(New York City, 1775) "N* YORK*SEP:4". Perfect strike of greenish-blue straightline handstamp with large numeral date on flap of small folded letter datelined "Northkingston Aug. 8, 1775" to Henry Barbor in Philadelphia, "Newport" manuscript postmark and "4d 1/8" rate (1dwt 8gr, representing the old Parliamentary Post single rate), some slight soiling and tiny edge nicks, split along a fold not affecting the front or the panel with the New York postmark

EXTREMELY FINE STRIKE OF THE RARE GREENISH-BLUE NEW YORK CONGRESSIONAL POST STRAIGHTLINE. FROM A NEW FIND AND OFFERED TO THE MARKET FOR THE FIRST TIME.

The Congressional Post was formed by the resolution of July 26, 1775, appointing Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General of the United States. The distinctive greenish-blue ink was used by the New York post office in 1775 and 1776 after introduction of markings for the newly-created Congressional Post.

A privately maintained census by Steven Walske records fewer than 15 examples of the greenish-blue straightline in private hands. This is a new addition to the census and is also an early use

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