416

"You have been reported...."

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:50.00 - 70.00 USD
 You have been reported....
Lengthy partly printed letter from P.O. Dept., Appointment Office, Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 1853, 1 p., 8 x 10, on slate-blue. To Postmaster, Ewing, Mass. "You have been reported by the Postmaster at E. Princeton, Mass. for failure to cancel a postage stamp...I also call your attention to the oaths of postmasters...All postage stamps affixed to letters, packets, or parcels of any description must be immediately and effectually cancelled...by the use of black printers' ink whenever that material can be obtained, and where it cannot...by making several heavy crosses or parallel lines upon each stamp with a pen dipped in good black writing ink...You will be more vigilant in future...." Floridly signed by clerk "St. Jno. B. Skinner for First Asst. Postmaster Gen." Several fingertip-size stains at right margin, original folds, else very good. Classic-era association, wonderful for a philatelic exhibit.