1838 STAMPLESS COVER/LETTER NEW YORK POSTMARK -IMPORTANT LETTER LOST IN THE MAIL For Sale

We are offering an 1838 Stampless Letter / Postal Cover with a hand-stamped New York City postmark. **NOTE** - there is no postage stamp, as postage stamps were not issued until 1847, it is stamped "PAID" indicating postage was pre-paid.The letter, which is dated January 1st, 1838, is to Mr. E. Silsby, Boston from E. Wainwright regarding a letter, apparently of importance, that Silsby was supposed to have written to H. Hall, who never received it. Wainwright wrote, "I am fearful the letter has miscarried for our fine H. Hall, who was with us a few days ago, informed us you were in your usual good health, and I know your punctuality in these matters. I fear the letter has miscarried, which if it has, I will thank you to inform me and we will forward your letter with the amount, as we would like to know what we have to expect from all". The way it's written is a little unclear, but it appears there was some discrepancy pertaining to an amount of money, and Wainwright wanted to know where the parties stood on the matter.**NOTE** - As was common during this period, the letter also served as the envelope by folding it a certain way, addressing it, and sealing with a red wax seal. **CONDITION** - A piece of the paper had torn away at the spot where the seal was opened, as often happened.