Chapter 281: , approved July 27, 1866, authorized the use in all post (1)

offices of weights of the denomination of grams, 15 grams to equal one half ounce, and the postal laws to be applied accordingly.

Also the Act of the XL Congress, Session I, Chapter 246, Section 10 and 11, approved July 29th, 1868, provided penalties for re-using stamps that had once paid postage, and authorized the sale of stamps at a discount of five per cent to persons to sell again as agents.

OBSERVATIONS.

The plates of this issue having been prepared with a view of perforating, the stamps are placed sufficiently far apart to allow a perforation, without ordinarily cutting into the stamps. Occasionally eccentricities may be found, which are the result of accident. The sheets, as in the previous issue, consist of 200 stamps, the central point is indicated by three lines at the top and at the bottom, and the sheets are cut apart on this line and distributed in half sheets of 100, or ten stamps in ten rows. The printer's imprint is generally to be found at the center of the top and bottom of each half sheet, at about 4 mm. from the printed stamps, and consists of a small colored label with a dotted edge, inscribed "National Bank Note Co." preceded by "New York," and followed by "City" in colored capitals. The plate number also appears near this.

The ONE CENT varies in color from a pale blue to a dark blue, generally of the shade known as ultramarine. The paper is ordinarily white with a yellowish cast, but there are specimens which appear surfaced with the same ink as the stamp, which is probably an accident from imperfect wiping of the plates, and others the paper of which has a pale pink cast, both on the front and back.

The TWO CENTS varies from grey to black, with occasional specimens partially tinted with the ink, probably from the same cause as in the one cent.

_Variety._ Doubly perforated at the sides.

The THREE CENTS varies from a very faint rose to a deep rose, with occasional specimens tinted as in the other values, probably from the same cause.

_Variety._ Doubly perforated at sides.
" " top and bottom.

There are also a few specimens known of a scarlet tint. They resemble the ordinary stamps of this value in all other particulars, and it does not appear to be settled whether they were ever used or not. Proofs, both perforated and unperforated, exist in this shade, and the better opinion would seem to be that all of this shade are proofs. It is claimed, however, that a sheet, or part of a sheet unused, was picked up at the New York Post Office by a collector.

Strips of ten stamps adhering, forming a vertical row from the sheet, and showing a double perforation along the sides are also exhibited.

Unperforated specimens have been catalogued.

The FIVE CENTS was originally issued in a pale yellow brown or ochre, but was changed in September to a darker brown, with a reddish cast, there is also a brown with a yellowish cast, another with a blackish cast and a chestnut brown. It would appear that the latter is the true color composed of red, yellow and black, and that the others result from some improper mixing of these colors, by which one or the other predominates.

_Variety._ Doubly perforated at the sides.

A "yellowish brown," meaning the brown with a yellowish cast, has been chronicled unperforated.

The TEN CENTS is light and dark green. The lighter shade is generally called a yellow-green, but the two shades differ only in intensity.

The TWELVE AND FIFTEEN CENTS also vary from grey to deep black.

The TWENTY-FOUR CENTS is violet, and pale or dark lilac.

The THIRTY CENTS is of two shades of orange, and an orange-brown.

The NINETY CENTS is faint deep blue and indigo blue.

The number of the several values of these stamps issued, without the _grille_ is approximated as follows: it being not quite certain whether a few with the grille were not issued prior to the dates to which the enumeration is made.

1 cent 91,256,650
2 cents 254,265,050
3 cents 1,847,559,100
5 cents 8,258,460
10 cents 28,872,780
12 cents 7,639,525
15 cents 2,139,300
24 cents 10,238,650
30 cents 3,208,980
90 cents 337,770

XXI.

THE ISSUE OF 1867-9.

The Act of the XXXIX Congress, Session I, Chapter 114, Section 7, approved June 12th, 1866, entitled an Act to amend the Postal Laws, had provided among other things.

"Sec. 7. And be it further enacted: that whenever it shall
become expedient in the opinion of the Postmaster General to
substitute a different kind of postage stamps for those now in
use, he shall be, and is hereby authorized to modify the
existing contracts for the manufacture of postage stamps, so as
to allow the contractors a sum sufficient to cover the increased
expenses, if any, of manufacturing stamps so substituted."

The Report for the Postmaster General for the year ending June 30th, 1867, states that experiments had been made in printing postage stamps on an embossed paper, which appeared to offer a fair guarantee against fraud; that the tissues of the paper were broken by the process, so that the ink of the cancelling stamps penetrated the stamps in such a manner as to render cleaning impossible; that the adhesiveness of the stamps was also increased, to say nothing of other advantages, which recommend the invention. Some of these curious experiments will be noticed in the chapter on Essays. The plan adopted was, however, to emboss the stamp, after it was printed, with a series of small square points, arranged in the form of a rectangle, much in the same way that checks are sometimes treated to prevent alteration. This breaks the tissues of the paper. The French collectors call this a _grille_, or grating, which it resembles. There were several varieties used on this issue, and they were applied to the stamps then current, without other change in the design, paper, color or gum.

ISSUE OF 1867 TO 1869.

The first variety was a grille covering the entire stamp, adopted May 8th, 1867, and applied only to the;

3 cents, rose, perforated 12, grilled all over.

If this is examined with a glass on the face of the stamp, there appear to be rows of slightly raised squares, separated by depressed straight lines, with a still more raised cross, formed by diagonal lines running from corner to corner of the square. If the back is examined, the straight lines appear raised, the crosses depressed. In all specimens examined, the embossing is very flat.

The second variety does not cover the entire stamp, but shows a rectangle, measuring 13 by 16 mm., composed of 16 rows of 20 small squares each. It was adopted August 8th, 1867, and was applied only to the;

3 cents, rose, perforated 12, large grille.

Copies with this grille may be found in which one side row or the other shows only half squares instead of whole ones, also with some of the top or bottom rows missing, wholly or partly.

_Var._ 121/2 by 16 mm., 151/2 by 20 rows, 3c., perf. 12.
121/4 " 15 " 15 by 181/2 " 3c "

The appearance of this grille, examined on the face, is just the reverse of the preceding, as the straight lines are raised and the crosses depressed.

The third variety was a still smaller rectangle, about 11 by 14 mm., composed of 14 rows of 17 small squares or parts of squares. The date is January 8th, 1868. Numerous variations may be found. It was applied only to the;

1 cent, blue, perforated 12, medium grille.
2 " black " 12 "
3 " rose " 12 "
10 " green " 12 "
12 " black " 12 "
15 " black " 12 "

_Var._ 111/2 by 141/2 mm., 15 by 18 rows, 3c, rose, perf. 12.
11 by 14 mm., 14 by 171/2 " 3c " "
14 by 17 " 3c " "
14 by 161/2 " 1c blue "
14 by 161/2 " 3c rose "
14 by 161/2 " 10c green "
14 by 161/2 " 12c black "
14 by 161/2 " 2c " "
14 by 161/2 " 3c rose "
11 by 13 mm., 14 by 161/2 " 3c " "
14 by 16 " 3c " "
101/2 by 14 mm., 14 by 161/2 " 3c " "
13 by 161/2 " 3c " "
13 by 161/2 " 10c green "

_Oddity._ With 2 grilles touching on the same stamp. 3 cents, rose, perforated 12.

_Note._ It is not uncommon to find parts of two grilles on the same stamp at a distance from each other, part of a grille being at the top and part at the bottom, or part of a grille on each side. The oddity noted presents two grilles touching by the top and bottom, one a little farther to the left than the other, making a strip of squares from the top to the bottom of the stamp.

This medium grille if examined on the face is quite different from the foregoing large grille. It appears to be composed of raised lines between the squares and depressed crosses in them. A glass transforms these lines into rows of diamonds. On the reverse it appears as if composed of depressed lines, between the squares, and raised crosses in them.

_Note._ The other values so far as known, have not been found with this grille. Up to May, 1868, only the values from 1 to 12 cents had been noted by the stamp papers as having been found with any grille. The 24 and 30 cents are chronicled with a grille in the November, 1868, but the 90 cents was not so noticed until much later, February, 1869, (see American Journal of Philately).

The fourth and most common grille is a square of 9 by 14 mm., composed of 12 rows of 161/2 squares each. The date of its adoption is not known. It was applied to the whole series.

1 cent, blue, perforated 12, small grille.
2 " black " 12 "
3 " rose " 12 "
5 " brown " 12 "
10 " green " 12 "
12 " black " 12 "
15 " black " 12 "
Nov. 1868, 24 " lilac " 12 "
" 30 " orange " 12 "
Feb. 1869, 90 " blue " 12 "

_Varieties._ 9 by 14 mm., 12 by 161/2 rows, 1c., perf. 12.
" " " 3c "
" 12 by 17 " 30c "

OBSERVATIONS.

The colors are generally stronger than in those without the grille. The majority of the specimens of these stamps appear to have the surface of the paper tinted slightly with the color of the stamps, possibly from some imperfection in cleaning the plates. A few values have been noted on pure white paper.

1 cent, blue, small grille, perforated 12.
2 " black " " 12
10 " green " " 12

The 3 cents, rose, small grille, unperforated, has been noted, and

2 cents, black, grille, variety 4 { unperforated
3 " rose " " 4 { at the
5 " brown " " 4 { sides.

The re-impressions of these designs did not have the grille.

The five cents was in use up to September, 1870.

Some specimens examined seem to indicate that all these varieties of grille are occasionally to be found reversed, i. e. they present the appearance on the face that is usually to be seen on the back, and vice versa.

Of these stamps with the grille, there were, issued approximately the following numbers:

1 cent 9,638,600
2 cents 46,440,000
3 " 231,773,300
5 " 1,006,400
10 " 3,076,070
12 " 2,087,575
15 " 868,080
24 " 167,453
30 " 214,000
90 " 26,870

During the currency of these stamps, a new contract was entered into with the same company. A special despatch to the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, dated Oct. 3rd, 1868 states:

"Postmaster General Randall to-day accepted the proposal of the
National Bank Note Company, of New York, for furnishing stamps
for four years at 251/2 cents per 1000. This includes everything
required for preparing the stamps for immediate use, gumming,
perforation printing and preparing receipts. The contractors are
also required to furnish new designs, at least four of which
must be printed in combination colors."

The number of the several values of these stamps issued, with the _grille_ is approximated as above, it being not quite certain whether a few without the grille were not in stock at the dates from which the enumeration is made.

XXII.

THE ISSUE OF 1869.

The New York Evening Post of October 6th, 1868, also contains a notice of;

"THE NEW CONTRACT FOR POSTAGE STAMPS.

In June last, Postmaster General Randall, advertised for
proposals for furnishing the Government with postage stamps for
a term of years. The Committee of experts appointed for the
purpose, decided in favor of the National Bank Note Company, and
on Saturday last, the Postmaster General awarded the contract to
that Company for a term of four years. We have been shown proofs
of the new stamps, and they reflect credit upon the artistic
taste of the Company."

Some of these proofs are then described.

"One of the characteristics of the stamps manufactured by this
Company is that the ink used prevents persons washing, and using
the stamps a second time. The fiber in the centre of the stamp
is broken completely, and they adhere better, while the ink of
cancellation sinks into the paper. The engraving on these stamps
are remarkable copies of historical pictures, and bear the test
of microscopical examination."

These are probably the only words of approbation to be found in the daily press among the host of comments upon these stamps, which by the terms of the contract were to be ready on the first of February, 1869. Messrs. Butler & Carpenter, of Philadelphia, had claimed to be entitled to the award on the ground that they had submitted a better bid than the National Bank Note Co., which resulted in delay and the appointment of the commission above mentioned.

However, in March, 1869, the greater part if not all the values were printed and ready for issue, but were distributed to the public only as the stock of the old issue was exhausted. About the end of April they began to appear, and even in September only the 1, 2, 3 and 6 cents were to be obtained in the larger post offices. Already the public demanded that they should be replaced, and this was done in April, 1870. As late as March, 1870, the 90 cents of the previous issue was on sale in some of the offices.

This unfortunate issue was generally received with approval by the Philatelic press. It is certainly well engraved, and forms an interesting and handsome series for the most part, and is an adornment to the collectors' album. But it is hardly so well suited to the practical requirements of a postage stamp. It was announced that the series was intended in some sort, to portray the history of the Post Office in the United States, beginning with Franklin, the Continental postmaster, and the post rider of the early days, followed by the locomotive of a later day, and the Ocean Steamer carrying the mails which had become so important a branch of the postal service, the most important scenes in the early history of the country, its triumphant arms, and Washington its first and Lincoln its last President. But hardly had it been issued before its doom was sealed.

In August the New York Tribune says:

"The greater part of the stamps sold at the Post Office in this
city are worthless, and have not sufficient gum to make them
stick to letters. One can be amused, or become indignant, in
watching people who buy stamps, demanding a little mucilage from
the clerk, in order to fasten the stamp on their envelopes. It
appears that the invention of embossing which is continued in
this emission, while it spoils the stamps, does not increase
their adhesive properties as was pretended."

Other papers pronounced the stamp too small. The comic papers exhibited caricatures in which the people were looking for their stamps in their pocket books with powerful microscopes.

The Evening Telegram says:

"The new United States postage stamps have a very un-American
look."

The Evening Mail says:

"Our old postage stamps were really neat and pleasing in
appearance. They were National and American, as they ought to
have been. The head of Washington was venerable, and our three
cent stamps were as perfect as they well could be. So also the
one cent stamp with the head of Franklin was equally
appropriate. There was a fitness of congruity in putting the
head of the old, thrifty economist, on the one cent stamp. Our
youth were reminded of the wise saws and sayings of "Poor
Richard" and it taught them that if they learned to save the
cents, the dollars were more likely to take care of themselves.
But now think of the miserable, confused looking thing, with its
wretched printing, that the Post Office has given us for the
present three cent stamp. It is neither historical, national,
beautiful, nor anything but a paltry evidence of the fact, that
some engraver has got paid or will get paid for a job that ought
never to have been done. Can our authorities not let well enough
alone?

Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, all have railroad engines
such as ours. What is there in a big chimney on a railroad
carriage to indicate the nationality of our postal system. Aye,
but there are words, "United States Postage" on the stamp. Just
so. We remember to have seen a boy's drawing on a sheet of
paper, the words "this is a church" underneath, and certainly
the artistic performance needed the index, but not more so than
the new stamp requires a similar proclamation to tell the world
what it means. And then again look at the printing of the word
"Postage." Can our engravers do nothing better than that? We
hope that the contractors have been paid for their work. If so,
then let the post office folks give us back again our old head
of Washington, and save us from looking at the contemptible
thing that we are now getting in its stead."

Another paper says:

"The present miserable experiments in blue, with a meaningless
legend, are to be recalled and something new in red is to be
substituted. The old heads of Washington, Jefferson, Jackson,
Franklin and Lincoln are to be restored. It is about time that
some definite form and design of postage stamp should be
adopted, so that people may know to a certainty what mucilaged
square of paper will carry a letter to its designation, and what
not."

The New York Herald says:

"The old style of three cent postage stamps had thereon a face
of Washington, out of compliment to a good man. It now has a
railway scene to represent how Congressmen make money. The two
cent stamp represents a man on horseback. This represents
Booth's death ride into Maryland. The one cent stamp should
represent a cow with the favorite son of the Covington
postmaster fast to her tail. This out of compliment to Grant."

An Eastern paper says:

"The Government introduced the present nondescript things called
postage stamps, for the purpose of frightening counterfeiters."

And later the Herald says:

"Another attempt is to be made to give us decent postage stamps.
We suppose it will fail, as so many have hitherto. Our postal
authorities try too much. If they will only take the Italian or
French stamp, and put Washington's head in place of Victor
Emanuel's, or Napoleon's, they cannot fail; but they will try
some improvements and spoil all."

The post office department announced the issue in the following circular:

POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.

_Finance Office, March 1st, 1869._

Sir:

At an early day, in the regular course of business, the
Department will issue to Postmasters stamps of new designs.
[See description annexed.] In the proposed issue the six cent
stamp is substituted for the five cents. You are required to
exhaust all of the present style on hand, before supplying the
public with the new; and in no case will you be allowed to make
exchanges for individuals, or to return stamps to the Department
to be exchanged. The stamps now in use are not to be
disregarded, but must be recognized in all cases equally with
the new ones.

Special attention is called to the fact that sheets of all
denominations below 15 cents contain 150 stamps. The 15 cents
and all higher denominations, contain 100 stamps on each sheet.
This must be borne in mind to prevent mistakes in counting, as
in the present issue each denomination has but 100 stamps to the
sheet. Special requests for the new style of stamps will be
disregarded until the stock of the present issue in possession
of the Department is exhausted. Due notice will be given of the
date of issue of any new design of stamped envelopes, therefor
all inquiries respecting them will be disregarded.

(Signed.) A. N. ZEVELY,
Third Assistant Postmaster General.

The description upon the other side requires to be supplemented for collectors, but is incorporated in those following.

ISSUE OF MARCH 19TH, 1869.

Composed of ten values each of a different type.

ONE CENT. Head of Franklin, in profile, looking to the left, on a circular disk horizontally lined, surrounded by a broad circle ornamented with colorless pearls, bordered by a band of rayed lines between fine white lines, with exterior fine colored line, and divided into three labels by ornaments at the sides and bottom. "_U. S. Postage_" at the top; large numeral "1" in a small oval (sic) with a border of colorless loops between the words "_One Cent_" at the bottom. Color, Roman ochre. Corners plain without color.

Plate impression, circular, 20 by 20 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12, grilled and without grille.

1 cent, Roman ochre.

TWO CENTS. Post horse and rider facing to the left, trees, fence, etc., in background, surrounded by ornamental scroll work, "_United States_" in small colored capitals on the ground above, a curtain inscribed "_Postage_" in colorless capitals at the top. "_Two Cents_" at the bottom on a ribbon with large numeral "2" between the words, both in outline shaded. Color, light bronze.

Plate impression, 20 by 19 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12, grilled and without grille.

2 cents, yellow-brown, light and dark chestnut-brown.

THREE CENTS. Locomotive heading to the right, surrounded by ornamental scroll work, "_United States_" in colored block capitals on a curved band, "_Postage_" in colorless capitals in a tablet beneath, at top. "_Three Cents_" in outline shaded block capitals, in two scrolls at the bottom, with numeral "3" in a shield (sic) between the words. Color, Imperial ultramarine blue.

There is no shield as stated in the official description.

Plate impression, 20 by 19 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12, grilled and without grille.

3 cents blue.

SIX CENTS. Head of Washington, three quarters face looking to the right, on a ground of vertical and horizontal lines, bordered by a solid broad colored line, ornamented by 68 pearls. Spandrels checkered and bordered by colorless lines. Frame square, composed of vertically lined squares in the upper corners, with narrower horizontally lined label between, with a broad colored border, ornamented by pearls and exterior colorless and colored line above. The colored labels are narrower than the upper squares at the sides, and are bordered by colorless pearls and an interior white line, an exterior colorless and fine colored line. Horizontally lined label across the entire bottom, widened at the ends to correspond with the upper squares, with exterior colorless and colored line. "_U. S._" in upper left and right corners of frame respectively. The word "_Postage_" in upper bar of frame, "_Six Cents_" in lower, the numeral "6" between the words, and "_United States_" on each side. Color, ultramarine.

Plate impression, 20 by 20 mm., square, in color, on white paper, perforated 12, grilled and possibly without grille.

6 cents blue.

TEN CENTS. Shield of the United States on which is resting an eagle with outspread wings, looking to the left. "_United States_" in small colored capitals with "_Postage_" in large outline capitals, shaded in a second line beneath, in the upper section of the shield, numeral "10" in lower. The words "_Ten Cents_" in scroll at the bottom in outline shaded capitals. The whole design surrounded by thirteen stars arranged in a semicircle, (sic) color, orange. The background is rayed behind the eagle and the semicircle of stars are upon this only, the background behind the shield is of clouds, there is no frame.

Plate impression, 19 by 18 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12 and grilled, possibly also without grille.

10 cents orange.

TWELVE CENTS. Ocean Steam ship, headed to left in horizontal oval, surrounded by ornamented scroll work. In a double tablet with arched top on horizontally lined ground, and colored capitals in a curved line, "_United States_" and "_Postage_" in outline capitals on a solid ground. On three scrolls in outline capitals and numerals shaded, "_Twelve Cents_" at the bottom, with numeral "12" between the words. Color, malori green.

Plate impression, 20 by 19 mm., in color, on white paper, slightly surfaced green, perforated 12 and grilled, possibly also without grille.

12 cents, green.

FIFTEEN CENTS. Microscopic reproduction of the large picture, in the Capitol at Washington, of the "Landing of Columbus," in an oblong rectangle 20 by 10 mm., with rounded upper corners, surrounded at a little distance by a single colored line. Ornamental and scroll work at top and bottom on a ground ruled horizontally inside and vertically outside of the scrolls, the whole surrounded by a colorless and fine colored line. On a colorless tablet, in Gothic capitals, "_U. S._"; in a curved line of outline capitals on the ground, "_Postage_" at top. _Fifteen Cents_ at bottom, with numerals "15" underneath in outline colorless capitals, on the ground. Colors: picture, Prussian blue, scroll and ornamental work pale Indian red.

Plate impression, 211/2 by 211/2 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12, grilled and not grilled. The paper is more or less surfaced with blue.

15 cents blue and brown.

NOTE. There are two varieties of this stamp, depending on the type, and an error, the latter was however never circulated. The line of the frame, above the picture, is curved up on the left hand, beginning under the O, and on the right hand beginning under the G, in what is called the O. G. curve, till the two meet in a point. In the ordinary variety there are two fine lines within the space left for the picture, which along the whole top, including the curved corners and this central double curve, are united in a heavy line and at about 1/2 a millimeter from the center line on each side, curve down, as well as up, to a point, forming a diamond. On the sides and bottom within this line, there is a shading of fine diagonal lines. When the picture is exactly in position, which is rare, the colored line surrounding it falls between these fine lines, and on the heavy curved line, just touching the lower part of the diamond.

In the rarer variety, the two fine lines, the broad top line, and the bottom of the diamond are all omitted, the entire space is either empty or shows one, two or three horizontal lines across the top of the space, and three or four across the bottom, with a row of short horizontal lines at the sides. When the picture is in proper place there is an almost blank space at the top, and apparently a white line surrounding the picture. When it is misplaced the colored lines described can be seen and there appear to have been several varieties, as there were more or less of them.

_The error_ is not as is sometimes supposed an error of printing, but in the plate. Two plates, one for each color, had to be used. Originally, there were 150 stamps as in the smaller values, (See circular of March 1st, 1869 above cited) but upon the plate for printing the picture, it is said one picture was reversed, and the error once discovered, the plate was cut down to print only 100 stamps as stated in the circular. It is probable that no copies with the error were ever circulated.

TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. Microscopic reproduction of the large picture at the Capitol, of the "Signing of the Declaration of Independence" forming an oblong rectangle 20 by 10 mm., with all four corners cut off diagonally, surrounded by a fine colored line at a little distance. Ornamental scroll work at top and bottom on a lined ground. A line of pearls on a colored line, between a colorless and colored line, forms the frame for the picture. In block capitals "_U._" and "_S._" surrounded by ovals at upper left and right corners respectively, the word "_Postage_" between the two, in a curved line of outline capitals, shaded on the background. "_Twenty-four Cents_" in scrolls at bottom, with numeral "24" beneath in outline letters shaded. Colors: the picture, purple lake, scroll and ornamental work, light malori green. Just beneath the picture in small colored numerals, "1776."

Plate impression, 211/2 by 22 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12, grilled and not grilled.

24 cents, purple and green.

NOTE. There is the same error of this stamp "reversed picture" stated to be from the same cause, a defect in the plate as for the 15 cents, and the same remarks apply.

THIRTY CENTS. Eagle facing to left, with outspread wings, resting on shield with flags grouped on either side. The words "_United States Postage_" in upper section of shield. The numeral "30" in lower. The words "_Thirty Cents_" across the bottom, with three stars arranged in a semi-circle at top of the design. Colors: Eagle and Shield, carmine, flags blue. Except for the change of numerals and words of value, the omission of the scroll, and the substitution of the two flags on each side for the clouds, the design, though not the drawing of this stamp is identical with the ten cents. "Thirty cents" is however in block letters, the T Y C E in outline, the rest shaded.

Plate impression, 211/2 by 22 mm., in color, on white paper, slightly tinted with pink, perforated 12, grilled and not grilled.

30 cents, carmine and blue.

_Error._ There is also an error of this stamp in which the flags are reversed. It is also stated to be an error on the plate, but may be only an error in printing.

NINETY CENTS. Portrait of Lincoln in an oval, looking to the right, surrounded by ornamental scroll work, numerals "90" at each of the upper corners, set diagonally in outline, and shaded on vertically lined ground. On a label with rayed ground, edged by a colorless and colored line, in outline capitals shaded, "_U. S. Postage_" at top of oval. "_Ninety_" and "_Cents_" on scrolls at the lower left and right corners of oval respectively, set diagonally and in colored capitals. In outline Gothic capitals "_U._" and "_S._" at the lower left and right corners of the stamp respectively. Colors: portrait black, surrounding ornamental and scroll work, carmine. It may be well to add that the portrait is three quarters face, on a square hatched ground, and a single colored line in same color surrounds the oval at a little distance. The space left in the frame for the picture is bordered by fine short horizontal lines, which show when the picture is not properly placed.

Plate impression, 211/2 by 211/2 mm. square, in two colors, on white paper, slightly surfaced pink, perforated 12, grilled and not grilled.

90 cents, black and carmine.

The grille in this series is a square 91/2 by 91/2 mm. composed of 111/2 rows of 12 smaller squares each, apparently separated by raised lines crossing each other at right angles, each little square divided by depressed diagonals also, as if produced by forcing a series of pyramids set close together, but not touching, into the face of the stamp. Seen from the reverse, the dividing lines are depressed and the squares stand up like pyramids, with ragged edges showing the broken fibre of the paper.

The numbers of the several values of this issue is approximated as follows:

1 cent, 24,988,100
2 cents, 114,058,000
3 cents 530,346,800
6 cents, 6,363,700
10 cents, 5,770,130
12 cents, 4,088,875
15 cents, 2,360,740
24 cents, 414,325
30 cents 513,180
90 cents, 77,650

XXIII.

THE ISSUE OF 1870.

In the report of the Postmaster General for the year ending the 30th of June, 1870, under date of Nov. 15th, 1870, he says:

The adhesive postage stamps adopted by my predecessor in 1869,
having failed to give satisfaction to the public, on account of
their small size, their unshapely form, the inappropriations of
their designs, the difficulty of cancelling them effectually,
and the inferior quality of gum used in their manufacture, I
found it necessary in April last, to issue new stamps of larger
size, superior quality of gum and new designs. As the contract
then in force contained a provision that the stamps should be
changed, and new designs and plates furnished at the pleasure of
the Postmaster General, without additional cost to the
department, I decided to substitute an entire new series,
one-third larger in size, and to adopt for designs the heads, in
profile, of distinguished deceased Americans. This style was
deemed the most eligible, because it not only afforded the best
opportunity for the exercise of the highest grade of artistic
skill in composition and execution, but also appeared to be the
most difficult to counterfeit. The designs were selected from
marble busts of acknowledged excellence, as follows: One cent,
Franklin, after Rubricht; two cents, Jackson, after Powers;
three cents, Washington, after Houdon; six cents, Lincoln, after
Volk; ten cents, Jefferson, after Powers' statue; twelve cents,
Clay, after Hart; fifteen cents, Webster, after Clevenger;
twenty-four cents, Scott, after Coffee; thirty cents, Hamilton,
after Cerrachi; ninety cents, Commodore O. H. Perry, profile
bust, after Walcott's statue. The stamps were completed and
issues of them began in April last. The superior gum with which
they are coated is not the least of the advantages derived from
the change.

Upon the conclusion of the postal treaty with the North German
Confederation, fixing the single letter rate by direct steamers
at seven cents, to take effect the 1st of July last, a stamp of
that denomination was adopted, and the profile bust of the late
Edwin M. Stanton selected for the design. This has been
completed in a satisfactory manner, but owing to the temporary
discontinuance of the direct mail steamship service to North
Germany, it has not yet been issued to postmasters.

It may not be uninteresting to remark that the following stamps were adapted among other uses, to the payment of the rates under postal treaties as follows;

6 cents, England, Dec. 3d, 1869;
Sandwich Islands, May 5th, 1870;
British Columbia, July 15th, 1870;
Germany, March 31st, 1871.

7 cents, Germany, April 7th, 1870;
Denmark, Dec. 1st 1871.

10 cent, Italy, Feb. 8th, 1870;
Belgium, March 1st, 1870;
Switzerland, April 13, 1870;
Salvador, Oct. 5th, 1870.

12 cents, British Honduras, August 11th. 1869;
New Zealand, Oct. 5th, 1870.

15 cents, Brazil, May 9th, 1870.

The series being ready for issue, was announced to the various Postmasters in the following:

CIRCULAR TO POSTMASTERS.

POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT,
Office of Third Assistant Postmaster General,

_April 9th, 1870_.

New Series of Postage Stamps.

At an early date in the regular course of business, the
Department will issue to Postmasters, postage stamps of a new
design. [See description annexed.]

You are required to exhaust all of the present style on hand
before supplying the public with the new; and in no case will
you be allowed to make exchanges for individuals or to return
stamps to the Department to be exchanged.

The stamps now in use are not to be disregarded, but must be
recognized in all cases equally with the new ones. The stamps
known as the series of 1861, of which a few are supposed to be
yet outstanding, are also to be recognized. Those issued prior
to the commencement of the war of the Rebellion were long since
declared to be valueless.

Special attention is called to the fact that each sheet, of all
denominations of the new series, contains but 100 stamps. This
must be borne in mind to prevent mistakes in counting, as in the
present issue some of the denominations have 150 stamps to the
sheet.

Special requests for the new style of stamps will be disregarded
until the stock of the present issue, in possession of the
Department, is exhausted. [ * * * * relating to envelopes to be
issued to conform * * * * ]

[Signed] Wm. H. Terrell,
Third Assistant Postmaster General.

[The "description annexed" is on the other side and is merely a list of values, the bust from which the portrait was copied, the color, etc., exactly following that in the extract from the Postmaster General's report above.] The exact date of issue is fixed by the Postmaster General's report, as May, 1870.

ISSUE OF MAY, 1870.

Composed of ten values as follows:

ONE CENT. Bust of Benj. Franklin, in profile to the left, after Rubricht, on an oval disk, lined horizontally and obliquely, bordered by a broad colorless line and exterior colored fine line. Outside of this a series of colorless curved lines, bordered by fine colored lines, and foliated at the corners on a ground of parallel vertical colored lines, completes the rectangle. There is no enclosing colored line at top or bottom. Short horizontal colored lines form the shadows of the oval and ornaments. The upper corners are formed by a line curved round from the oval and terminating in a large ball, a second line curving round from this and continued along the top, ending in two foliations with a small leaf-shaped dash beyond. There is a large ball at the intersection of these lines in the corner of the stamp. A slightly curved line continues down from the corner, forming the sides. The lower corner being formed by a curved line starting in a dot, curving upward and round, and terminating inside the side lines in a large foliation with three balls above it. The bottom is formed of a waved line. These are all distinct and plain colorless lines between fine colored lines, and about the width of the line surrounding the oval.

The ornaments in the corners have shadows beneath, and on the inner edges, and the side lines have shadows on the outer edges, formed of short horizontal lines. The oval has heavy shadows similarly formed. The vertical lines of the background are fine, and of even width throughout. Above the oval, a thin colorless line, bordered by a fine colored line, within and without, parallel with the oval, but curved round at the ends to meet it, forms a label inscribed in outline capitals, "_U. S. Postage_," shaded without on a rectangularly hatched ground. Below the oval a large outline pearled numeral "1" shaded without, divides the lower border line, and a similar line parallel to the border line, but terminated at each end by a ball, forms a label inscribed in outline capitals "_One Cent_" shaded outside on a rectangularly hatched ground. Above this label are three small white pearls on each side of the numeral.

Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.

1 cent, imperial ultramarine.

TWO CENTS. Bust of Andrew Jackson, in profile to the left, after Powers, on an oval disk lined horizontally and doubly obliquely, bordered by a broad white line and fine exterior colored line, the whole super-imposed on a shield, with ground of vertical colored lines, and bordered by a very fine colored exterior line. The shield is curved in at the top, corners diagonal, sides curved in and then out, bottom rounded and rests on a background of horizontal colored lines. There are no exterior lines on the sides. Below the oval, a large outline numeral "2" divides a colorless ribbon bordered by fine colored lines, and inscribed "_Two Cents_" in outline colored capitals shaded outside, on a background of short vertical colored lines. Above the oval, a band bordered by a colorless line edged by fine colored lines, extends nearly to the outer edge of the stamp, and is inscribed, "_U. S. Postage_" in outline colorless capitals, shaded outside on a rectangularly hatched ground. The shadows of the shield are made by short vertical lines, those of the oval by short horizontal lines. The shield is ornamented by fine laurel leaves on each side, just above the lower label.

Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.

2 cents, velvet brown.

THREE CENTS. Bust of Geo. Washington, after Houdon, in profile to left, on oval disk with horizontally lined ground, and occasional diagonal latticed hatchings, bordered by a broad colorless line with exterior fine colored line, resting on a shield with vertically lined ground, on a background of horizontal lines, with a border line on the right side but none on the left. Above the oval, a band bordered by a colorless line, with a ball on each end and three little foliations above on each side, all edged by a fine colored line inscribed "_U. S. Postage_," in outline capitals, shaded outside on a horizontally lined ground. Below the oval a large numeral "3," shaded outside, divides a ribbon bordered by a colored line, and inscribed in similar capitals, "_Three Cents_" on a ground of short vertical lines. The shadows of the oval are made by short colored horizontal lines, and those of the shield by vertical lines.

Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.

3 cents, malori green.

SIX CENTS. Bust of Abraham Lincoln, in profile to the left, after Volk, on an oval disk lined horizontally and doubly lined obliquely, bordered by a colorless line. On a depressed panel, lined horizontally, the sides projected, darker than the frame of fine vertical lines which surrounds it, completes the rectangle. There is no terminal line at the sides. Above the oval a yoke-shaped label, bordered by a colorless line, edged by fine colored lines, inscribed "_U. S. Postage_" in outline colorless capitals, shaded outside on a ground of horizontal lines. Below the oval is a ribbon bordered by fine colored lines, inscribed in the same letters, "_Six Cents_" divided by a large outline numeral "6," on a ground of short colored vertical lines. A distinct line borders the depressed panel all the way around, being heaviest on the left side. The shadows of the oval and depressed panel are made by vertical colored lines, and those of the upper and lower labels are made by horizontal colored lines.

Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.

6 cents, cochineal red.

TEN CENTS. Bust of Thomas Jefferson, in profile to left, after Powers, on an oval disk, lined horizontally, and obliquely from right to left, bordered by a colorless line with exterior colored line, on a shield bordered by a fine colored line, vertically lined, on a rectangular background, which is lined horizontally. Above the oval a label formed by a colorless line edged by a colored exterior line, curved round from the oval line at the ends, and then parallel with it, having a small ball ornament at each end, is inscribed "_U. S. Postage_" in outline capitals, shaded outside, on a ground of vertical lines, except at the ends, where the lines are horizontal. Below the oval, on a ribbon bordered by colored lines, in the same letters "_Ten Cents_," on a ground of short vertical lines, the words separated by large outline numerals "10." Shadows of the oval in short horizontal lines crossed by lines parallel to the oval. Shadows of the lower ribbon in vertical lines.

Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.

10 cents, chocolate.

TWELVE CENTS. Bust of Henry Clay, after Hart, in profile to the left, on an oval disk, closely lined horizontally, and bordered by a colorless line between two fine colored lines, surrounded by labels bordered without by a second colorless line, between fine colored lines, but curved inwards, crossed and the sides united in a vertical line at the sides of the stamp, the whole arranged in a double tablet formed by vertical lines, terminated by an outside colored line at top and bottom. The outer edges representing a chamfer are horizontally lined. A little distance from the edge, a series of diagonal lines between two parallel lines, represent a beveled edge, making the parts within appear higher. The upper label is inscribed "_U. S. Postage_," in outline capitals, doubly shaded outside, on a ground of horizontal lines. The lower label is inscribed, "_Twelve Cents_," in outline block capitals, doubly shaded on a ground of horizontal lines. Large outline numerals "12," doubly shaded, divide the lower band and separate the words.

Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.

12 cents, neutral tint.

FIFTEEN CENTS. Bust of Daniel Webster, in profile to the left, after Clevenger, on an oval disk, very closely lined horizontally and obliquely, bordered by a colorless line, on a vertically lined background, with no terminal line at the top or bottom. There is a triangular depression represented in each of the four corners by horizontally lined ground and shade lines, and mitered at the angles. Above the oval and following its outline, is a label indicated by a colorless line between fine colored lines, square at the ends with a ball beyond, inscribed on a horizontally lined ground in colorless capitals, outlined by colored lines and shaded without, "_U. S. Postage_." Below the oval is a similarly formed label with pointed ends, inscribed in the same letters on horizontally lined ground, "_Fifteen Cents_," divided by large pearled numerals "15."

Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.

15 cents, orange.

TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. Bust of Winfield Scott, in profile to the left, after Coffee, on an oval disk closely lined horizontally, and bordered by a colorless line with exterior colored line, on a rectangular background of horizontal lines. Above and following the line of the oval are thirteen five pointed stars, two at each end plain, and one letter of the inscription "_U. S. Postage_" in colored block capitals in each of the others. Above these and parallel to the oval is a colorless line between colored lines, divided and curving into two balls below, but curving into a single ball above and shaded by another colored line. Above these in each corner on a solid ground of color, bordered by a similar arrangement of lines, etc., in colorless block numerals "24." Below the oval is a label inscribed "_Twenty Four_," with another beneath it inscribed "_Cents_," both indicated by a colorless line between colored lines, with a horizontally lined background. The letters are colorless block capitals. In the lower left corner are flags and cannon, and in the right three muskets stacked.

Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.

24 cents, pure purple.

THIRTY CENTS. Bust of Alexander Hamilton, in profile to the left, after Cerrachi, on an oval disk horizontally and obliquely lined, bordered by a colorless line with outer colored line, on a shield shaped panel vertically lined, the edges beveled and obliquely lined, resting on a background of horizontal lines. The upper corners of the panel project beyond the rest at top and sides, the sides project beyond the curved bottom, the shadows of the oval on the shield are indicated by short horizontal lines; those of the shield by vertical lines. Across the curved top of the shield is a colorless line bordered by outside colored lines. Across the top of the shield in a double curve of outline capitals, shaded outside, "_U. S. Postage_." Below the oval, a small shield, outlined by a colorless line between colored lines, bears the outlined numerals "30," shaded outside on ground of horizontal lines, dividing a ribbon outlined by colored lines, inscribed "_Thirty Cents_," in colored spurred capitals, on a ground of vertical lines.

Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.

30 cents, black.

NINETY CENTS. Bust of Com. O. H. Perry, in profile to left, after Wolcutt, on an oval disk bordered by a colorless line with exterior colored line. The upper half of this line is covered by a cable, rove at each end to a ring, that supports the lower label. Above the oval a label with hatched ground, bordered by a colorless line, with exterior colored line following the oval, the ends curved outward and inward in a sort of foliation, is inscribed "_U. S. Postage_" in outline capitals, shaded outside. A five pointed star in each corner. Below the oval, the lower label, square at the ends, with hatched ground, bordered by a colorless line and outer colored line, is inscribed "_Ninety Cents_," in outline block capitals, shaded outside. There is a heavy shadow beneath the label, an anchor in each lower corner. The whole is on a vertically lined panel chamfered at the top, bottom and sides.

Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.

90 cents, carmine.

ISSUE OF JULY 1870.

SEVEN CENTS. Bust of Secretary Edwin M. Stanton, in profile to left, on an oval disk, closely lined horizontally, bordered by a colorless line. Above and below, a label bordered by a colorless line following the outline of the oval, but curved round and terminated inside by a ball at each end. The whole on a panel, vertically lined, with rounded corners, and large ball on a rectangular background of horizontal lines. The labels are inscribed in outline capitals, shaded outside on a hatched ground, the upper, "_U. S. Postage_," the lower, "_Seven Cents_," divided by a large outline numeral "7," doubly shaded outside.

Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.

7 cents, vermilion.

All these values were first issued with a grille, of which there are several sizes, but on many, if not most, even of unused specimens it is so indistinct that it is impossible to distinguish the outlines, measure the size, or count the squares. Some very perfect unused specimens have been examined however, and on the face it appears to be composed of horizontal rows of depressed diamonds, divided by alternate rows of smaller raised diamonds, with deep-depressed lines along the sides of the latter. On the reverse, the appearance is of rows of squares divided by depressed lines, with little raised crosses in each square. By these specimens it has also been determined, that there were at least two distinct sizes of grille.

The first measures 101/2 by 121/2 mm., composed of 13 by 151/2 rows of squares. Perfect specimens of the 1, 2, 3, 7 and 10 cent so grilled, have been found, and satisfactory specimens of the 6, 12, 15, 24, 30 and 90 cents.

The other variety measures 81/2 by 101/2 mm., and is composed of 10 by 13 rows of squares. Perfect specimens of the 1, 2, 3 and 7 cents so grilled have been found, but no satisfactory specimens of any other value.

Specimens with only a few distinct squares, are comparatively common.

The difficulty of arriving at accurate measurement, is increased when the specimens examined have been used, but apparently the larger of the above grilles was gradually cut down row by row to the smaller, as specimens of the 1, 2 and 3 cents, the most used values, are found undoubtedly grilled.

101/2 by 121/2 mm., or 13 by 17 rows.
10 " 12 " " 13 " 15 "
9 " 111/2 " " 12 " 15 "
9 " 11 " " 11 " 14 "
81/2 " 10 " " 11 " 13 "

These all now bear a deep yellow or brown gum. The colors are very uniform.