1848 (May 24) a retaliatory double rate cover from Hong Kong to Mass. U.S.A., on the front side cancelled by HK Medium Crown Paid in red,
1848 (May 24) a retaliatory double rate cover from Hong Kong to Mass. U.S.A., on the front side cancelled by HK Medium Crown Paid in red, arrived c.d.s. “PAID / UO / 31 JY 31/ 1848”, manuscript rate charge of “58” in deep blue crayon, another manuscript rate mark of “4/-“, a diamond shape transit c.d.s. in black, manuscript mark “April19, 1848” in pencil. On the reverse, clear HK double arc c.d.s. “HONG-KONG / 24 MY / 1848. 1848 retaliatory rate applied to all mails arriving US between July to December 1848. Letters delivered at the port of arrival charge 24c, within 300 miles 29c, and this this cover is in 2x29c = 58c double retaliatory rate charge. 4s for 1oz letter to U.S.A. with 2s for British transit and 2s for trans-Atlantic. Retaliatory rate 58c paid by the forwarding agent in London. A very rare mail.