This is the outside cover of the letter. In the days before envelopes and stamps were in common use in America, covers like these served the same functions. They functioned as the outside of the letter, provided a place for the address and postage, and protected the contents of the letter from the weather and prying eyes. To keep the cover closed, a wax seal was used. Some residue from the original red wax seal is visible above the fold just over the address. (For a brief history of stampless covers, click here.)

A closeup of the writing on the cover

The written elements of this cover are as follows:

18 3/4 [This is the postage]

Mr. Wilson Nickle [This is Wilson Nickle (1811-1881).]

Kyger Post Office [The historic Kyger Post Office is located in Addison, Gallia County, Ohio. For a map showing its location, click here.]

Chesher Township [For information on Cheshire Township, Gallia County, Ohio, click here.]

Gallia County [For information on Gallia County, Ohio, click here.]

State of Ohio

Porterfields [The return address]

July 2d /41 [The date the letter was posted, 2 July 1841]

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