10¢ Black (2), Position 99R, three large margins including wide bottom sheet margin, clear to in at left, tied by red square grid cancel, matching "New-York Apl. 6" (1851) circular datestamp on blue folded letter to Hamilton, Canada West, manuscript "U.S." in magenta exchange marking also ties stamp, neat "Queenston U.C. Apr. 8, 1851" transit datestamp, red Hamilton receiving backstamp (April 9)

Very Fine--this is the only recorded 1847 Issue cover to Canada postmarked on April 6, 1851, the first day that the U.S.-Canada treaty rate took effect, which allowed for full prepayment of mail between the two countries. It is especially desirable with a manuscript exchange office marking, which is unique, and the clearly struck datestamps.

Prior to April 6, 1851, letters sent to Canada could only be prepaid to the border. Canadian postage, based on weight and distance, was charged to the recipient. Effective April 6, 1851, the postal agreement established a rate of 10¢ per half ounce (6 pence reciprocal rate in Canada), with the exception of some West Coast destinations to which a 15¢ rate applied. Short paid mail would be treated as completely unpaid. Each country retained all postage fees collected.

The agreement required a "U. States" marking to be applied, along with a notation of "Paid" in red ink if prepaid or in black if treated as unpaid. The cover offered here, postmarked on the first day of the new rates, does not bear either of those markings, except for the improvised "U.S." manuscript marking.

The 1847 Issue was demonetized on July 1, 1851, so there was only a brief period (April-June 1851) when covers could be prepaid with the new rate using 1847 stamps. Mail to and from the Maritime Provinces was not subject to a similar agreement until July 6, 1851, after the 1847 Issue was demonetized.

Ex John D. Pope III, Dr. John L. Robertson and Joseph Hackmey. Described in Stanley B. Ashbrook, Special Service, #80, p. 649, photo 318.

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