Home Hints For New Collectors Cover Of The Month Stampless Covers For Sale Stamped Covers For Sale Groups For Sale Links

COVER OF THE MONTH February, 2012 Restored Rate April 10, 1816 This letter was postmarked TREN NJ, Apr 10, and was datelined Trenton, 10th of Apr 1916. It is in very fine condition with no stains or major separations. The War of 1812 created a financial burden on United States finances, and in order to help finance the cost during the scond war with England, the Act of December 23, 1814 was passed and became effective February 1. 1815. This Act was known as the "War Act," and stated that "fifty percent be added to the existing postal rates then in effect." This fifty percent rate was in effect until March 31, 1816. The "War Act" was in effect for a little over one year and was repealed by the Act  of February 1, 1816,  and became efective March 31,1816. This act returned the postal rates to the 1799 rates, and became known as the "Restored Rate Act." This Act was only in effect for 31 days due to the Act of April 9, 1816 which became effective May 1, 1816.  Letters mailed during this time period are quite difficult to find and are considered rare. This letter is not for sale.