Auction Detail

seven covers ranging from 1841 to 1862, includes 1841 datestamp which predates the ASCC listing by three years, two different "5" rate handstamps, generally fine to very fine, each neatly written up on exhibit page

blue datestamp with matching "Paid" and "5" handstamps on folded letter to Petersborough, New Hampshire, very fine strikes and cover, fresh and attractive, this datestamp in blue was only used in July and August, 1845

red signature on October 4, 1848 certification of payment of entry duties for cargo on the Brig Margaret, signed by Ephraim F. Miller (collector) and Nathaniel Hawthorne (surveyor), cargo consisted of sixty cords of wood and fifty dozen eggs, very fine

Nathaniel Hawthorne was appointed Surveyor for the District of Salem and Beverly and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Salem in April 1846. At that time Hawthorne had published a number of short stories, including those collected in Twice-Told Tales, but was still several years later from his career-defining novels The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables. He lost the job due to the change of administration in Washington after the presidential election of 1848. During his time as Surveyor, he wrote to his friend Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: "Whenever I sit alone, or walk alone, I find myself dreaming about stories, as of old; but these forenoons in the Custom House undo all that the afternoons and evenings have done. I should be happier if I could write."

red datestamp on folded letter to Greenland, New Hampshire, black circle of dots and straightline "Paid" tie 3c Orange brown (10A), fresh and very fine, Judd notation on reverse reads "a show piece"

datestamp ties three 1c Blue (63) to all-over orange advertising envelope for the Holyoke M. Fire Insurance Company, addressed to Lynn, Massachusetts, missing backflap and light wear, otherwise fine, ex-White