Red "SHIP" straightline on folded letter to New Jersey with manuscript "8" and "Ship Illonois." Datelined February 5, 1831. Carried on the non-contract ship Illinois.

Rated as under the pre-Mail Route system: New Orleans to Rahway, NJ via New York. No charge for distance from New Orleans, down the Mississippi River, along the Atlantic Ocean coast and across Long Island Sound. Rated 8¢ [6¢ for distance not over 30 miles - NYC to Rahway + 2¢ ship fee].