Albany manuscript postmark on folded letter to New York City, datelined "Albany 7 Febry 1786", manuscript "2.16" [dwt] rate converted into "1/4" (1sh 4d) local currency in New York City, very fine, the Albany manuscript postmark on this cover is not a post office marking but rather a private  mail marking used by Van Wyck for mail originating at Albany, this is the only recorded example of this marking and the basis for the ASCC listing, ex-Peltz

The post office at Albany, NY opened in 1782 as a state funded and operated post office. In June 1785, the legislature of the State of New York granted a ten year monopoly to Isaac Van Wyck and his associates to operate stages to carry passengers and all mail between Albany and New York City. This grant gave rise to a state operated mail system along the east side of the Hudson River until July 31, 1792 when the Albany post office became part of the Federal system under the Constitution.