Rates for Domestic Letters, 1792-1863

Rates listed below were for a “single letter,” defined as consisting of one sheet of paper until July 1, 1845, and thereafter as weighing ½ ounce or less, regardless of the number of sheets.  “Double letters” were charged double.  Not included in this chart are rates for ship and steamboat letters and drop letters (for local delivery), which were assigned different rates.  The last rates listed were effective until July 1, 1863. 

Effective Date

Distance

Postage, in Cents

June 1, 1792

not over 30 miles

6

over 30 and not exceeding 60 miles

8

over 60 and not exceeding 100 miles

10

over 100 and not exceeding 150 miles

12.5

over 150 and not exceeding 200 miles

15

over 200 and not exceeding 250 miles

17

over 250 and not exceeding 350 miles

20

over 350 and not exceeding 450 miles

22

over 450 miles

25

May 1, 1799

not over 40 miles

8

over 40 and not exceeding 90 miles

10

over 90 and not exceeding 150 miles

12.5

over 150 and not exceeding 300 miles

17

over 300 and not exceeding 500 miles

20

over 500 miles

25

February 1, 1815

all distances

50 percent increase
(revenue for War of 1812)

April 1, 1816

all distances

increase repealed

May 1, 1816

not over 30 miles

6

over 30 and not exceeding 80 miles

10

80 and not exceeding 150 miles

12.5

150 and not exceeding 400 miles

18.5 *

over 400 miles

25

July 1, 1845

not over 300 miles

5

over 300 miles

10

July 1, 1851

not over 3,000 miles

3 if prepaid, 5 if not prepaid

over 3,000 miles

6 if prepaid, 10 if not prepaid

April 1, 1855

not over 3,000 miles

3 (prepayment required)

over 3,000 miles

10 (prepayment required)

* increased to 18.75 by the Act of March 3, 1825

HISTORIAN
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
AUGUST 2008