10 " altered " 81,307,910 + 12 " 3,272,125 + 15 " 16,136,380 + 24 " 716,975 + 30 " 6,134,410 + 90 " 436,150 + +The paper provided for in this contract is the soft porous paper, which +according to Mr. Sterling was introduced in 1883. It is not stiff and +hard like the previous paper, and seems to have been adopted about the +time of the change in the dies, the fall 1882. All the values employed +since are to be found on it. It may be noted that the fifteen and thirty +cents on this paper are with the imprint of the American Company. The +fifteen is again a deep orange and the thirty a full black. + + +ISSUE OF 1883, ETC. + +Same colors, values and designs, soft porous paper, perforated 12. + + 1 cent, ultramarine blue. + 2 cents, red-brown. + 3 cents, green. + 4 " dark green. + 5 " " brown. + 6 " cochineal. + 10 " brown. + 15 " orange. + 30 " black. + 90 " carmine. + + +ISSUE OF JUNE 15TH, 1887. + +The following circular explains itself: + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, + Office of the Postmaster General. + + _Washington, D. C., May 23d, 1887._ + + On or about the 15th of June, 1887, the Department will begin + the issue of a new design of the ordinary one cent postage + stamp, of which the following is a description: The center of + the stamp consists of a profile bust of Benjamin Franklin + (after-the original by Caracci), looking to the left, in an oval + disk, with shaded background, the lower portion of the oval + being bordered with pearls and the upper portion with a curved + frame, containing in small white letters, the words, "United + States Postage." The whole is engraved in line upon a shield + shaped tablet, with a truncated pyramidal base, bearing on it + the words "one" and "cent," on either side of the figure "1." + The color of the stamp is ultramarine blue, and its general + appearance is somewhat similar to that of the stamp now in use. + + Before ordering supplies of the new stamps, postmasters will be + expected to exhaust their stock of the old, which will continue + to be valid. Under no circumstances are the old stamps to be + sent to the Department for redemption or exchange. + + WILLIAM T. VILAS, + Postmaster General. + + H. R. HARRIS, + Third Assist. P. M. General. + + +ISSUE OF JUNE 15TH, 1887. + +ONE CENT. Head of Benjamin Franklin, in profile to the left, after +Carraci, on an oval disk lined horizontally and doubly diagonally, the +upper third bordered by a label, the lower two thirds by a broad solid +colored line, ornamented with colorless pearls increasing in size from +top to bottom, with a colorless line outside this, shaded by another +heavy colored line. The label is of solid color, between two colorless +lines, the upper one curved round the ends, forming a hook and edged +outside by a fine colored line, and is inscribed in white capitals +similar to the two cents last described, "United States Postage." The +whole is on a horizontally lined shield shaped tablet, the top similar +to that of the two cents, but with a small point in the centre of the +top and the diagonals shorter. The bottom is curved at the corners, then +curved back up and round, and spreads out into the lower part of a +"truncated pyramid." It is edged with a heavy colored line on the right +and bottom, with a heavy colored line on the left and top. On the +truncated base is a large pearled outlined colorless numeral "1," +dividing the border of the oval and the words "One Cent," in outline +colorless capitals. The rectangle is filled out with horizontal lines at +the sides of the shield and vertical line at the top. + +Plate impression, 20 by 251/2 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 1 cent, ultramarine blue. + + + + +XXIV. + +POSTAGE DUE STAMPS. + + +From the adoption of compulsory prepayment up to 1879, various +regulations had been made from time to time regarding insufficiently +paid letters, in order to relieve the Dead Letter Office as far as +possible, and yet enforce the prepayment of all mail matter. +Nevertheless mistakes continued to be made and the practice of +forwarding all letters upon which one full rate was paid, and collecting +the balance of the receiver had finally been adopted, the amount to be +collected being written or stamped upon the letter. From this practice +abuses arose, and by the Act of the XLV Congress, Section III, Chapter +180, Section 26, approved March 3d, 1879, it was enacted: + + "That all mail matter of the first class upon which one full + rate of postage has been prepaid shall be forwarded to its + destination charged with the unpaid rate, to be collected on + delivery, but postmasters before delivering the same, or any + article of mail matter upon which prepayment in full has not + been made, shall affix, or cause to be affixed, and cancelled as + ordinary stamps are cancelled, one or more stamps equivalent in + value to the amount of postage due on such article of mail + matter, which stamps shall be of such special design as the + Postmaster General shall prescribe, and which shall in no case + be sold by any postmaster or received by him in prepayment of + postage," etc. + + Sec. 27. "That any postmaster or other person engaged in the + postal service who shall collect and fail to account for the + postage due upon any article of mail matter which he may deliver + without having previously affixed and cancelled such stamp as + herein before provided shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, + and on conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of fifty + dollars." + +Shortly after the passage of this Act the following circular was +addressed to all postmasters: + + Form No. 3288. + + SPECIAL STAMP FOR POSTAGE DUE. + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, + Office of the Third Assistant Postmaster General, + Division of Stamps, Stamped Envelopes and Postal Cards. + + _Washington, D. C., May 5th 1879._ + + By Sections 26 and 27 of the Act of Congress, making + appropriations for the service of the Post Office Department for + the year ending June 30th, 1880, and for other purposes + "approved March 3d, 1879, it is made the duty of postmasters to + affix to all mail matter that has arrived at destination without + full payment of postage, and before delivery of the same, an + amount of stamps equal to the postage due, the stamps to be of + such special design as the Postmaster General may direct." + + To avoid any confusion in the accounts of Postmasters with the + Auditor, and on account of the length of the time necessary to + prepare for the change contemplated by the above sections in + the mode of collecting and accounting for short paid postage, it + has been decided to have the same go into practical operation on + the 1st of July next. + + The Department however, will begin issuing sometime during the + present month, in anticipation of the wants of postmasters, + special stamps for the collection of postage due of the + denomination of 1, 2, 3 and 5 cents, and of the following + general description: + + A large figure, representing the denomination is placed in the + center of the stamp, and is surrounded by an oval of very + delicate lathe work. On the upper border of this oval, the words + "Postage Due" are printed in white letters; in the lower border + is the denomination, in letters of the same kind; on either side + of the oval are the letters "U. S." in a small white shield. + Around the oval is a form of complex character, described upon + an oblong tablet. The general design is the same for all the + stamps, the only difference being in the figures and lettering + for the several denominations. The color is the same, a reddish + brown. + + These stamps are intended, exclusively for the collection of + postage due on matter arriving at destination through the mails, + and are to be used in combination, wherever required to cover + unusual amounts of postage. They are to be cancelled in the + customary way after being attached to mail matter, are never to + be sold or received by Postmasters for prepayment of postage. + Postmasters must distinctly understand, that these stamps are + not to be used until July 1st, 1879. + + A supply of these will be sent at first to all post offices in + advance of requisitions from postmasters, and charged to their + account; but afterwards they must be ordered on blank forms (No. + 3285) to be furnished by the First Assistant Postmaster General. + With the first supply of stamps, however, blank requisitions for + future use will be enclosed. + + The stamps will be accounted for to the auditor the same as + other stamps, and will enter into the monthly reports of stamps, + etc., received, sold and on hand, required by the regulations, + to be made by postmasters at Presidential offices, to the Third + Assistant Postmaster General. + + On the next page of this circular will be found the sections of + the new postal law and regulations relating to the above + described stamps, which are published in advance for the + information and guidance of postmasters. The distinguishing + numbers of the sections cannot now be given, but the + instructions are here printed in the same order in which they + will appear in the forthcoming volume of the new postal + regulations. + + A. D. HAZEN, + _Third Assistant Postmaster General_. + + +ISSUE OF MAY 9TH, 1879. + +For use from and after July 1st, 1879. + +Large colorless numeral, 10 mm. high, representing the value, ornamented +and shaded, on an oval disk, 17 by 131/2 mm., with colored ground +ornamented by colorless geometric lathe work, bordered by a solid +colored band between two heavy colorless lines and an exterior fine +colored line, interrupted by small white shields on the sides bearing +"_U._" on the left, "_S._" on the right, in fancy colored capitals. The +band is inscribed in white capitals, above, "_Postage Due_," below with +the value in full letters, the whole on a tablet with vertically lined +ground, with an irregular outline colorless line bordered by an +extensive fine colored line, and a double rectangular frame, the +interior formed by parallel, diagonal curved lines, and the exterior by +vertical short lines at top and bottom, horizontal ones at sides, +indicating a bevel. + +Plate impression, 20 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 1 cent, reddish brown. + 2 cents, " + 3 " " + 5 " " + +The report of the Postmaster General dated December, 1879, states: + + "Under a provision in the act of Congress, approved March 3d + 1879, authorizing a change in the mode of collecting postage + due, on matter arriving at destination through the mails, the + Department began issuing on the 9th of May, special stamps, + called postage due stamps, of the denominations of 1, 2, 3 and 5 + cents, and subsequently of the additional denominations of 10, + 30, and 50 cents. Before the first of July, every office in the + country was provided with a supply of these stamps, and the new + system of collecting short paid postage is now fairly in + operation." + + +ISSUE OF AUGUST, 1879. + +Stamps of the same design, but there being two figures, the numerals are +smaller. + +Plate impression, in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 10 cents, reddish brown. + 30 " " + 50 " " + +The number of these stamps issued from May, 1879, to June 30th, 1885, +was: + + 1 cent, 25,328,525 + 2 cents, 30,534,425 + 3 " 31,146,230 + 5 " 5,029,435 + 10 " 6,105,175 + 30 " 169,078 + 50 " 93,490 + + +OBSERVATIONS. + +There are two quite distinct shades of the red-brown in which these +stamps are printed, the earlier issues being of a brown that shows +hardly a trace of red, while those printed under the 1885 contract are +of the shade of the current two cent postage stamp. + + + + +XXV. + +SPECIAL DELIVERY STAMP. + + +The history of the introduction and usage of these stamps is contained +in the following extracts from two circulars, both dated at Post Office +Department, Office of the Postmaster General, Washington, D. C., August +11th, 1885, and signed by William F. Vilas, Postmaster General. The +first directed to postmasters reads as follows: + + "SIR:--On the first of October, 1885, you are directed to + establish at your office, a system for special delivery of + letters, in accordance with sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act + making appropriation for the postal service for the current + fiscal year (XLVIII Congress, Session II, Chapter 342, approved + March 3d, 1885,) which are as follows: + + SECTION 3. That a special stamp of the face valuation of 10 + cents may be provided and issued, whenever deemed advisable or + expedient, in such form and bearing such device as may meet the + approval of the Postmaster General, which when attached to a + letter, in addition to the lawful postage thereon, the delivery + of which is to be at a free delivery office, or at any city, + town or village containing a population of 4,000 or over, + according to the Federal census, shall be regarded as entitling + such letter to immediate delivery within the carrier limit of + any free delivery office which may be designated by the + Postmaster General as a special delivery office, or within one + mile of the post office at any other office coming within, the + provisions of this section which may in like manner be + designated as a special delivery office." + + SECTION 4 provides for immediate delivery between the hours of 7 + A. M. and midnight. + + SECTION 5 provides for the employment of special messengers and, + + SECTION 6 the mode of paying them. The rest of this circular + gives the details of the service which it is not necessary to + repeat here." + +The second circular after reciting the provisions of Section 3, of the +Act of March 3d, 1885, and that it has been decided to introduce the +system on the first day of October, at all the post offices permitted by +the law; contains a description of the stamp prepared to carry out the +law, which with some additions is as follows: + + +SPECIAL DELIVERY STAMP. + +ISSUE OF OCTOBER 1ST, 1885. + +A line engraving on steel, oblong in form; dimensions 13/16 by 1-7/16 +inches, color dark blue. Design: on the left in an arched panel, 101/2 by +151/2 mm., a mail messenger boy on a run, faced to the right on a hatched +back-ground, and surrounded above by the words "_United States_," in +curved line of colorless capitals. On the right an oblong tablet, +ornamented with a wreath of oak on the left, and laurel on the right, +surrounding the words, "_Secures--Immediate--Delivery--At a +special--Delivery--Office_," in six lines of white capitals on a solid +ground. The ground of the tablet above is composed of light vertical +lines with colorless border. Across the top of the tablet, but above it, +is the legend, "_Special--Postal delivery_," and at the bottom the +words, "_Ten Cents_," separated by a shield bearing the numeral "10." +The entire ground of the stamp is composed of fine vertical lines except +the edges, which are so contrived as to appear bevelled. + +Plate impression, 21 by 27 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 10 cents, dark blue. + + "They are to be sold by Postmasters to any required amount, and + to any person who may apply for them, but they can be used only + for the purpose of securing the immediate delivery of letters." + +About a year ago, after the system was inaugurated at carrier offices +there was a further change in the law, and the system was further +extended as is shown by the following extracts from three circulars, all +dated August 10th, 1886, from the office of the Postmaster General, +Washington, D. C., signed by William F. Vilas, Postmaster General. The +first is addressed to Postmasters at carrier offices, the second to all +other postmasters, and the third to the public. The following from the +first circular: + + "By the Act of August 4th, 1886, Congress has authorized the + extention of the special delivery system to all post offices and + to all mailable matter. The Act is as follows, namely: + + 'That every article of mailable matter upon which the special + stamp, provided for by Section 3 of the act entitled: an Act, + etc., shall be duly affixed, shall be entitled to immediate + delivery according to said act, within the carrier limit of any + free delivery office, and within one mile of any other post + office which the Postmaster General shall at any time designate + as a special delivery office.'" + +From the second circular only this is of interest: + + "No change will be made in the general style of the special + delivery stamp now in use. The following is its description: + (same as in the original circular). The words 'Secures immediate + delivery at a special delivery office,' will however, be changed + to read: 'Secures immediate delivery at any post office.' But as + stamps with the former words are now in the hands of the + postmasters and the public, their use will continue until the + present supply shall be exhausted." + +From the third circular only this is to be noticed: + + "The attention of the public is invited to the fact that under a + recent Act of Congress the special delivery system heretofore in + effect in cities and towns having a population of 4,000 and + upwards, has been extended to all post offices in the United + States, to take effect on and after October 1st, 1886. The + privileges of this system have also been extended to all classes + of mail matter." + +The remainder of these circulars are devoted to directions to +postmasters at the two classes of offices, and to the public. + +These stamps are printed in sheets of 100, and distributed in half +sheets of 50, the center of the sheets being marked as usual by an arrow +head. There are consequently 10 stamps in a row, and 10 rows in the +whole sheet. The makers imprint appears four times on the sheet, above +and below the center row of each half sheet, and the plate number is +also four times repeated on the sheet. + +3,699,560 special delivery stamps were issued up to June 30th, 1886. + + + + +XXVI. + +NEWSPAPER AND PERIODICAL STAMPS. + +ISSUE OF 1865. + + +The newspaper stamps issued by the United States Post Office Department +do not correspond in their usage very nearly to the stamps denominated +newspaper stamps in other countries. The series under review had a very +limited and peculiar use. While the dissemination of learning and +information had always been fostered in every way by the Acts of +Congress, and the distribution of newspapers and periodicals had always +been undertaken by the post office at rates that did not pay for the +expense of the service, in the intention of encouraging these +publications, the Department always found a great rival in the express +companies, which, having conformed their rules to the exigencies of +business, were enabled to deliver newspapers and periodicals from the +trains to the agents and dealers always hours, sometimes days before +those sent by the mails reached their destination, as these were sent +to the post office and there assorted, some to be delivered locally and +others to be made up again into the new mail for further transportation, +while those sent by the express companies being transferred at the +depot, often finished their journey before the mails could be made up +and started. + +This service assisted the express companies in those violations of the +postal laws which each year the Postmaster General called to the +attention of Congress, and Congress endeavored to reach by new laws. The +government got the expensive service, the express companies the paying +business partly because of their more liberal rates, but particularly +because of their more expeditious service. + +The attempt was therefore made to so frame the law that the post office +might successfully compete for the carriage of newspapers. The Act of +the XXXVII Congress, III Session, Chapter 71, Section 38, approved the +3rd of March, 1863, reads: + + "And be it further enacted that the Postmaster General may, from + time to time, provide by order the rates and terms upon which + route agents may receive and deliver, at the mail car or + steamer, packages of newspapers and periodicals, delivered to + them for that purpose by the publishers or any news agent in + charge thereof, and not received from or designed for delivery + at any post office." + +Under this act for some time payment was made in money, but the report +of the Postmaster General dated November 15th, 1865, states: + + "New stamps have been adopted of the denominations of 5, 10, + and 25 cents for prepaying postage on packages of newspapers + forwarded by publishers or news dealers under the authority of + law, whereby a revenue will be secured, hitherto lost to the + Department." + +In the report of the Postmaster General for 1878, the date of this issue +is stated to have been April 1st, 1865. In the accounts of the number of +stamps issued in each quarter it appears, however, that the first issue +was in the quarter between June 30th and September 30th, 1865. + +The stamps were of very large dimensions, and the figures conspicuous. A +package adorned with the requisite number was mailed on the train and it +could easily be seen that it was duly stamped. The stamps were +ordinarily if not always, cancelled by smearing them with ink, with a +brush, and not with hand stamps, and the packages were thrown out of the +cars to the agents waiting at each station to receive them, and were +often torn open by the agent at the depot and distributed to his +customers there. Thus the delay that sending them to the post office for +distribution would have caused, was avoided. + + +ISSUE OF APRIL 1ST, 1865. + +FIVE CENTS. Large bust of Washington in profile, faced to the right, +indicated by colorless curved lines, on a round medallion of straight +horizontal lines, 28 mm. in diameter, surrounded by a circular band of +curved interlaced colorless lines, all on a colored ground, a smaller +circular disk, 11 mm. in diameter, interrupting this band on each side +displays a large "V," in color on a horizontally lined ground. Above on +a solid ground of color, but ornamented by interlaced colorless lines in +colorless letters, "_U. S._" and "_Postage_," in a second curved line; +below the head on a solid curved label covering a portion of the +circular band in large colorless capitals, "_Five Cents_"; below this +again, the ground is ornamented by several colorless lines upon which +appear in colored capitals, "_Newspapers_," a colored label with +"_and_"; in colorless capitals "_Periodicals_"; below this again, in two +lines of colorless capitals on the colored ground, "_Sec. 18, Act of +Congress approved--March 3d, 1863_." In each upper corner is a large +colorless numeral "5." About all is a frame of 3 colorless lines, +ornamented at the corners. The words "_National Bank Note Company, New +York_," in small colorless capitals appear between the lower colorless +lines. The colored ground extends between the stamps which were +perforated. + +Plate impression, 55 by 98 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 5 cents, dark blue. + +Note. 20,140 of this value were issued. + +TEN CENTS. Similar design, but with the profile of Franklin in an oval, +the side letters "X," the label "_Ten Cents_," the upper numerals "10," +set at an angle. + +Plate impression, 55 by 98 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 10 cents, green. + +Note. 215,600 of this value were issued. + +TWENTY-FIVE CENTS. Similar design, but with the profile of Lincoln, +faced to the left, in a rectangle with corners cut off, "25" in figures +instead of numerals at the side, on the label "_Twenty Five Cents_," the +upper numerals "25" set at an angle. + +Plate impression, 55 by 98 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 25 cents, vermilion. + +Note. 31,488 of this value were issued. + +In 1868-9 there were issued 35,420 more of the five cent value, but +these were improved by having the broad colored border removed till only +a fine colored line remained outside the colorless frame. + +Plate impression, 511/2 by 95 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 5 cents, dark blue, white border. + +The Postmaster General's Report for 1869 states that the use of these +stamps ceased about the 1st of February, 1869. They were used +principally at Chicago, Ill., and Milwaukee, Wis. Reprints were made of +all of them except the 5 cents with white border, with the other early +issues in 1874. + +There was a very wide margin of some 65 mm. at the top and bottom of the +sheet, the manufacturers imprint appearing at the top and bottom in +colored letters on a small white label let into the colored ground. It +is not known how many stamps formed a sheet. + + +NEWSPAPER AND PERIODICAL STAMPS. + +ISSUE OF 1874. + +Notwithstanding the very liberal provisions of all the laws regarding +postage on printed matter, and particularly those of this Act of March +3rd, 1863, we find the Postmaster General in his report of November +15th, 1869, complaining that the Department was largely defrauded of its +revenues by abuses rendered possible by the provisions of that Act, and +suggesting that: + + "For this mischief there is but one adequate remedy, and that is + to require prepayment on all printed matter. A due regard to the + convenience of the publishers of newspapers would require that + postage on newspapers should be charged according to the weight + of packages, and that such packages should when suspected, be + liable to be opened and searched, and penalties provided if they + were found to contain improper matter." + +Nothing seems to have resulted from his recommendations, however. The +inconveniences of the system led to calling the attention of Congress to +the matter again in the Report of the Postmaster General, in 1873. He +says: + + "In my report for 1869, I had the honor to suggest a plan for + the prepayment of postage on newspapers and other matter of the + second class by weight of packages rather than by the present + system, which requires the manipulation of each particular + paper, and allows the payment of postage at either the mailing + office, or the office of delivery. A careful revision of the + subject confirms me in the opinion, that the postage on all + such matter should be collected in advance at the mailing + office. * * * No stamps are used for the payment of such + postage; and the Department is compelled to accept in full + satisfaction whatever sums of money postmasters choose to charge + against themselves. So execrably bad is this system, that postal + officers of high standing have estimated that not more than + one-third of the postage properly chargeable on newspapers is + accounted for and paid over. Furthermore, disputes are + continually arising, as to whether the sheets they transmit, + come within the meaning of the term newspapers. * * * I + respectfully submit the following plan for the prepayment of + postage on newspapers of the second class, and urge its + adoption. Let all publishers, their business managers or agents, + be required at the beginning of every quarter, to state under + oath the number of papers of a certain name, they will send by + mail during the quarter, and pay the postage thereon in advance. + On the other hand, postmasters to make return of all newspapers, + with particulars, mailed to regular subscribers. No stamps would + be required. Every paper answering to the description would be + forwarded. No manipulation of each paper would be required, and + the saving to publishers in time and labor, would, it is + thought, be greater than the amount paid for postage, while the + saving to the Department, would justify a reduction of 40 per + cent in the rates, on this class of matter. Periodicals to come + under the same law." + +The result of the deliberations upon this suggestion, was the passage by +Congress of the following law: + + XLIII Congress, Statute 1, Chapter 456, approved June 23rd, + 1874, "Section 5. That on and after the first day of January, + 1875, all newspapers and periodical publications mailed from a + known office of publication or news agency and addressed to + regular subscribers or news agents shall be charged the + following rates: + + On newspapers and periodical publications issued weekly and more + frequently than once a week, two cents for each pound or + fraction thereof, and on those issued less frequently than once + a week three cents for each pound or fraction thereof, provided + that nothing in this Act shall be held to change or amend + Section 99 of the Act entitled: An Act to revise, consolidate + and amend the statutes relating to the Post Office Department, + approved June 8th, 1872. + + SEC. 6. That on and after the first day of January, 1875, upon + the receipt of such newspapers and periodical publications at + the office of mailing, they shall be weighed in bulk, and + postage paid thereon by a special adhesive stamp; to be devised + and furnished by the Postmaster General, which shall be affixed + to such matter or to the sack containing the same; or upon a + memorandum of such mailing, or otherwise as the Postmaster + General may from time to time provide by regulation," etc., etc. + +The report of the Postmaster General also states Nov. 14th 1874, that +being confined to these three modes of collecting this postage; + + "It was deemed best to recommend the adoption of the system + of prepayment by postage stamps 'affixed to a memorandum of + mailing' or in other words, to a stub in a book retained by + the postmaster at the mailing office; a receipt, showing the + weight of matter and the amount paid, being given by the + postmaster to the person mailing the same; the stamps affixed + to the stub, to be cancelled by a cutting punch, thus preventing + their reuse. * * * The Postmaster General having approved the + recommendations, a series of stamps have been devised of twenty + four denominations, by means of which any sum which is a multiple + of either the two or three cent rate, from two cents to + seventy-two dollars, can be made by the use of not more than + five stamps." + +In the report dated November 15th, 1875, we find the following +observations and descriptions of this issue which will further explain +the mode of using them, which seems to be little understood, except by +publishers and post office officials. + + "On the first day of January 1875, the new law, requiring + prepayment of postage by stamps, on all newspapers and + periodicals sent from a known office of publication, to regular + subscribers through the mails, went into operation. The system + inaugurated to carry the law into effect, was approved in + October, 1874 and has been found by experience to be admirably + adapted to the purposes for which it was devised. No complaints + of abuses on the part of publishers or postmasters, have been + received at this office during the nine months, that have + elapsed since the law went into effect. Indeed, it has worked so + well in all its details, and has given such general + satisfaction, that the idea of returning to the old system, or + materially modifying the new one, ought not to be entertained. + + Previous to the time when this law began to operate, no stamps + were required for the payment of postage on newspapers sent to + regular subscribers, as the postage was collected in money + quarterly, at the office of delivery. Last year there were + 35,000 post offices at which newspaper postage was collected, + while under the present true system of the absolute prepayment + of all postage, the whole amount is collected at about 3,400 + offices, the latter representing the number of places in the + United States at which newspapers and periodicals are mailed. + + The papers for subscribers living outside of the county in + which they are published, are made up in bulk at the publication + office, carried to the post office and there weighed. The + postage is computed on the whole issue, the proper amount in + stamps handed to the postmaster, who gives the publisher a + receipt as evidence of payment, and on the stubs of the receipt + book he affixes and cancels the stamps which correspond in + value, with the sum mentioned in the receipt. Thus one + transaction is all that is required in paying the postage upon a + single issue of any regular publication. The stubs with their + cancelled stamps, are kept in the post office as vouchers for + the postage paid. In no case are the stamps affixed to the + papers or packages that pass through the mails. + + These stamps are twenty-four in number and were prepared by the + Continental Bank Note Company, of New York, from designs + selected in October, 1874." Elsewhere it is stated that the + distribution to postmasters began December 11th, 1874. "The + denominations are as follows, viz: 2 cents, 3 cents, 4 cents, 6 + cents, 8 cents, 9 cents, 10 cents, 12 cents, 24 cents, 36 cents, + 48 cents, 60 cents, 72 cents, 84 cents, 96 cents, $1.92 cents, + $3, $6, $9, $12, $24, $36, $48 and $60. These denominations were + found to be necessary, in order that payment might be made on + any given quantity from one pound to one ton, at both the two + and three cent rate, with the use of not to exceed five stamps + in any transaction. + + No description of these stamps having been given in any official + form. I may be pardoned for presenting herewith a detailed + description of them, in order that it may be printed, and be + permanently preserved in the records of the department." + +TWO CENTS TO TEN CENTS, inclusive, emblematical figure of America, +looking to the right and modeled after Crawford's statue surmounting the +dome of the capitol. The left hand rests on a shield, and holds a +wreath; the right rests on a sword. The head is adorned with a head +dress consisting of a coronet of stars, surmounted by an eagle's head +and plumes. The background is horizontally lined and in parts diagonally +also. The vignette stands in an arched frame, composed of vertical +lines; and on either side of this frame, and at the top are slabs +containing the inscriptions (the upper in colored letters on +horizontally lined ground, the others in colorless block capitals, the +sides upon vertically lined ground), "_Newspapers_" and "_Periodicals_" +(at the sides), "_U. S. Postage_" (at top). At the bottom are shaded +outline block letters, representing the value, which is also indicated +by large outlined figures shaded on the face, in the upper corners, on +foliated scrolls. The lower corners are ornamented with shields. The +color of these stamps is black. + +TWELVE CENTS TO NINETY-SIX CENTS, inclusive. Vignette of Astraea or +Justice, in niche, bordered by a colorless line curved at the top, +holding in her right hand the balance, and resting with her left on a +shield bearing the United States coat of arms. The figure is full robed, +mailed and girdled as to the upper part and helmeted. Surmounting the +helmet is an eagle with out-stretched wings on a background horizontally +and diagonally lined. Figures representing values in shaded numerals on +shields, in the upper corners; values also in sunken letters below, on +solid labels bordered by a colorless and colored line, richly +ornamented. Inscriptions, "_Newspapers_," "_Periodicals_," on side and +at top in shaded outlined capitals on vertically lined ground. Color, +pink. + +ONE DOLLAR AND NINETY-TWO CENTS. Vignette of Ceres, Goddess of +Agriculture, in curved niche, bordered by a colorless line and a +vertically lined frame. She holds in her left hand an ear of corn, her +right holding a wreath, rests against the hip. The figure faced to the +front and is clad in full flowing robes. "_U. S. Postage_" at the top, +other inscriptions, "_Newspapers_," "_Periodicals_," in italic capitals +shaded on the face and outside, on obelisks at either side, resting on +the lower slab, which is in solid color, containing value, "_One dollar +and ninety-two cents_," in two lines of white capitals. Value also in +figures, "$1-92/100" in upper corners. Color, deep brown. + +THREE DOLLARS. Goddess of Victory in curved niche, full-robed, girdled +with sword to the left, and mantle thrown over shoulders. The right hand +is stretched forward, holding a wreath; the left rests on a shield. +Outline figures of value, "$3" on octagons in upper corners, value below +in letters on either side of a large outline figure "3" on a shield. +Inscriptions, "_Newspapers_," "_Periodicals_," in colorless capitals, in +solid labels on either side, and "_U. S. Postage_" on lined ground +above. The niche and labels are all edged with colorless lines. The +background is vertically lined. Color, vermilion. + +SIX DOLLARS. Clio, the Muse of History in curved niche, bordered by +colorless line, on horizontally lined ground, full robed the toga thrown +over the left shoulder. In her right hand she holds a stylus, in the +left a tablet. Outline colorless figures of value, "$6" in upper +corners, surrounded by curved ornaments. Inscriptions, "_Newspapers_," +"_Periodicals_," in white shaded letters on the sides, and above "_U. S. +Postage_" in dark letters, value, "_Six Dollars_" in outline colorless +letters in label, on vertically lined ground. Color, light blue. + +NINE DOLLARS. Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdom, full robed, in curved +niche, bordered by a colorless line with horizontally and diagonally +lined ground. The left hand is placed across her breast, holding a +portion of her toga; the right is grasping a spear. Figures of value +"$9" in upper corners, in foliated ornaments. Inscriptions, +"_Newspapers_," "_Periodicals_," on sides in outline colorless and +shaded italics, and above in small colored letters, on the lined ground, +"_U. S. Postage_." Value, "_Nine Dollars_," also in letters shaded on +the face, below on scroll. Beneath is a large "9" in curved foliated +ornaments. Color, orange. + +TWELVE DOLLARS. Vesta, Goddess of the Fireside, full robed in curved +niche, with horizontally lined ground, and bordered by a colorless line. +The left hand lifts her drapery; the right holds a burning lamp. Figures +of value, "$12" in upper corners on tablets. Value, "_Twelve Dollars_" +also in colorless letters on beaded frame beneath. Inscriptions, +"_Newspapers_," "_Periodicals_," on solid (sic), italic letters on +sides, and "_U. S. Postage_" in small white letters above. Frame of +vertical lines. Color, rich green. + +TWENTY-FOUR DOLLARS. Goddess of Peace in curved niche, bordered by a +colorless line, and on horizontally lined ground, a half naked figure +leaning against a broken column. She holds in her right hand an olive +branch, while her left grasps three arrows. The value, "_Twenty-four +Dollars_" is in colorless letters beneath, on a solid tablet; also in +figures "$24" in ornamented curves in upper corners. Inscriptions, "_U. +S. Postage_" in white shaded letters above, and "_Newspapers_," +"_Periodicals_" on the sides between which latter and each upper corner +is a six-pointed star. The back ground is vertically lined. The +ornaments bordered by a colorless line. Color, purplish shade. + +THIRTY-SIX DOLLARS. Figure representing Commerce, in full garments, in +curved niche, bordered by a colorless line with hatched background. She +holds in her left hand the _caduceus_, the winged rod of Mercury, in her +right a miniature ship. Figures of value, "$36" in the upper corners and +"_Thirty-six Dollars_" in ornamented capitals below, in two lines. +Inscriptions, "_Newspapers_," "_Periodicals_," also in ornamented +capitals on sides and "_U. S. Postage_" in colorless capitals above. The +frame is vertically lined. Color, dull red. + +FORTY-EIGHT DOLLARS. Hebe, the Goddess of Youth, partly draped in curved +niche with colorless border and horizontally lined ground. The right +hand holds a cup, which she is offering to the eagle around whose neck +is thrown her left arm. Shaded figures of value, "$48" on shields in the +upper corners, the word "_Postage_" between in colorless capitals on +solid label. The value, "_Forty-eight Dollars_" also in colorless +letters below on solid ground, in curved ornaments. The letters "_U._" +and "_S._" in colorless circles between the corners and side +inscriptions, "_Newspapers_," "_Periodicals_," the latter being in +colorless letters on solid curved labels. Frame vertically lined. Color, +light brown. + +SIXTY DOLLARS. Vignette of an Indian Maiden, standing in a rectangular +frame. She is robed from her waist downward. Her right arm is extended, +while her left hangs by her side. The background is a landscape. Trees +and vines to the left, and wigwams to the right in the distance, +bordered by a colorless line between fine colored lines. Figures of +value, "$60" on shields in the upper corners. Value, "_Sixty Dollars_" +also in white letters on solid tablets below. Inscriptions, +"_Newspapers_," "_Periodicals_," in white on solid labels on the sides. +"_U. S._" in colorless capitals on the ground, and "_Postage_" on a band +in colored letters above. Ground vertically lined. Color, rich purple. + + # # # # # + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, + Office of the Third Assistant Postmaster General, + Division of Postage Stamps, Stamped Env. & Post Cards. + + _Washington D. C., April 25, 1879._ + + The attention of Postmasters is hereby called to the fact, that + on and after the first of May proximo, under the act of March + 3d, 1879, matter of the second class, commonly known as + newspaper and periodical matter, will be entitled to pass + through the mail, at a uniform rate of 2 cents per pound. Care + will be taken not to collect payment on such matter, at more + than that rate. The same general regulations concerning the + collection of newspaper postage, as have been heretofore + promulgated will remain in force, and the same books and blanks + together with the newspaper and periodical stamps, that are now + outstanding will continue to be used. In future, however, the + issue of the three and nine cents denominations of newspaper and + periodical stamps, will be discontinued. * * * * + + A. D. HAZEN, + Third Assistant Postmaster General. + +Act of the XLV Congress, Session III, Chapter 180, approved March 3rd, +1879, Sections 10 and 14 merely change the classification to a uniform +one at the rate of two cents per pound. + +The Act of the XLVIII Congress, Session II, Chapter 342, approved +March 3rd, 1885, provides as stated in Order No. 109 of the Postmaster +General, dated April 24th, 1885, "That all publications of the second +class, * * * shall on and after July 1st, 1885, be entitled to +transmission through the mails at one cent a pound or fraction +thereof. * * * To provide for wants that may arise from this change in +the rate of second class postage, the Department has decided to issue +a newspaper and periodical stamp of the denomination of one cent, the +design and color of which will be the same as those of the present +series of newspaper and periodical stamps of the denomination of from +2 to 10 cents. Stamps of this new denomination will be ready for issue +by the 1st of June, after which all postmasters needing them will make +requisition for suitable supplies." + + +NEWSPAPER AND PERIODICAL STAMPS. + +SERIES OF 1875-1885. + +Plate impression, 24 by 351/2 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + June 1st, 1885, 1 cent, black. + Jan. 1st, 1875, 3 cents, " to April 25th, 1879. + 9 " " " " " + 2 " " + 4 " " + 6 " " + 8 " " + 10 " " + 12 " carmine, + 24 " " + 36 " " + 48 " " + 60 " " + 72 " " + 84 " " + 96 " " + 1 dollar 92 " deep brown + 3 dollars vermilion + 6 " light blue + 9 " orange + 12 dollars rich green + 24 " purplish slate + 36 " dull red + 48 " light brown + 60 " rich purple + +These stamps were not reprinted in 1874, but samples ungummed and +surcharged "specimen" were sold to collectors. + + +OBSERVATIONS. + +A slight change in the regulations now prohibits postmasters from +selling these stamps even to publishers, but the money is received and +the requisite amount in stamps placed upon the stubs and cancelled. The +amount sold and the amount used in an office should now correspond. The +stubs are sent periodically to Washington with the accounts, compared +and destroyed. Used specimens and even unused specimens are likely to +grow rare in collections. + + + + +XXVII. + +OFFICIAL STAMPS. + + +A thorough understanding of the use of these stamps will best be +obtained by a brief review of the system it for a time supplanted, which +was briefly designated as the "Franking Privilege." As early as the 1st +Session of the Second Congress the necessity and propriety of providing +for the carriage of official correspondence and the correspondence of +Government officers and Members of Congress upon public business was +recognized, and Chapter 7, Section 19, approved February 1st, 1792, of +the Acts of that Sessions provided: + + "That the following letters and packets and no others shall be + received and conveyed by post, free of postage under such + restrictions as are hereinafter provided, that is to say: all + letters and packages to or from the President or Vice-President + of the United States, and all letters and packages not exceeding + 2 ounces in weight, to or from any member of the Senate or House + of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, or Clerk of the + House of Representatives, during their actual attendance in any + session of Congress, and twenty days after such session, all + letters to and from the Secretary of the Treasury and his + assistant; Comptroller, Register and Auditor of the Treasury, + Treasurer, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, the Committee + for settling accounts between the United States and individual + States, the Postmaster General and his assistant. Provided that + no person shall frank or enclose any letter or packet other than + his own, but any public letter or packet from the department of + the Treasury may be franked by the Secretary of the Treasury, or + the assistant Secretary, or by the Comptroller, Register, + Auditor or Treasurer, and that each person before named shall + deliver to the post office, every letter or packet enclosed to + him, which may be directed to any other person, noting the place + from whence it comes by post, and the usual postage shall be + charged thereon." + +By various acts of Congress this privilege was gradually extended to +various persons in the employ of the Government until, in 1869, the +Postmaster General stated in his report that fully 31,933 persons were +authorized by the laws to enjoy this privilege. + +As early as 1836, Congress appropriated the sum of $700,000 to pay the +post office department for this carriage of official correspondence. The +abuses became enormous. Signatures with hand stamps were even +recognized. All sorts of favors were extended by persons having the +privilege, to their friends. In 1869 the annual expense to the +department of this free matter was estimated at $5,000,000. To remedy +this abuse, which had the effect of preventing a proper reduction of +postal rates to the general public, as the expenses of the Department, +including the expense of carrying official matter so-called, greatly +exceeded its annual revenue, there was but one remedy--the passage of +an act abolishing the franking privilege and providing by appropriation +for carrying the necessary government dispatches. The Act of the XLII +Congress, Session III, Chapter 82, approved the 27th of January, 1873, +accordingly provided: + + "That the franking privilege be hereby abolished from and after + the first day of July, Anno Domini 1873, and that henceforth all + official correspondence of whatever nature, and other mailable + matter sent from or addressed to any officer of the government + or person now authorized to frank such matter, shall be + chargeable with the same rates of postage as may be lawfully + imposed upon like matter sent by, or addressed to other persons. + Provided that no compensation or allowance shall be now or + hereafter made to Senators or Members and Delegates of the House + of Representatives on account of postage." + +The Act of the XLII Congress, Session III, Chapter 228, approved March +3, 1873, after appropriating so much as should be necessary of a certain +sum for the purchase of postage stamps for each department, continues: + + "That the Postmaster General shall cause to be prepared a + special stamp or stamped envelope to be used only for official + mail matter for each of the executive departments, and said + stamp and stamped envelope shall be supplied by proper officer + of said departments to all persons under its direction requiring + the same for official use, and all appropriations for postage + heretofore made shall no longer be available for said purpose, + and all said stamps and stamped envelopes shall be sold or + furnished to said several departments or clerks only at the + price for which stamps and stamped envelopes of like value are + sold at the several post offices." + +In the report of the Postmaster General for the year ending June 30, +1873, it is stated that: + + "The several Acts for the repeal of the franking privilege + became operative on the first of July last. The results of the + first quarter of the current year are highly satisfactory and + more fully verified the predictions of the friends of the + repeal. * * * Section 4 of the Act of March 3rd, 1873, making it + the duty of the Postmaster General to provide official stamps + and stamped envelopes for the several Executive Departments, has + been strictly complied with. The stamps and envelopes furnished + have been executed in the highest style of art and will compare + favorably with those of any other country. From July 1st to + September 30th of the current year the following varieties, + numbers and values were issued: + + To whom issued. D'minat'n. Number. Value. + The Executive Dep't 5 5,150 200.00 + The State Dep't 14 60,495 20,749.70 + The Treasury Dep't 11 7,842,500 407,000.00 + The War Dep't 11 446,500 17,689.00 + The Navy Dep't 11 247,230 12,239.00 + The Post Office Dep't 10 10,054,660 354,535.00 + The Interior Dep't 10 1,058,475 59,171.00 + The Dep't of Justice 10 65,400 3,900.00 + The Dep't of Agriculture, 9 275,000 20,730.00 + -- ---------- ---------- + Making a total of 91 20,055,410 896,213.70 + + * * * * * + + The stamps for the Departments other than the Post Office do not + differ materially from those for sale to the public except that + each Department has its own distinctive color and legend. The + colors are: For the Executive, carmine; State Department, green; + Treasury, velvet-brown; War, cochineal red; Navy, blue; Post + Office, black; Interior, vermilion; Department of Justice, + purple; and Department of Agriculture, straw color. + + In the stamps for the Post Office Department the medallion head + gives place to a numeral representing the value with the words + "Post Office Department" above and the denomination expressed in + words below. All the official stamps correspond in denomination + with those issued for the public, except in the case of the + State Department, for which four of higher value were made for + dispatch bags. These four are of the denominations of $2, $5, + $10, and $20, respectively, are of large size and printed in two + colors, and bear a profile bust of the late Secretary Seward." + +Elsewhere the Postmaster General states that the stamps were ready the +24th of May, for use the 1st of July, 1873. The following circular was +accordingly issued to postmasters: + + OFFICIAL POSTAGE STAMPS AND STAMPED ENVELOPES. + + [Circular to postmasters.] + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, + Office of the Third Assistant Postmaster General, + Division of Postage Stamps, Stamped Env. & Post Cards. + + _Washington, D. C., May 15th, 1873._ + + "The Franking Privilege having been abolished, to take effect on + the first day of July, 1873, the Postmaster General is required + by law to provide postage stamps or stamped envelopes of special + design for each of the several Executive Departments of the + Government for the prepayment of postage on official matter + passing through the mails. + + DESCRIPTION. + + In place of the heads on the regular stamps, the official stamps + adopted for the Post Office Department have conspicuous figures + (numerals) to represent the denomination, with the word + "_Official_" above, and the word "_Stamp_" below. + + These printed in black, and resting on an oval shaped + background, render the stamps especially distinctive, and leave + no good excuse for confounding them with the other stamps. To + further distinguish them, the name of the Department is printed + across the top in lieu of the words "U. S. Postage." There is + also a slight difference in the ornamentation of the border. + + In design, the official stamps for the other Departments do not + differ materially from those issued for sale to the public, the + profile busts are retained but each stamp has at the top the + name of the particular Department for which it is provided. + Other changes appearing in the border need not be specified. + + The stamps for each Department have their own distinctive color, + as follows: For the Executive, carmine; State Department, green; + Treasury Department, velvet-brown; War Department, cochineal + red; Navy Department, blue; Interior Department, vermilion; + Department of Justice, purple; Department of Agriculture, straw; + and for the Post Office Department, black. + + The official stamps will correspond in denomination with the + regular stamps except that for the State Department there will + be four additional denominations, viz: two, five, ten and twenty + dollars respectively. These additional stamps are designed from + a profile bust of the late Hon. William H. Seward, and are of + double size and printed in two colors. + + OFFICIAL STAMPS FOR POSTMASTERS. + + Postmasters at all offices will be furnished with the official + stamps of this Department in suitable denominations and amounts + as far as they can be supplied. The Department will exercise its + own discretion in filling requisitions, and will send only in + such denominations and amounts, as the needs of an office may + seem to require. The less important offices, say those at which + the money order system has not been established, will need only + three cent stamps, but comparatively few offices will require + stamps above the denomination of six cents. The higher + denominations will be supplied to a few of the larger offices + only. Postmasters will combine stamps of the most convenient + denominations at hand to meet emergencies for which they may + have no single stamp exactly filling the rate required." + * * * * * * * + + EDWARD W. BARBER, + Third Assistant Postmaster General. + + +ISSUE OF JULY 1st, 1873. + +The several denominations for all the departments have certain +characteristics that are common to all stamps of that value, which may +as well be stated once for all, to avoid repetition. + +With the exception of those of the post office department, the head is +the same as that on the ordinary stamp of the same value then current. + +The value is expressed in numerals and words beneath the oval in the +same numerals, letters and scrolls as on the ordinary stamps of the same +value, except that in those for the Post Office Department the numerals +in the 1, 12 and 30 cents and the letters in all are a trifle smaller. + +The ONE CENT has the head of Franklin in an oval as described, the large +"1" dividing "_One Cent_" on a band bordered by heavy white lines as +described, but the ornament across the ends is omitted except in that +for the Executive and Agriculture, and is lessened in that for the +Interior. + +The TWO CENTS has the head of Jackson as described, the large numeral +"2" dividing "_Two Cents_" upon a scroll with white border as described, +the ends of the scroll are, however, differently arranged to accommodate +parts of the design. + +The THREE CENTS has the head of Washington as described, the large "3" +dividing the words "_Three Cents_" upon a scroll as described. + +The SIX CENTS has the head of Lincoln, the large "6" dividing the words +"_Six Cents_" upon a scroll with colorless borders as described. + +The SEVEN CENTS has the head of Stanton, the large "7" dividing the +words "_Seven Cents_" upon a label following the oval and bordered by +the white line between two colored lines and ending in a curve and ball +as described. + +The TEN CENTS has the head of Jefferson, the large "10" dividing the +words "_Ten Cents_" upon a colorless bordered scroll as described. + +The TWELVE CENTS has the head of Clay, the large numerals "2" dividing +the words "_Twelve Cents_" in block letters following the oval bounded +by the white line between two colored lines and curved back as +described. + +The FIFTEEN CENTS has the head of Webster, the large numerals "15" +dividing the words "_Fifteen Cents_" upon a label bordered as described. + +The TWENTY-FOUR CENTS has the head of Scott, no numerals below, the +words "_Twenty-four_" and "_Cents_" upon two labels and in block letters +as described. In that for the Department of Agriculture the upper label +is changed into a scroll with large ends curved backwards, then forwards +and then downwards. + +The THIRTY CENTS has the head of Hamilton, the large numerals "30" on +the shield dividing the words "_Thirty Cents_" in colored letters on the +scroll as described. + +The NINETY CENTS has the head of Perry, the large numerals "90" dividing +the words "_Ninety Cents_" in block letters on a label bordered as +described, but the ends have a small curve inward in those for the Post +Office Department, are square in those for the Interior and Navy +Departments, are curved inwards in that for the War Department, are +terminated by curves forming a point in that for the Department of +Justice, and are square with a projecting small half circle in those for +the Treasury and State Departments. + + +EXECUTIVE. + +The oval containing the bust, the scroll or label and numeral are all +placed upon a back-ground of vertical parallel lines so disposed as to +produce the stripes of the shield or flag. Above and following the oval +a solid colored label inscribed in colorless capitals, "_Executive_," +and bounded by a white and exterior colored line terminating in a +foliated ornament against the oval; foliated ornaments in the corners +forming small white circles enclosing "_U._" and "_S._" on rectangularly +hatched disks. + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm. in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 1 cent carmine, 6,800 issued. + 2 cents " 9,100 " + 3 " " 23,500 " + 6 " " 5,500 " + 10 " " 5,150 " + + +DEPARTMENT OF STATE. + +The oval containing the bust, the scroll or label and numeral are all +placed upon a ground of parallel vertical lines. At the top these are +crossed by horizontal lines at about 1 mm. from the edge over a space of +equal width, so as to form a darker band and thus form a double frame +half way down where the darker frame terminates on each side in a round +ball, except in the 12 cents, which has the dark frame all the way +round. In the values with scrolls "_U._" on the left, "_S._" on the +right above the ends of the scrolls in large white letters shaded +outside. In the values with labels the same letters in the corners below +the ends of the labels, also colorless, except in the 15 cents, in which +they are crossed by parallel horizontal lines. Above the ovals "_Dep't +of State_," in similar capitals, large at the sides and gradually +decreasing towards the center. Above these a fine curved colorless line +between colored lines, the lower heavily shaded; beneath the letters a +white ornament terminating on each side in a fleur de lis, and shaded by +colored lines. + +Plate impression 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 1 cent green, 31,800 issued. + 2 cents green, 41,800 " + 3 " 109,200 " + 6 " 82,100 " + 7 " 37,800 " + 10 " 64,900 " + 12 " 20,800 " + 15 " 22,800 " + 24 " 13,800 " + 30 " 20,100 " + 90 " 6,043 " + +To these are added the four higher values of larger size. These have a +large profile head of Wm. H. Seward, facing to the left, on a hatched +ground forming an oval disk, with a ground of fine parallel lines all +printed in black. The lines are arranged to form a panelled triangle in +the upper corners, the lines being horizontal and light in the borders +and thickened to form the darker panels which contain a foliated +ornament. On a broad colorless, curved label, with rounded ends, +"_Department of_" in outline Roman capitals shaded at top by curved +parallel colored lines, a series of curved parallel colored lines +filling the lower part of the label. Beneath this, in outlined pearled +capitals, following the label and shaded outside, "_State_." At the +sides bunches of rods tied above and below with crossed bands with "_U. +S. A._" in colorless letters below each. Across the bottom a hatched +label with colorless borders inscribed in colorless letters shaded +outside with the value. + +Plate impression 25 by 39 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + Two dollars, black and green, 3,508 issued. + Five " " " 363 " + Ten " " " 363 " + Twenty " " " 363 " + + +TREASURY DEPARTMENT. + +The oval containing the portraits, the scrolls or labels and large +numerals are placed on a background of vertical parallel lines arranged +to form a drapery with fringes, cords and tassels, and a panel similar +to the State Department stamps. At the top a label indicated by a +colorless line curved up at the ends and terminating above in foliated +ornaments, is inscribed "_Treasury_" in the same letters as the other +official stamps with "_U. S._" beneath the left end and "_Dept._" +beneath the right end. + +Plate impression 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 1 cent velvet-brown, 2,900,000 issued. + 2 cents " 2,484,500 " + 3 " " 11,250,000 " + 6 " " 4,105,000 " + 7 " " 220,000 " + 10 " " 1,291,500 " + 12 " " 783,000 " + 15 " " 663,000 " + 24 " " 100,000 " + 30 " " 456,500 " + 90 " " 312,500 " + +The shades of these stamps vary somewhat in depth, some specimens having +a spotted appearance as if the ink did not work well. + + +WAR DEPARTMENT. + +The oval containing the bust, the scrolls or labels and numerals are +placed on a back ground of parallel vertical lines above and below, +horizontal on the sides. In the upper corners "_U._" on the left, "_S._" +on the right. A curved solid label bordered by a cord, cuts off the +upper corners and is inscribed on the left "_War_" on right "_Dept._" in +the usual capitals. The lines of the sides are arranged to show the +stripes of the flag. A shield on each side above the scrolls or beneath +the labels. + +Plate impression 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 1 cent cochineal red, 3,301,230 issued. + 2 cents " 1,867,160 " + 3 " " 5,393,137 " + 6 " " 3,584,813 " + 7 " " 55,728 " + 10 " " 342,152 " + 12 " " 792,070 " + 15 " " 284,960 " + 24 " " 201,025 " + 30 " " 336,641 " + 90 " " 48,172 " + +The shades of these stamps vary somewhat in intensity, some being much +lighter and some darker than ordinary. + + +NAVY DEPARTMENT. + +The ovals containing the busts, the labels or scrolls and large numerals +are placed on a ground of vertical parallel lines. A large, six-pointed +star in each upper corner, and a smaller one on each side. A cable runs +round the sides and top. The words "_Navy_" on the left and "_Dept._" on +the right in the usual capitals across the upper corners and a losenge +with "_U._" on the left and "_S._" on the right shaded in the lower +corners and placed diagonally above the scrolls or below the labels. + +Plate impression 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 1 cent, ultramarine-blue, 106,800 issued. + 2 cents " 201,300 " + 3 " " 580,700 " + 6 " " 234,800 " + 7 " " 16,000 " + 10 " " 55,210 " + 12 " " 61,300 " + 15 " " 37,500 " + 24 " " 26,000 " + 30 " " 29,600 " + 90 " " 11,270 " + + +POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT. + +The oval as before stated contains a large numeral of value instead of +the head with the word "_Official_" above and "_Stamp_" below, on a +plain colorless ground. Same labels or scrolls and numerals rather +smaller below as in the stamps of other departments, with small circular +disks bearing "_U._" and "_S._" on the left and right above the scrolls +or under the labels. In the 1, 6, 10, 30 and 90 cents these small disks +are shaded by vertical lines, in the other values by diagonal lines, and +the letters are filled with horizontal lines. Around the top of the oval +a solid colored label bordered by colorless lines and inscribed "_Post +Office Department_." There is a small circle with four horizontal lines, +and shaded outside in each upper corner, all on a ground of parallel +vertical lines. + +Plate impression 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 1 cent black, 1,114,250 issued. + 2 cents " 894,600 " + 3 " " 6,479,700 " + 6 " " 3,306,800 " + 10 " " 182,450 " + 12 " " 298,780 " + 15 " " 109,285 " + 24 " " 87,625 " + 30 " " 133,255 " + 90 " " 65,200 " + +Two complete series of these stamps may be found, the one on white +paper, the other having the surface tinted with the ink of the stamp, +also intermediate or partly tinted specimens, showing that the tinting +probably results from imperfect wiping of the plates. + + +DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. + +The ovals containing the heads, the scrolls, labels and large numerals +are placed on a ground of vertically ruled lines, crossed in parts to +form heavy shadows and showing stripes at the sides, small shields above +the ends of the scrolls and below the ends of the labels, bearing the +"_U._" and "_S._" lined and shaded. A large, six-pointed star in the +upper corners. A broad, colorless band doubly curved and following in +part the outline of the oval above, inscribed in lined and shaded Roman +capitals, "_Dept. of the Interior_." + +Plate impression 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 1 cent vermilion, 394,800 issued. + 2 cents " 1,414,400 " + 3 " " 5,255,300 " + 6 " " 1,722,500 " + 10 " " 284,550 " + 12 " " 359,850 " + 15 " " 257,100 " + 24 " " 134,125 " + 30 " " 138,300 " + 90 " " 64,377 " + + +DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. + +The ovals containing the heads, bands, scrolls and large numerals are +placed on a ground of vertically ruled lines. Six pointed stars with the +letters "_U._" and "_S._" above the ends of the scrolls or under the +ends of the labels. Diagonally in small capitals in the upper left +corner, "_Dept._" in the right "_of_" and in larger capitals following +the line of the oval, "_Justice_" all in outline Roman capitals heavily +shaded, on the ground without bands. The oval, stars, scrolls, etc., are +also heavily shaded. + +Plate impression 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12. + + 1 cent, purple, 25,000 issued. + 2 cents, " 26,900 " + 3 " " 182,000 " + 6 " " 84,000 " + 10 " " 20,500 " + 12 " " 26,800 " + 15 " " 12,800 " + 24 " " 12,800 " + 30 " " 8,600 " + 90 " " 3,200 " + +The color varies very slightly in intensity. + + +DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. + +The ovals containing the heads, bands scrolls and large numerals are +placed upon a ground of vertically ruled lines, showing stripes at the +sides. A solid label curved with the oval above bounded by a colorless +line and rounded at the ends, is inscribed "_Agriculture_" in outlined +capitals. In small similar capitals in the upper left corner, "_Dept. +of_" in two lines. In the upper right corner in monogram, "_U. S._" + +Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated +12. + + 1 cent, straw, 95,415 issued. + 2 cents " 230,150 " + 3 " " 435,050 " + 6 cents, straw, 120,000 issued. + 10 " " 95,265 " + 12 " " 51,265 " + 15 " " 54,050 " + 24 " " 60,265 " + 30 " " 82,265 " + +By the appropriation acts each year from the Act of the 22 June, 1874, a +certain amount was annually appropriated to each Department for the +purchase from the Post Office Department of such of these official +stamps as were necessary for the use of the Department and its +subordinate officers. By the 9th Section of the Act of the XLIVth +Congress, Session I, Chapter 287, approved the 15th of August, 1876, it +was enacted. + + "That the Secretaries respectively of the Departments of State, + Treasury, War, Navy and Interior and the Attorney General are + authorized to make requisition upon the Postmaster General for + the necessary amount of postage stamps for the use of their + Departments not exceeding the amount stated in the estimates + submitted to Congress, and upon presentation of proper vouchers + therefore at the Treasury, the amount thereof shall be credited + to the appropriation for the Post Office Department for the same + fiscal year." + +This was the beginning of an entire change in the method of crediting +the Post Office Department for work done in carrying official +correspondence. + +By the Act of XLIVth Congress, Session II, Chapter 103, approved March +30, 1877, the law was modified in the following terms: + + Sec. 5. That it shall be lawful to transmit through the mail, + free of postage any letters, packages or other matter relating + exclusively to the business of the Government of the United + States: Provided that every such letter or package to entitle it + to pass free shall bear over the words "Official Business" an + endorsement, showing also the name of the Department, and if + from a bureau or office, the names of the Department and bureau + or office, as the case may be, whence transmitted. And if any + person shall make use of any such official envelope to avoid the + payment of postage on his private letter, package or other + matter in the mail, the person so offending shall be deemed + guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of three hundred + dollars, to be prosecuted in any court of competent + jurisdiction. + + Sec. 6. That for the purpose of carrying this act into effect it + shall be the duty of each of the Executive Departments of the + United States to provide for itself and its subordinate officers + the necessary envelopes, and in addition to the endorsement + designating the Department in which they are to be used, the + penalty for the unlawful use shall be stated thereon. + + Sec. 7. That Senators, Representatives and Delegates in + Congress, the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House of + Representatives may send and receive through the mail all public + documents printed by order of Congress, and the name of each + Senator, Representative, Delegate, Secretary of the Senate, and + Clerk of the House, shall be written thereon with the proper + designation of the office he holds, and the provisions of this + section shall apply to each of the persons mentioned therein + until the first day of December following the expiration of + their terms of office. + +By this act the use of official stamps upon mail matter _from_ the +Departments, bureaus and offices was practically abolished, but official +stamps continued to be used by postmasters and other subordinate +officers in their mail matter _to_ the Departments or each other on +official business. + +By the 29th Section of the Act of the XLVth Congress, Chapter 180, +approved March 3d, 1879, it was enacted that,-- + + "The provisions of the 5th and 6th Sections of the Act entitled, + An Act Establishing Post Routes and for other purposes, approved + March 3d, 1877, for the transmission of official mail matter, be + and they are hereby extended to all officers of the United + States Government, and made applicable to all official mail + matter transmitted between any of the officers of the United + States, or between any such officer and either of the Executive + Departments or officers of the Government, the envelopes of such + matter in all cases to bear appropriate endorsements containing + the proper designation of the office from which the same is + transmitted, with a statement of the penalty for their misuse. + And the provisions of said 5th and 6th Sections are hereby + likewise extended and made applicable to all official mail + matter sent from the Smithsonian Institution. Provided, that + this Act shall not extend or apply to pension agents, or other + officers who receive a fixed allowance for their services, + including expenses for postage." + +In his report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1878, D. M. Key, +Postmaster General, had already stated that,-- + + "The amount of matter sent through the mails free is very large, + adding greatly to our expenditures and giving us no revenue. The + Franking Privilege has been restored to the members and chief + officers of Congress, so as to allow them to send free almost + anything which they were ever allowed to transmit through the + mails free, except letters. Tons upon tons of books, documents, + seeds, shrubs and the like are placed in our mails free of cost, + on this score. The official letters of the Executive Departments + of the general Government, their documents, etc., go free + through the mails." + +The operation of the act of 1879, however, greatly increased the amount +of free matter, and decreased the use of official stamps. The Post +Office Department discontinued their use entirely. In a circular dated, +Washington, D. C., April 22nd, 1879, and signed by A. D. Hazen, third +assistant Postmaster General, it is stated that: + + "The Department will begin the issue on May 1st next, of + envelopes for official business which will secure the free + transmission through the mails of all official matter and which + are intended to supercede the Post Office envelopes now in use, + as well as official postage stamps and official stamped + envelopes. Accordingly the issue of official stamps and official + stamped envelopes will be discontinued on and after the date + named. * * * The stock of post office envelopes now in the hands + of postmasters will continue until exhausted to be used as + heretofore by the attachment of official postage stamps. So also + official stamped envelopes now in the hands of postmasters at + Presidential offices will be used as heretofore until + exhausted." + +This circular, of course, applies only to stamps, etc., of the Post +Office Department. The other Departments continued to use them for +certain purposes, though none were issued to the Executive Department. +The report of the Postmaster General for the year ending June 30th, +1885, says: + + "The use of official stamps and stamped envelopes was wholly + discontinued by this Department and substantially so by the + other Departments on the 30th of June, 1879, under the Act + authorizing the use of official penalty envelopes." + +By the Act of the XLVIIIth Congress, Session I, Chapter 234, Section 3, +approved July 5, 1884, the provisions of the Act of 1879, were +substantially re-enacted with the addition that any Department or +officer authorized to use the penalty envelopes, might enclose them to +any person from whom an answer was requested, and might register any +letter required by law, or the regulations to be registered free, and +might receive any letter partly paid free, and added that: + + "Section 3915 of the Revised Statutes of the United States so + far as the same relates to stamps and stamped envelopes for + official purposes is hereby repealed." + +To this the report of the Postmaster General for 1885, adds: + + "The use of official postage stamps and stamped envelopes having + ceased on the 30th of June, 1884, and the same having been + declared invalid for postages by the Act of July 5th, 1884, the + stock remaining in the hands of the stamp and envelope + contractors was destroyed in February last, under the + supervision of the committee appointed by the Postmaster + General." + +From the report of this committee it appears that they destroyed in all, +17,024,588 official stamps, and 1,739,290 of ordinary and newspaper +stamps that had ceased to be of use. Also that about 21/2 per cent of all +the stamps manufactured annually, are destroyed, a single imperfect +specimen on the "sheet" of 100 causing the rejection of at least fifty +or half the sheet. + + + + +XXVIII. + +OFFICIAL SEALS. + + +The Post Office Department of the United States, besides the stamps for +the collection of postage, has employed from time to time for special +usages certain seals which, as they are adhesive and in the form of +postage stamps and officially used, are here described, although they +are of no postal value and not properly stamps, but are all employed to +indicate that the packages which bear them are properly secured and have +not been tampered with in transit. + + +REGISTERED PACKAGE SEAL. + +This is a large rectangular seal 711/2 by 39 mm., in the form of an +adhesive stamp duly gummed and perforated. After the letters or parcels +of registered letters were duly placed in the large registered package +envelopes employed for the purpose, one of these seals was firmly +secured over the tongue of the envelope and duly stamped with the date +of mailing. It is simply an additional guarantee to the receiving office +that the package has not been opened since it was sealed at the sending +office. A circular announcing its issue and directing its use was issued +from the office of the Third Assistant Postmaster General at Washington, +dated February 14, 1872. A second circular from the same office dated +1875, without stating the month or day, announces the adoption of a +differently constructed envelope and the abandonment of the use of the +registered seal. + + +ISSUE OF FEBRUARY 14, 1872. + +Large, oblong, rectangular seals, having in the middle a circular disk +with ground of fine concentric circles, so broken as to present the +appearance of white rays, bounded by two heavier, but still fine colored +lines, separated by a colorless line, and and a broad colorless band +with exterior colored line, inscribed in plain block, colored capitals, +above "_Stamp Here_," below, "_Date_" and "_Place of Mailing_" separated +by a small maltese cross on each side. On each side of this is a ground +of horizontal lines bordered by a heavy colored line with ornamental +triangles of solid color, with colorless geometric lines forming the +corners. Outside all a single colored line. On the ground in three lines +of colored capitals, on each side are the inscriptions: on the left, +reading from the bottom to the top, "_Post Office_," "_Department_"; on +the right, reading from the top to the bottom, "_United States_," "_of +America_"; in the upper corner triangles "_U. S._" in monogram; in the +lower, "_P. O. D._" in white capitals. Across the middle of the whole +stamp in large block capitals 81/2 mm. high and shaded by horizontal lines +is the word "_Registered_." + +Plate impression, 711/2 by 39 mm., printed in color, on white paper, +perforated 12. + + No value, green. + +A second seal employed for a time by the United States Postage Stamp +Agency upon the packages of stamps sent out to postmasters, was equally +an additional guarantee against opening or tampering with the package. + + +ISSUE OF (END) 1875. + +A large rectangle bearing in the center the monogram, "_U. S._" in large +colorless capitals in an oval of geometric colored lines, surrounded by +a ground of interlaced colorless geometric lines on color. A frame of +fifteen colored parallel lines crossing in the angles. A clover leaf of +geometric work, also in the corners. On the frame above in large +colorless capitals, "_U. S. Postage Stamp Agency_," all in brown. A +black surcharge of eight lines reads: "_Postmasters Receiving this +Package--Will Please--Note Its Condition--If showing signs of having +been tam--pered with, report the same and return--this package to 3d +Asst. P. M. General, at--Washington, D. C. This Package--Should be +opened at the end. E. W. Barber, 3d Asst. P. M. G._" Lithographed in +color on white paper, but not perforated, 102 by 52 mm. + + No value, brown and black. + +This was afterwards changed by merely changing the signature to "_A. D. +Hazen, 3d Asst. P. M. G._" and the surcharge to vermilion. + +Lithographed in color on white paper and not perforated. + + No value, brown and vermilion. + +[The latter are still in use. Dec., '86]. + +A third seal was employed by the Dead Letter Office at Washington, and +afterwards by other offices, to reseal letters opened at that office or +broken in the mails. It was placed upon the flap of the envelope of +letters opened at the Dead Letter Office, in order to ascertain the name +of the sender, or on letters opened by the wrong persons through +mistake, or upon the torn places of other packages. + + +ISSUE OF (BEGINNING OF) 1877. + +A large rectangle with small head of Liberty, full face in an oval 11 by +8 mm. in the center. Above in curved line of colored block letters, +"_Post Office Department_," below in double curve of Old English colored +letters, "_United States of America_." On each side of the oval a solid +label bearing in large colorless letters on left, "_Officially_," on +right "_Sealed_." In the corners "_U. S._" in monogram. The frame is a +broad band 3 mm. wide, vertically lined forming a rectangle with rounded +corners, double lined outside and inside and shaded. The ground is +covered with the words "_Post Obitum_" repeated in whole or part 180 +times, in horizontal lines. On the frame below "National Bank Note +Company New York" in small colored letters. + +Plate impression, in color, on white paper, 431/4 by 27 mm., perforated +12. + + No value, brown. + + +ISSUE OF 1879. + +The foregoing stamp was replaced in 1879, by another of the same design, +but the words "_Post Obitum_" in the ground are replaced by a pattern of +interlaced circles. The same name on the frame. + +Plate impression, in color, on white paper, 431/4 by 27 mm., perforated +12. + + No value, brown. + + + + +XXIX. + +REPRINTS. + + +There seems to have been no special law authorizing the Postmaster +General to issue reprints of the stamps of the United States, or as the +authorities choose to call them, "Specimen Postage Stamps." On the other +hand his general authority under the law is sufficient to make any +re-issue for postal purposes of any of the issues of the Department +legal, for none of them except the official stamps have ever been made +invalid for postal purposes by any authority but his own, and this +authority he undoubtedly has also. It has always seemed expedient to the +Department to issue certain specimens of the stamps and envelopes in +circulation, or to be circulated, from time to time, in the proper, as +well as in trial colors. It has been said that it being considered +expedient to exhibit at the Centennial Exhibition a complete series of +all the various issues authorized from time to time, by the Department, +as a part of its history, and unused specimens not being easily +obtained, the old dies and plates were taken from their places of +storage in order to print the necessary specimens, and that the +Department having been solicited to furnish collectors with specimens of +its old issues, took this opportunity to provide itself to satisfy these +demands. It was, however, a mistaken kindness and unused originals were +not unattainable. So that for exhibition purposes even reprinting was +not necessary. Besides as the reprints or specimens of all except the +current series, are in some respects or other unlike the originals, they +were really only so many tolerably accurate pictures of what had been. + +When the Department was ready to furnish collectors with these doubtful +boons the following official circular was issued: + + SPECIMEN POSTAGE STAMPS. + + POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, + Office of Third Assistant Postmaster General, + Div. of Postage Stamps, St'ped Envelopes & Postal Cards. + + _Washington, D. C., March 27, 1875._ + + The Department is prepared to furnish upon application, at face + value, specimens of adhesive postage stamps issued under its + auspices as follows: + + + Ordinary Stamps for Use of the Public. + + 1. Issue of 1847. Denominations, 5 and 10 cents. Value of set, + 15 cents. + + 2. Issue of 1851. Denominations, 1, 3, 5, 10, 12, 24, 30 and 90 + cents; also two separate designs of 1 cent carrier stamps. + Value of set, $1.77. + + 3. Issue of 1861. Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 12, 15, 24, 30 + and 90 cents. Value of set, $1.92. + + 4. Issue of 1869. Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 12, 15, 24, 30 + and 90 cents. Value of set, $1.93. + + 5. Issue of 1870 (current series). Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, + 10, 12, 15, 24, 30 and 90 cents. Value of set, $2. + + + Official Stamps. + + 1. Executive. Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 10 cents. Value of + set, 22 cents. + + 2. Department of State. Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, + 24, 30 and 90 cents, and $2, $5, $10 and $20. Value of Set, + $39. + + 3. Treasury Department. Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, + 24, 30 and 90 cents. Value of set, $2. + + 4. War Department. Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, 24, + 30 and 90 cents. Value of set, $2. + + 5. Navy Department. Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, 24, + 30 and 90 cents. Value of set, $2. + + 6. Post Office Department. Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 12, 15, + 24, 30 and 90 cents. Value of set, $1.93. + + 7. Department of the Interior. Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 12, + 15, 24, 30 and 90 cents. Value of set, $1.93. + + 8. Department of Justice. Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 12, 15, + 24, 30 and 90 cents. Value of set, $1.93. + + 9. Department of Agriculture. Denominations, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 12, + 15, 24 and 30 cents. Value of set, $1.03. + + + Newspaper and Periodical Stamps. + + 1. Issue of 1865. Denominations, 5, 10 and 25 cents. Value of + set, 40 cents. + + 2. Issue of 1874. Denominations, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 24, 36, + 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 cents, $1.92, $3, $6, $9, $12, $24, $36, + $48 and $60. Value of set, $204.66. + + The 1847 and 1851 stamps are obsolete, and no longer receivable + for postage. The subsequent issues of ordinary stamps are still + valid. The newspaper and periodical stamps of 1865 are also + uncurrent; those of the issue of 1874 can be used only by + publishers and news agents for matter mailed in bulk under the + Act of June 23rd, 1874. The official stamps cannot be used + except for the official business of the particular Department for + which it is provided. + + All the specimens furnished will be ungummed, and the official + stamps will have printed across the face the word "Specimen" in + small type. It will be useless to apply for gummed stamps or for + official stamps with the word "Specimen" omitted. + + The stamps will be sold by sets, and application must not be made + for less than one full set of any issue except the State + Department official stamps and newspaper and periodical stamps of + the issue of 1874. The regular set of the former will embrace all + the denominations from 1 cent to 90 cents inclusive, valued at + $2; and any or all of the other denominations ($2, $5, $10 and + $20) will be added or sold separately from the regular set as + desired. + + The newspaper and periodical stamps will be sold in quantities of + not less than two dollars worth in each case, of any denomination + or denominations that may be ordered. + + Under no circumstances will stamps be sold for less than their + face value. + + Payment must invariably be made in advance in current funds of + the United States. Mutilated currency, internal revenue and + postage stamps, bank checks and drafts, will not be accepted, but + will in all cases be returned to the sender. + + To insure greater certainty in the transmission, it is strongly + urged that remittances be made either by money order or + registered letter. Applicants will also include a sufficient + amount for return postage and registry fee, it being desirable to + send stamps by registered letter. Losses in the mails or by any + mode of transmission must be at the risk of the purchaser. + + [Symbol: Right Index] Applications must be addressed to "The + Third Assistant Postmaster General, Washington, D. C." + + Specimens of stamped envelopes will not be furnished in any case. + + E. W. BARBER, + Third Assistant Postmaster General. + +Here is truly a pretty kettle of fish. The proceedings do not seem to +have been reported by the Department, and there seems to have been no +account rendered of this peculiar transaction of the Stamp Office. +Doubtless the amounts received for these specimens and the number of +them sold are blended in the accounts of the number of stamps sold and +no loss accrued to the service. The public are not, however, informed of +the extent of the transactions, and judging from the difficulty of +finding these specimens in collections, the business was not large. + +There was no law preventing any one from purchasing either the newspaper +or periodical stamps from the Post office, and at the time there was +probably no regulation of the Department which prevented postmasters +from selling them to all desirous of purchasing. Certainly some were +sold to dealers and collectors. Hence the privilege of purchasing the +current newspaper and periodical stamps _without gum_ for the same price +that actual and complete copies could be obtained, particularly in view +of the fact that the purchaser, unless a publisher or agent, could not +use them when so purchased, even if he were willing to gum them himself, +was probably not largely taken advantage of. The specimens when found +can hardly be called reprints and cannot be distinguished from the +ordinary stamps that have by some accident lost their gum. There is +reason to believe that some of them have been adorned with this +appendage by private parties, so that the presence of gum is no +guarantee of genuineness. As, however, they are only partly finished +stamps of the regular issue, no great harm is done if a specimen is +treasured in a collection. + +With the newspaper stamps of the 1865 issue the facts are different. +While they are from the same plates apparently, they can generally be +detected by the color. As the five cents with white border does not +appear in the list of reprints or "specimens" the series was not, after +all, complete, and the possessor of this stamp may feel confident of +possessing an original. The companion five cents with colored border is +exactly of the same color, varying only in different specimens of either +variety in depths of color. The blue of the reprints is of a different +shade, more intense and perhaps the difference can best be expressed by +saying there is a _bloom_ about it that there is not about the +originals. When the two are placed side by side the homely expression +that the "new is worn off" of the originals will serve to express the +difference, though in point of fact they never had the brightness of the +reprints. The same remarks apply to the old and new ten cent values. The +color of the 25 cents, is, however, very badly imitated, the originals +have a yellowish-red cast, the reprint is a dull common red. A very +good idea of it might be had by comparing what are called salmon brick +and pressed brick together. Unfortunately some unscrupulous parties have +"experimented" with the reprints and thus rendered some specimens rather +harder to distinguish, but so far as the observation of the writer goes, +comparison with originals will always satisfactorily expose the +difference. + +The extreme anxiety of the Department that the revenue of the service +should not suffer by the use of a private party of an official stamp for +which he had paid the department full value, led as the advertisement +states to the placing of the word "specimen" in small type across the +face, and thereby saved the collector any trouble in identifying +"specimens" from originals, though as the stamps were current the +omission of the gum only reduced them to partly finished stamps, and not +to the category of reprints or counterfeits. + +Of the "ordinary stamps for the use of the public," the 5th or 1870 +issue was then current, and why ungummed stamps which the circular says +were never the less available for postage, should have been sold when +the Department had a large supply of finished originals at command, is a +mystery to all but official minds. + +The 4th or 1869 series presents greater difficulties to the collector +who desires to have only genuine originals. Made by the same company +that produced the originals, and only a short time afterwards, the +processes of printing, ink and paper making had not materially changed, +but the reprints show signs of more careful workmanship. Notwithstanding +the circular some of them at least were sent out by the department +gummed. But strange to say as noticed by Mr. Coster (A. J. P. 1875 page +6) the gum of the originals "varied from decidedly brownish to almost +white" and "on the 1861-69 issues of the reprints (as also on the +eagles) simple gum arabic seems to have been used, the color being +perfectly white. Furthermore, if the stamps are bent at all, the gum +cracks, which is in no case true of the originals." Mr. Coster further +says, "the originals all had the grille and the reprints have not." +Unfortunately, Mr. Coster was not aware that the four higher values at +least, with the brownish gum and without the grille, and undoubtedly +original, existed in collections before the reprints were made, and have +since been officially stated to have been so issued, and other values +also in that condition are known, which have every appearance of being +originals. Unfortunately also, it is not very difficult to remove the +gum, imitate the grille or not and regum the stamp with brownish gum. +Such experiments have been made with fair success by members of that +fraternity who exist by the trade in bogus antiquities and counterfeit +evidences of value, who sometimes do these little things merely to +experience the delight they feel in deceiving the so-called experts, +especially when as in this case a known reprint is almost unsalable, +but if it can be made to pass as an original its value is increased +several hundred fold and its salable qualities many times more. +Fortunately there are not a large number of the reprints to encounter +and grilled specimens are in all probability original. The 3d or 1861 +issue was also made by the same company that did the reprinting. The +originals were issued first without the grille and afterwards with it, +both had the brownish gum. The reprints have the same perforation and, +notwithstanding the circular, were issued both without the gum and with +the white stiff gum noticed above. Originals without the grille are +rarely on tinted or surfaced paper, though sometimes smurched in parts +from careless wiping of the plates. Originals with the grille are +generally on lightly tinted or surfaced paper and the colors are usually +stronger than the earlier ones. The reprints were without the grille, +but the colors are rather those of the grilled originals, the paper is +however whiter, the printing more carefully worked, and there is the new +look about them noticed when speaking of the reprints of the newspaper +series of 1865. Sheets of the one cent reprinted show the printer's +imprint on the sides and of the pattern of that on the 1869 issue. All +the originals of this value probably had the imprint of the other +pattern, and at the top or bottom. The reprints are therefore, probably +from new plates. + +A few reprints with a forged grille have come under the observation of +the writer, but as the grille was the small grille imitated from that on +the 1869 issue it was easily detected. + +The 2nd or 1851 issue, as it is called in the circular, actually +consisted of two series, the imperforate and perforate. Imperforate +reprints were not furnished. The originals were perforated 15 to the mm. +or 17 to the 7/8 of an inch. The reprints were perforated 12 to the mm. +or 13 to the 7/8 of an inch. This is the perforation of the 1870 series +and of most of the U. S. stamps. + +This is an absolute test then for perforated specimens. Attempts are, +however, made to palm off trimmed reprints as imperforate specimens. The +originals are on a yellowish paper and with brown gum. The reprints on a +very white paper originally but easily manipulated to yellowish. The +reprint of the one cent is from a new plate, the stamps have the outside +fine labels of the original imperforate series, but are set farther +apart on the plate so that even the larger perforation used does not cut +into the stamp. The blue is too bright. The reprinted three cents has +the outer top and bottom lines of the original imperforate stamp. The +stamps do not seem to have been set quite far enough apart on the plate, +as most specimens are somewhat marred by the large perforation. The +color is however a vermilion and not the brick-red, pink or carmine of +the originals. The reprinted five cents is from plate No. 2 without the +top and bottom projection, and the stamps being too near together are +marred by the large perforation. The color is a decided yellow brown, +unlike any of the shades of the original. It would probably be +impossible to remove the perforation so as to make this stamp pass for +an imperforate specimen and then it would lack the projection of the +original. + +The ten and twelve cents are harder to distinguish, the green is too +green, the black too black. The twenty-four, thirty and ninety cents +were not issued imperforate (except the very rare instances of the 24 +cents) and are not likely to deceive any one, their colors, however, are +the more brilliant new colors and not the old dull colors of the +originals. + +The reprinted "Eagle" Carrier's stamp was first sent out perforated 12, +the original was, of course, imperforate, and the stamps upon the sheet +were separated by colored lines. The perforations of the reprints made +sad havoc with these. Later the reprints were sent out imperforate. Such +originals as the present writer has seen are on a yellowish tinted paper +arising probably from the gum or age, the reprints are on a paper blued +on the printed side by the ink of the stamp and with a blue cast at the +back. + +The reprinted "Franklin" Carrier's stamp is on too deep a pink paper and +the dark blue ink is not deep and dull enough. + +Finally the only safe test of any of these stamps is comparison with +undoubted originals, in every case of doubt. + +The first or 1847 reprints are not from the original plates nor even +from the original dies, but from newly engraved dies, and hence are +absolutely worthless as representing the originals. They are not +reprints, but official imitations. In speaking of this issue it was +stated that the Department had ordered all remainders to be burnt and +the plates and dies destroyed. Supposing this to have been done +reprinting was impossible. To take the place of the originals, new dies +were made. + +The imitations are both wider and shorter than the originals. The +foliated ornaments are too conspicuous in both. The small letters, R. W. +H. and E. in the margins, though clear in the originals are too small, +and particularly in the five cents almost illegible, being too light, +and apparently the engraver did not know whether to make an R or an H, +an M or a W, an H or an N, an E or an F. These are the general and +common differences. + +The Five Cents. The hair on the right of the head (left of the stamp) is +in heavy dark masses in the original, but is too light, open and airy in +the imitation. The mouth prolonged in the original beyond the dot on the +right, ends with it in the imitation, in which there is a second dot to +the right of the first. The eyes are clear and distinct in the original, +with perhaps too much white in the right one, they are weak undecided +eyes in the imitation. The shirt front in the original is terminated by +a diagonal line which reaches the oval above the top of the F of "Five" +in the original, but is more nearly horizontal in the imitation, +reaching the oval nearly on a line with the top of the 5. + +The Ten Cents. In the hair on the right of the stamp there is a small, +white circle with a dark center in the imitation which does not appear +in the original. The lips are larger and the mouth longer in the +original than the imitation, but in the latter the lower lip is +indicated throughout by vertical lines, in the original there are three +vertical lines, the rest indicated by points. In the original the white +cravat is separated from the inner colored line marking the oval by a +fine white line with a colored line above it; in the imitation the line +of the oval terminates the cravat. The lines of the face are all too +stiff and ridged and the execution does not compare in delicacy and +boldness of touch with the original. + + + + +INDEX. + + + Agriculture Department; 230, 243 + + Alexandria; 28, 60 + + + Baltimore; 28, 62, 63 + + Baltimore, Horseman; 63 + + Brattleboro; 28, 48, 50 + + + Carrier Stamps; 87, 88, 100, 191, 264 + + Compulsory prepayment; 23, 90, 91 + + + Eight Cents, Newspapers, 1874; 218 + + Eighty-four Cents, Newspapers, 1874; 219 + + Executive Department; 230, 235 + + + Fifteen Cents, 1866; 131, 135, 136, 191 + " 1867, medium grille; 139, 142, 191 + " 1867, small grille; 141, 142, 191 + " 1869; 153, 191 + " 1870; 166, 170, 173 + " 1873; 176 + " 1883; 195 + " Official; 234 + + Fifty Cents, Postage Due; 202 + + Five Cents, 1847; 76, 78, 191, 265 + " 1856; 94, 107, 191 + " 1857; 110, 120, 191 + " 1861; 126, 134, 135, 191 + " 1867; 140, 141, 142, 191 + " 1875; 178 + " 1881; 180 + " 1882; 181 + " 1883; 196 + " Newspapers, 1865; 191 + " Postage Due; 200 + + Five Dollars, State Department; 237 + + Four Cents, 1883; 187, 189, 196 + " Newspapers, 1874; 218 + + Forty-eight Cents, " 1874; 219 + + Forty-eight Dollars," 1874; 222 + + + Grille of 1867; 138, 139, 140 + " 1869; 157 + " 1870; 170 + + + Interior Dep't; 230, 241 + + Introduction; 13 + + Issue of 1847; 74, 191, 265 + " 1851; 81, 85, 87, 88, 191, 263 + " 1855; 94, 191 + " 1856; 94, 191 + " 1857; 110, 191 + " 1860; 111, 191 + " 1861; 122, 125, 191, 261 + " 1863; 131, 191 + " 1865; 209, 191 + " 1866; 132, 191 + " 1867; 137, 191 + " 1869; 144, 149, 191, 260 + " 1870; 158, 191, 260 + " 1873; 173, 227 + " 1874; 214 + " 1875; 177 + " 1879; 201 + " 1882; 180 + " 1883; 186, 189, 195 + " 1885; 205 + " 1887; 196 + + + Justice Dep't; 230, 242 + + + Millbury; 28, 65 + + + Navy Dep't; 230, 240 + + Newspaper and Periodical, 1865; 209, 259 + " " " 5 cts.; 211 + " " " 10 cts.; 212 + " " " 25 cts.; 213 + " " 1874; 214 + + New Haven; 28, 51, 53 + + New York; 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33 + + New York "U. S. Mail"; 34 + + Nine Cents, Newspapers, 1874; 191, 192, 218 + + Nine Dollars, " " ; 221 + + Ninety Cents, 1860; 112, 121, 191 + " 1861; 129, 135, 136, 191 + " 1867; 140, 141, 142, 191 + " 1869; 156, 191 + " 1870; 169, 170, 173 + " 1873; 176 + " 1883; 195, 196 + " Official; 235 + + Ninety-six Cents, Newspapers, 1874; 219 + + + Official Stamps; 227 + + Official Seals; 249 + + Officially Sealed; 250 + + One Cent Carrier, Eagle; 88, 109, 191, 264 + " " Franklin; 87, 109, 191, 264 + " 1851; 85, 89, 97, 191 + " 1857; 110, 113, 191 + " 1861; 125, 133, 134, 135, 191 + " 1867, medium grille; 139, 191 + " 1867, small grille; 140, 141, 142, 191 + " 1869; 149, 191 + " 1870; 161, 170, 172, 173 + " 1873; 175 + " 1881; 180 + " 1882; 183 + " 1883; 195 + " 1886; 183 + " 1887; 183 + " 1887; 196 + " Newspaper, 1885; 224 + " Official; 233 + " Postage Due; 200 + + One Dollar and Ninety-two Cents, Newspaper, 1874; 220 + + + Philadelphia; 69 + + Pittsfield; 71 + + Postage Due; 198 + " 1, 2, 3, 5; 200 + " 10, 30, 50; 202 + + Postmarks; 14 to 18 + + Post Obitum; 252 + + Post Office Department; 230 + + Postmasters Stamps; 25, 72 + + Providence; 23, 54, 56 + + + Registered Seals; 249 + + Registered Seals for stamp packages; 250 + + Reprints; 254 + + + St. Louis; 27, 28, 36, 38 + " 2 Cents; 47 + " 5 " ; 40 + " 10 " ; 42 + " 20 " ; 44 + + Seven Cents, 1870; 159, 169, 170, 172, 173, 191, 192 + " 1873; 176 + " Official; 234 + + Seventy-two Cents, Newspapers, 1874; 219 + + Six Cents, 1869; 151, 191 + " 1870; 159, 164, 170, 172, 173 + " 1873; 175, 176 + " 1882; 184, 190, 192 + " 1883; 196 + " 1886; 192 + " Newspapers, 1874; 218 + " Official; 234 + + Sixty Cents, Newspapers, 1874; 219 + + Sixty Dollars, Newspapers, 1874; 223 + + Six Dollars, Newspapers, 1874; 220 + + Specimen Postage Stamps; 225 + + Special Delivery; 204 + + State Department; 230, 236 + + + Ten Cents, 1847; 77, 79, 191, 266 + " 1855; 94, 108, 191 + " 1857; 110, 121, 191 + " 1861; 127, 135, 191 + " 1867, medium grille; 139, 191 + " 1867, small grille; 140, 141, 142, 191 + " 1869; 151, 191 + " 1870; 159, 165, 170, 173 + " 1881; 180 + " 1882; 185 + " 1883; 185, 186 + " 1886; 196 + " 1887; 186 + " Newspapers, 1874; 218 + " Official; 234 + " Postage Due; 202 + " Special Delivery; 204 + + Ten Dollars, State; 237 + + Thirty Cents, 1860; 111, 112, 121, 191 + " 1861; 129, 135, 136, 191 + " 1867; 140, 141, 142, 191 + " 1869; 155, 191 + " 1870; 168, 170, 173 + " 1873; 176 + " 1883; 196 + " Official; 235 + " Postage Due; 202 + + Thirty-six Cents, Newspapers, 1874; 219 + + Thirty-six Dollars, Newspapers, 1874; 222 + + Three Cents, 1851; 85, 89, 98, 191 + " 1857; 110, 115, 191 + " 1861; 126, 134, 135, 191 + " 1867 grilled all over; 138, 191 + " " large grille; 139, 191 + " " medium grille; 139, 191 + " " small grille; 140, 141, 142, 191 + " " imperforate; 142, 191 + " 1869; 150, 191 + " 1870; 163, 170, 172, 173 + " 1873; 175, 176 + " 1881; 180 + " 1882; 184, 186, 190, 192 + " 1883; 196 + " 1886-7; 192 + " Official; 234 + " Newspapers, 1874; 191, 192, 218 + " Postage due; 200 + + Three Dollars, Newspapers, 1874; 220 + + Treasury Dept; 230, 238 + + Twelve Cents, 1851; 86, 89, 108, 191 + " 1857; 110, 121, 191 + " 1861; 127, 135, 191 + " 1867 medium grille; 139, 191 + " 1867 small grille; 140, 141, 142, 191 + " 1869; 152, 191 + " 1870; 159, 165, 170, 173, 191, 192 + " 1883; 196 + " Newspapers, 1874; 219 + " Official; 234 + + Twelve Dollars, Newspapers, 1874; 221 + + Twenty Dollars, State; 237 + + Twenty-four Cents, 1856; 93, 108, 191 + " " 1860; 111, 112, 121, 191 + " " 1861; 128, 135, 136, 191 + " " 1867; 140, 141, 142, 191 + " " 1869; 154, 191 + " " 1870; 167, 170, 173, 191, 192 + " " 1873; 176 + " " Newspapers, 1874; 219 + " " Official; 234 + + Twenty-four Dollars, Newspapers, 1874; 222 + + Two Cents, 1863; 131, 135, 191 + " 1867, medium grille; 139, 191 + " 1867, small grille; 140, 141, 142, 191 + " 1867, imperforate; 142, 191 + " 1869; 150, 191 + " 1870; 161, 170, 172, 173 + " 1873; 175 + " 1875; 177 + " 1881; 180 + " 1882; 184, 186 + " 1883; 187, 189, 195 + " Official; 234 + " Newspaper; 218 + " Postage Due; 200 + + Two Dollars, State; 237 + + + Uniform Postage; 23 + + Unpaid Letter Stamps; 200 + + Unperforated Specimens, 1867; 142 + " " 1870; 172 + + U. S. Mail; 34 + + U. S. City Dispatch Post; 19, 22 + + + War Department; 230, 239 + + Washington; 31, 67 + + Worcester; 70 + + + + +THE + +=PHILATELIC CATALOGUE= + +OF POSTAGE STAMPS, STAMPED ENVELOPES +AND POSTAL CARDS. + +BY MAJOR EDW. B. EVANS, R. A. + + +This work is fully illustrated with engravings, also gives full +description of all stamps, particulars as to printing, perforation, +paper, watermarks, colors, as well as market price. Also valuable notes +by the author on subjects pertaining to the stamps. + +The following is the plan of the work: + + Part 1. Adhesives. + Part 2. Stamped Envelopes. + Part 3. Postal Cards. + +Each part is divided into sections: + + Section 1. America. + Section 2. Great Britain and Colonies. + Section 3. Europe. + Section 4. Asia, Africa and Australasia. + +Each section is divided into groups, the groups of Part 1, Section 1 are +now ready and are as follows: + + Group 1. United States (including Confederate issues). + Group 2. Mexico and Central America. + Group 3. U. S. of Columbia and states. + Group 4. Other South American countries. + +The price of each group is 10c; a new one will be published every month. + +The work is limited to 500 copies and when completed will be the +greatest philatelic work ever published. + +Subscriptions received $1.00 per 10 parts, until the number 500 is +reached subscribers will receive the first numbers. + +_C. H. MEKEEL, Philatelic Publisher,_ +_Room 71, Turner Building._ _ST. LOUIS, MO._ + + + + +THE + +=Improved Stamp Album.= + +With a rational plan for the arrangement of a collection of stamps. +Copyrighted. + + +This is a blank album manufactured expressly for the purpose. + +Good paper is used; size of pages 81/2 by 11 inches; a neat border +surrounds each page and an ornamental band at top for the reception of +the name of the country. Neatly printed names are provided on adhesive +paper. + +Guards or stubs are bound between the pages, so that when filled it will +not bulge, it is equally well adapted for postal cards, stamps or +envelopes. + +One thousand lithographed stamp mounts are furnished with each album. +The stamp mounts are on a new plan, a neat black border surrounds the +stamp, and the mounts are provided in different sizes for the various +stamps. + + No. 1. Album 168 pp., bound in cloth, good paper, with + names and 1000 mounts $2.00 + + No. 2. Album 328 pp., same as above but border printed + on only one side of the page $3.00 + + No. 3. Album 500 pp., same style as the No. 3, better + paper, printed on one side of page $5.00 + + No. 4. Album 500 pp., handsomely bound in leather, + superior paper, printed on one side of page $7.50 + + No. 5. Portfolio, with 200 sheets fine card-board, printed + on one side with names and mounts $5.00 + +The album has given satisfaction wherever it has been sold. + +C. H. MEKEEL, Philatelic Publisher, +_Room 71, Turner B'l'g_, _ST. LOUIS, MO._ + + + + +THE + +=Philatelic Journal of America.= + + +A large monthly magazine published in interest of stamp collecting. + +Contributed to, by the leading philatelic writers of the day, including, +Major Edw. B. Evans, R. A., James M. Chute, John K. Tiffany, Edw. B. +Hanes, Lieut. J. M. T. Partello, Joseph J. Casey, E. B. Sterling, Wm. E. +Stone, and many others. + +The latest information regarding newly issued stamps and discoveries may +always be found. + +Reports of the proceedings of the leading American philatelic societies. + +Answers to questions, and open letters on current topics, are important +departments. + +The Philatelic Catalogue, by Major Edw. B. Evans, is being published in +monthly installments. + + +SUBSCRIPTION. + +Sent post free, 50 cents per annum, to United States, Canada and Mexico; +75 cents per annum to all countries in the Universal Postal Union. + +$1. per annum to Natal, Cape of Good Hope, Transvaal and Australian +Colonies. + +Payment must be made in advance. Subscription can commence at any time. +Back numbers of current volume, 10 cents each. + + +UNBOUND COPIES, VOLS. I AND II. + +Volume I. March, 1885--February, 1886. 12 numbers, 250p., $3. + +Volume II. March, 1886--February, 1887. 12 numbers, 350p., $1. + +_C. H. MEKEEL, Philatelic Publisher_, +Room 71, Turner Building, ST. LOUIS, MO. + + + + +C. H. MEKEEL, + +PHILATELIC PUBLISHER + +--AND-- + +=POSTAGE STAMP DEALER,= + + +Solicits business relations with all philatelists. Rarities are always +on hand for the advanced collector. Rare stamps bought for cash or taken +in exchange. + +New issues and novelties always on hand. A fine stock of desirable +stamps at very reasonable prices. Selections of stamps on approval sent +to responsible parties. Agents wanted for the sale of stamps on liberal +commission. + +Foreign correspondence and exchange solicited. + +A large wholesale stock for sale by 10, 100 or 1000 at lowest prices. +Mexican, South and Central American stamps is a specialty in wholesale +trade. Hundreds of thousands of these stamps imported yearly. + +Cash paid for U. S. Department stamps, Newspaper and Periodical stamps, +Old U. S. Envelopes, Confederate and U. S. Locals. + +Large or old collections wanted for cash. Send for U. S. Exchange list. + +Inquiries should contain stamp for reply. + +C. H. MEKEEL, +_Room 71, Turner Building_, _ST. LOUIS, MO._ + + + # # # # # + +Transcriber's Notes: + +5. Obvious punctuation errors have been corrected without comment. + +6. Inconsistent quote marks in cited materials have been retained. + Mismatched quotes have been repaired. + +7. Inconsistent abbreviations, punctuation, character spacing, etc., + have been made uniform. + +8. Inconsistent variations of millimeter fractions, _i. e._ 1/2 (with + forward slash) and 1-2 (stacked 1 over 2), etc. have been made + consistent. + +9. Right justified page numbers in the "INDEX" have been replaced by + a left justified semi-colon ";" immediately followed by the + referenced page numbers. + +10. SPELLING CORRECTIONS: (#) shows number of times word was correctly + spelled in the text. + + p. 47, "apperance" to "appearance" (14) (has a blurred appearance) + p. 47, "diffent" to "different" (30) (a different design) + p. 48, "Brattleborro" to "Brattleboro" (8) (of Brattleboro, Vermont) + p. 50, "seperately" to "separately" (7) (stamp separately engraved) + p. 52, "accomodation" to "accommodation" (7) (as an accommodation;) + p. 53, "impresions" to "impressions" (102) (re-impressions in red) + p. 55, "orignally" to "originally" (11) (originally ruled into spaces) + p. 64, "permiting" to "permitting" (4) (permitting to be used) + p. 78, "Terell" to "Terrell" (2) (Mr. Terrell, Third Assistant + Postmaster General) + p. 80, "Goverment" to "Government" (34) (dies by the Government) + p. 88, "Pastmaster" to "Postmaster" (200) (the Postmaster General) + p. 91, "postmater" to "postmaster" (200) (unlawful for any postmaster) + p. 92, "Priviledge" to "Privilege" (13) (the Franking Privilege) + p. 93, "lettters" to "letters" (200) (amount on letters) + p. 94, "Casellar" to "Cassilar" (2) (Toppan, Carpenter, Cassilar & Co.) + p. 104, "prolongued" to "prolonged" (3) (right side prolonged) + (this correction is noted on the publishers "Errata" page) + p. 107, "vermillion" to "vermilion" (15) (with yellowish vermilion) + p. 110, "millemetres" to "millimetres" (2) (space of two millimetres) + p. 110, "impresion" to "impression" (102) (Plate impression,) + p. 119, "runing" to "running" (5) (and running off to the right) + p. 120, "Botom" to "Bottom" (110) (LEFT. Top, Bottom) + p. 123, "newpapers" to "newspapers" (88+) (through the newspapers) + p. 124, "Immediatly" to "Immediately" (3) (Immediately after the + expiration) + p. 127, "ocre" to "ochre" (5) (5 cents, ochre, shades of brown.) + p. 129, "impresion" to "impression" (102) (Plate impression,) + p. 132, "borderded" to "bordered" (105) (bordered by a broad) + p. 140, "compossed" to "composed" (19) (composed of depressed lines) + p. 159, "ninty" to "ninety" (27) (ninety cents, Commodore) + p. 160, "posesion" to "possession" (11) (present issue, in possession) + p. 170, "vermillion" to "vermilion" (15) (7 cents, vermilion.) + p. 179, "ZEVERLY" to "ZEVELY" (2) ((Signed.) A. N. ZEVELY) + p. 180, "hurridly" to "hurriedly" (0) (hurriedly gotten up) + p. 185, "conspicious" to "conspicuous" (6) (shade lines being + conspicuous) + p. 194, "improvments" to "improvements" (5) (improvements in + machinery) + p. 197, "soild" to "solid" (60) (broad solid colored line) + p. 200, "whereever" to "wherever" (1) (wherever required) + p. 201, "beween" to "between" (117) (colored band between) + p. 207, "cirular" to "circular" (55) (From the third circular) + p. 209, "newpaper" to "newspaper" (88+) (newspaper stamps in other + countries) + p. 209, "newpapers" to "newspapers" (88+) (distribution of newspapers + and periodicals) + p. 213, "principly" to "principally" (3) (principally at Chicago) + p. 219, "horizontically" to "horizontally" (49) (horizontally and + diagonally) + p. 220, "Ninty" to "Ninety" (27) (One Dollar and Ninety-Two) + p. 224, "classs" to "class" (11) (publications of the second class) + p. 227, "reveiw" to "review" (2) (by a brief review) + p. 228, "Treasuay" to "Treasury" (16) (the Treasury may be) + p. 229, "Ano" to "Anno" (0) (Anno Domini 1873) + p. 232, "addional" to "additional" (19) (four additional denominations) + p. 232, "excercise" to "exercise" (2) (exercise its own discretion) + p. 232, "chocineal" to "cochineal" (7) (War Department, cochineal red;) + p. 245, "judisdiction" to "jurisdiction" (0) (court of competent + jurisdiction) + p. 245, "theron" to "thereon" (9) (shall be stated thereon) + p. 246, "transmision" to "transmission" (9) (for the transmission of) + p. 246, "throught" to "through" (23) (through the mails free) + p. 247, "attatchment" to "attachment" (6) (attachment of official + postage) + p. 259, "genuiness" to "genuineness" (0) (no guarantee of genuineness) + p. 271, "Newpapers" to "Newspapers" (88+) (Three Dollars, Newspapers) + p. 275, "Britian" to "Britain" (0) (Great Britain and Colonies) + +11. PRINTER AND TYPOGRAPHY CORRECTIONS: Words with missing and + misprinted letters, inconsistent hyphenation, punctuation and spacing + have been corrected without comment. Additional corrections; + + p. 23, removed duplicate word "the" (the distances were so great) + p. 56, removed duplicate word "the" (the lower half of a circle) + p. 59, removed duplicate "of" (I, of R. I., and S of Cents) + p. 67-68, added Footnote anchor [A] (following advertising + editorial[A]:) + p. 75, removed duplicate word "be" (shall be subject to) + p. 76, removed duplicate word "been" (to have been distributed) + p. 82, removed duplicate word "be" (shall be deemed) + p. 98, removed duplicate word "the" ((A) show the paper) + P. 104, corrected duplicate instance of D^2 f^{1 2 3 4}, to + D^1 f^{1 2 3 4}, to match established pattern of data. + p. 139, 3rd through 6th line from bottom, changed fraction from 16-2/2 + to 16-1/2. + p. 151, removed duplicate "the" (upper squares at the sides) + p. 177, changed "E. M. BARBER" to "E. W. BARBER" to match all other + instances. + +12. WORD VARIATIONS: + + "back ground" (6), "back-ground" (5), "background" (32) + "Caracci" (1), "Carraci" (1) "Cerrachi" (2) (misspellings appear in + official documents referring to Giuseppe Ceracchi, aka Giuseppe + Cirachi, the Italian sculptor.) + "despatch" (3) and "dispatch" (9) + "enclose(ed)" (7) and "inclose" (1) (in quoted Postmaster report) + "extention" (1) (as shown in quoted postal circular) + "grayish" (1) and "greyish" (2) + "lozenge" (1) and "losenge" (1) (middle english) + "millimeter" (1) and "millimetre(s)" (1) + "preceding" (2) and "preceeding" (2) + "prepaid" (15) and "prepayed" (1) (in quoted Postmaster letter) + "Rawdon" (1) and "Rawden" (1) (part of a company name) + "salie" (1) and "sallie" (1) + "semi-circle" (1) and "semicircle" (2) + "supersede(ed)" (1) and "supercede" (1) (in quoted Postmaster report) + "Wyman" (1) and "Wymer" (1) + "Zachary" (1) (in text) and "Zackary" (1) (General Taylor, in quoted + Postmaster letter) + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Postage Stamps of the +United States of America, by John Kerr Tiffany + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF POSTAGE STAMPS OF U.S.A. *** + +***** This file should be named 35566.txt or 35566.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/5/5/6/35566/ + +Produced by Bryan Ness, Christine Aldridge and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +book was produced from scanned images of public domain +material from the Google Print project.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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