New York (New York County)

Drop Letter

(courtesy of Ken Hall)

1 1/2c "rate" which reflected 1c (drop) + 1/2c (war tax) = 1 1/2c

  • According to information published in THE CHRONICLE OF THE U.S. CLASSIC POSTAL ISSUES this is not really a rate, but a "emolument" (tip) given directly to the postmaster (Chronicle 200, Nov. 2003). The fee was 1c.

 

  • since this was not a rate, but rather an "emolument" (see above), it should not have been increased by the 50% surcharge to help pay for the War of 1812 debt. Dr. Vernon R. Morris in his article "What is a 'Drop Letter' and What is a "Drop Dead Letter'?" says that at least 9 covers are known showing a 1 1/2c rate. (The Chronicle of the U.S. Classic Postal Issues, Nov. 2003, page 249)

 

  • More information on the War of 1812 Postage Rates can be found at

http://users.westelcom.com/gestus/PHrates.htm

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 updated January 1, 2004