31 May 1848 folded letter from Sydney, Cape Breton Island to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The letter was posted unpaid and sent overland to Halifax, charged elevenpence halfpenny Currency (tenpence Sterling) the rate for an half ounce letter carried 200-300 miles. The actual distance from Sydney to Halifax was calculated at 286 miles.

Letters from the northern extremities of Cape Breton Island to the remainder of Nova Scotia were often sent by sea utilizing the regular feeder services connecting Newfoundland, St. Pierre Miquelon and Halifax - such letters could travel at the port-to-port rate of fourpence Sterling, the overland route was more expensive and thus preferable for postal revenue.