3c rose pair with large left margin, tied by Mar 1863 Philadelphia cds with "U.S. SHIP" straightline marking on cover to Bristol, Conn.

The Massachusetts was part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron which patrolled the Atlantic coast from the North Carolina/South Carolina line to Cape Florida. The Massachusetts arrived in Philadelphia on March 30, 1863 from Wilmington, NC.

This letter was charged the normal 3¢ postage [x2 in this instance for an overweight letter), but not the 2¢ ship fee because such mail was considered federal mail and,
therefore, not liable for such charge.