Bristol-New York Government Packet Service

May 1711

This folded letter originated in New York in May 1711. It was addressed to Mr. Joseph Levy, a merchant in London, England. A red, circular wax seal of the letter sender showing the impressions of two fish and the letters "S" and "N" is stamped on the document. On the back portion of the letter is an example of the earliest known straightline handstamp used in North America, a British postmark used at New York. Alongside is a 14 mm circular datestamp of London showing arrival of the letter on June 14 (IV/14). Postage due in London of two 1-shilling for a double-rate packet letter was written in the upper right corner as “2N.” A double-rate letter was a single sheet with another enclosed sheet. In the lower left corner is the talismanic inscription, “Q D G,” meaning “Que Dieu Garde” or “which God protect” in French. Endorsements such as this were inscribed on many early letters by the senders to seek preservation and guidance for the ship and its master.