Browne's Easton Despatch, Easton Pa., 2c Black on Red (30L1). Ms. cancel, mostly ample margins, heavy thin breaks paper

ONE OF FIVE OR SIX KNOWN EXAMPLES OF THE BROWN'S EASTON DESPATCH POST 2-CENT ON VERMILION, SCOTT 30L1.

The Easton Whig newspaper announced the establishment of Browne's Easton Despatch by William J. Browne, located at 4 North Third Street in Easton, on October 7, 1857. The announcement reads, in part: "...letters, notes, circulars, bank notices, invacations of whatever nature etc. Letters etc. may be left at the letter box and prepaid stamps can be obtained at the office at the rate of 2 cents per every distance not over two miles from the Courthouse, either in this state or in New Jersey." A later notice (Feb. 10, 1858) advertised Browne's post in connection with sending Valentines and mentioned service to Easton, South Easton and Philipsburg -- the latter a violation of the laws governing post roads.

Of the six 30L1 stamps located in our records, there is some doubt about the genuineness of an uncancelled stamp affixed to a cover, leaving four pen-cancelled stamps and one uncancelled stamp.

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