The Hazard Family Letters 1832-1950
1851 Cover to H. G. Robinson - Providence, Rhode Island
(Scroll Down for Background Information and Text of Letter)

The Postal Act of March 3, 1845, (effective July 1, 1845) set the postal rates at 5 cents for under 300 miles and 10 cents for over 300 miles. During this time period the rates were the same for letters paid in advance or sent collect. The Postal Act of March 3, 1851, (effective June 30, 1851) changed the rates to 3 cents for mail traveling under 3000 miles if prepaid and 5 cents if not prepaid. Mail traveling over 3000 miles was 6 cents prepaid and 10 cents if not prepaid. The new law stated that all mail from this time forward shall be prepaid by stamps or charged double rate. This letter was sent unpaid and charged at the 5 cent single rate, which remained in effect until June 29, 1851.