Liverpool Floating Receiving House Late Fee Mark

 

Paid double rate letter sent from Liverpool to Boston on board Cunard's 'Asia' in July 1856. The late fee of 1 shilling was paid along with the rate for up to 1 oz at the Floating Receiving House at the quayside. The FRH was open until 10 minutes before sailing of the Ocean liner.
Treaty rate for up to 1 oz: 2/-
FRH Late Fee: 1/-
Credit to the US for double inland postage: '10' cents in manuscript
'BOSTON / AUG 8 / B^R. P^KT. / PAID' applied on arrival in Boston.
'Asia' arrived New York on 7th August. The Boston mail was carried in a closed bag.
The Treaty fee of 1/- for the first half ounce was introduced 15th February 1849 and applied until end December 1867.
The FRH handstamp, Robinson type FRH1, was in use from 1849 to 1864.

Reference:
The Transatlantic Mail, by Frank Staff, Quartermain Publications, 1980 Edition
History of Letter Post Communications Between the United States and Europe 1845-1875, by G E Hargest
North Atlantic Mail Sailings 1840-75, W Hubbard and R F Winter.
Robertson Revisited, Colin Tabeart;
United Kingdom Letter Rates, Inland and Overseas, 1635 to 1900, Colin Tabeart;

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