Folded letter by US Navy Surgeon David Shelton Edwards

David Shelton Edwards, American, died 1874 · May 24, 1839

The letter was sent unpaid to Bridgeport, Connecticut, and marked at Washington, DC post office for 18 3/4 cents postage due at destination. This was the correct rate for a single sheet letter going a distance of 150-400 miles. The "No. 2" written on the letter face probably indicates it is David Shelton Edward’s second letter in a series addressed to his wife. Frequent correspondents often numbered their letters to indicate to the recipient if any letters went missing or were delayed.