1858, Washington 10c. black, block of four and horizontal pair tied by cds. "Oconomowoc Wis. Dec 6" to large-size cover to Worcester, with "NEW YORK AM. PACKET DEC 11" cds. and matching framed "Short Paid" with blue crayon "96" due rating, carried by "Arago" from New York to Southampton with "4/-" quadruple packet rating, one stamp in block creased, left stamp of pair faulty, otherwise fine and an extremely rare use of 1857 Issue 12c. as block of four, Ashbrook certificate (1954)
The 72c paid in adhesives was the attempt to prepay triple the 24c rate, but the U.S.-British treaty required four-times for letters weighing over 1½ ounces. It is therefore rated "short paid" and due 96c without any credit for prepayment.
