Original 1830 folded stampless letter with contents, mailed from New Orleans, Louisiana to Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas Territory.

  • Date: August 14, 1830

  • Postmark: New Orleans straight-line cancel with manuscript “25” rate (pre-stamp postal system, 25¢ due on delivery).

  • Recipient: Mr. E. Minick, Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas Territory.

  • Contents: Business correspondence from Howard & Hary confirming receipt of $293 for a black horse, mentions misdirected mail, request to collect money owed by J. Moses (re: Harriet), and unpaid balance from Daniel Ringgold.

  • Reverse: Signed receipt by Howard & Hary acknowledging payment in full for R. Clark.

  • Condition: Folded letter with light wear, some edge splits, overall good for age. Writing clear and legible.

Historical Importance:

  • Early Arkansas Territory correspondence (Arkansas became a state in 1836).

  • Scarce pre-stamp folded letter showing postal rates and financial/legal dealings of frontier America.

  • Mentions of early settlers/traders (Clark, Minick, Moses, Ringgold) add genealogical interest.

A fine addition for collectors of Arkansas postal history, stampless covers, or early Americana documents.


Transcription (Modern Readable Form)

Front / Address Panel:
To Mr. E. Minick, Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas Territory.
Postmark: New Orleans, Aug 14, 1830
“25” (postage due notation)

Letter Text (inside):

New Orleans, August 14th, 1830

Mr. E. Minick,

We have received your favor of the 6th inst. and have enclosed a receipt for the balance paid R. Clark, as you requested.

We also wrote to Messrs. Beggs & Dillard some time ago, but by mistake it was directed to Hempstead, Washington County, Missouri, which account for your not receiving it.

William Howard informs us that J. Moses owes him on account of Harriet, which account he wishes you to collect for him. He has likewise requested us to write you on the subject.

You will please inform Mr. Daniel Ringgold that we have not received the money due from him.

Yours respectfully,
Howard & Hary

Reverse / Receipt Section:

Received of Mr. E. Minick, Two Hundred and Ninety-Three Dollars in full for balance due R. Clark, on account of a Black Horse.

Signed: Howard & Hary
Dated August 14th, 1830, New Orleans

Summary of Contents

  • Sender: Howard & Hary (likely a New Orleans merchant or law firm).

  • Recipient: Mr. E. Minick, Washington, Hempstead County, Arkansas Territory.

  • Content:

    • Confirms receipt/payment of $293 to settle balance with R. Clark (for a Black Horse).

    • Mentions a misdirected letter (sent to Missouri instead of Arkansas).

    • Requests help collecting money from J. Moses, relating to “Harriet.”

    • Notes that Daniel Ringgold still owes money.

  • Historical Significance:

    • Business correspondence tied to legal/financial matters in the Arkansas Territory (before statehood in 1836).

    • Shows pre-stamp postal system (handwritten “25” rate marking).

    • Provides names of early settlers/traders like Minick, Clark, Moses, and Ringgold.