U.S. Postal History #646

1783 (Jan. 6) Philadelphia Pa. to Boston Ms., datelined folded letter from R. Throckmorton bearing Philadelphia "8 / IA" Franklin mark and manuscript "4" rating, endorsed "p post", the 4 dwt rate for 300-400 miles, Very Fine.
Estimate $400 - 600

A letter written by R. Throckmorton which reads in part: "I was disappointed in my expectations of receiving your additional instructions for my government in Virginia p.post at Trenton, and having given directions for any letters that might appear by the next post following me to this place… but I am sorry to find that the weather had prevented the mail arriving at Morristown as usual."

Starting with this cover and until 1798, Philadelphia only used a Franklin mark and did not use a city name postmark. Only three exceptions during that 15 year period have been documented.