I am selling material that I do not want for my own collection and exhibits. 

Many of this material I have been playing around with AI and will enclose the printouts of transcriptions and geneological/historical interest (if any).  Info is below.

I am a member of the APS and a bunch of other philatelic societies (and if you, are not, suggest you check out the American Philatelic Society as they are great!)


I guarantee your satisfaction.  Completely.  If for any reason you are not completely and totally satisfied and happy that you made the purchase up to 60 days (or 90 if you want to send something to be expertized!) I will reimburse your entire price and shipping.  

 

I have been doing this for a while so please check my Ebay references.  I travel for work so while I usually get material out within a day or so of your payment, it can sometimes take 3 or 4 days to mail if I am away.

 

While I try to describe my items as accurately as possible, I am bound to make the occasional error though, so if for any reason you are not delighted with your purchase, I will provide a full refund if notified within 60 days.


I also have scanned many of these to get transcriptions and historical/geneological significance and will enclose the printout.


US Boston MA 05 AP 1784 Norwich CT rate mark rare red circular Boston postmark with encircled 5 AP on post-Revolutionary War stampless FL. Addressed to Thomas Mumford, Esq., Merchant in Norwich, Connecticut, regarding tobacco trade with France and Farmers-General.

Summary

  • Date Letter Sent: 05 Apr 1784 (written March 15, 1784 at Petersburg, Virginia; postmarked April 5 at Boston)

  • Country of Origin: United States

  • Country of Destination: United States

  • Town Sent From: Petersburg, Virginia (via Boston, Massachusetts)

  • Town Sent To: Norwich, Connecticut

  • Distance: Approximately 450 miles

  • Significant Philatelic Details: Rare red circular Boston transit postmark reading "BOSTON" alongside an encircled date stamp "5 / AP" (April 5) and manuscript postal rate markings. Reflects maritime packet forwarding from Virginia via Boston to Connecticut during the early post-war period.

  • Names of Sender and Receiver: Sender: Thomas Mumford [G. S. Mumford / nephew]; Receiver: Thomas Mumford, Esq., Merchant

  • Sociological, Historical, and Genealogical Details: Written by a nephew (G. S. Mumford) newly arrived in Virginia from France. The letter discusses commercial arrangements with Mr. William Alexander, appointed by the Farmers-General of France to supply the French kingdom with Virginia tobacco, meetings with David Ross and Robert Morris in Philadelphia, and family items shipped via French packet boat from L'Orient.

Transcription & Translation

Original Text

[Page 1]

Petersburg Virginia March 15 1784

Dear Uncle Sir,

I did myself the honour to write you from Nantes as likewise from Portsmouth which was to inform you of my intentions in coming out to this country with Mr. Wm. Alexander who is appointed by the Farmers Generals of France for furnishing that Kingdom with Tobacco. I likewise sent you an extract of your Acco[un]t current with Mr. Williams, in my letter from Portsmouth which I make no doubt you have ere this received or I would send you a second copy

I expect in a few days to proceed for Richmond where I shall wait till the return of Mr. Alexander who is gone to Philad[elphi]a with Mr. David Ross on some business with Mr. R[obert] Morris & several other Gentlemen there

Thomas Mumford Esqr.

[Page 2]

I shall do myself the pleasure to write you as frequently as business will permit me from Richmond where I shall be extremely happy in receiving a few lines from you (directed to the care of David Ross Esqr. Richmond) for it is now near a twelvemonth since I heard from home not that I am homesick but it always affords me vast satisfaction in hearing that all my dear friends are in good health tho' I cannot say but I should be very happy to take a trip to the northward to visit my friends (who I don't suppose would know a great fellow like his Brother David) however I must now stick close to my profession since I am engaged in so great a trust & sacrifice a few moments pleasure for the sake of making myself known pushing my little branch forward in the world for I shall never have a better opportunity to do it. I may for all this have some business to transact for Mr. Alexander to the northward when I shall be extremely happy to go home.

[Page 3]

I took the Liberty to send Cousin Hannah a pair of silver Shoe Buckles by the French Packet boat from L'Orient which I hope came safe to hand they were recommended to the care of Saltonstall & Mumford New York who were requested to forward them

In expectation of receiving a few lines from you shortly I remain with affectionate Respects to your amiable family & enquiring Friends

Your ever thankfull & affectionate Nephew G. S. Mumford

[Address Panel - Page 4]

Thomas Mumford Esqr Merchant Norwich Connecticut

Postal Markings & Routing: Via Boston Fav[oure]d by Cap[tai]n Lanes ROSO [sic: BOSTON] 5 / AP

Docketing on reverse: 15 March 1784 G. S. Mumford

Research & Historical Notes

  • Sender & Receiver:

    • Receiver: Thomas Mumford, Esq. (1728–1799), a prominent merchant, patriot, and shipping investor in Norwich, Connecticut, who played a crucial role in supplying the Continental Army and Navy during the Revolutionary War.

    • Sender: His nephew, G. S. Mumford, writing from Petersburg, Virginia.

  • Historical & Commercial Context: Provides an exceptional window into post-war American trade. William Alexander and the sender were operating under contracts with the Fermeture Générale (Farmers-General of France) to export Virginia tobacco directly to France, coordinating with leading financiers like Robert Morris in Philadelphia.

  • Philatelic Significance: A remarkable post-Revolutionary War cover routed from Virginia up through Boston by coastal packet ("Favoured by Captain Lanes" / "Via Boston"), bearing a scarce red circular Boston transit postmark ("BOSTON" / "5 AP") from April 1784.