(Falmouth-New York Packet, 1756) "NEW/YORK". Perfect bold strike of brownish-black two-line handstamp, red manuscript "P1N" prepaid 1sh packet rate, manuscript "3dwt" rate (N.Y. to Phila.) on folded cover from England to John Reynell in Philadelphia, "13/MA" (Mar. 13) Bishop's mark on back, sender's directive "Pr The Packet", receipt docketing "From Elias Bland, Rec'd 26 of 6 mo: 1756 Via New York", wear confined to back

EXTREMELY FINE. A PHENOMENAL STRIKE OF THE "NEW YORK" MARKING ON A VERY EARLY FALMOUTH-NEW YORK PACKET COVER.

Falmouth's location as a packet station was advantageous, as Britain was often at war and its remote location in Cornwall helped get mail past enemy naval vessels and privateers. According to Horowicz-Lowe (p. 13): "On 15th November 1755, the British Post Office dispatched the first regular mail packet from Falmouth to New York. From this time there were two packets sailing monthly to and from New York, and this service continued right through to the Revolutionary period with few interruptions." This was likely carried on the fourth sailing from Falmouth, on the Harriot, which departed April 29, 1856 and arrived in New York on June 14.

Ex Historical Society of Pennsylvania

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