5c Grant single on sorting & distribution wagon cover
5-cent chocolate Grant single on cover from the German Embassy addressed to Commodore Dewey at the Navy Yard in the District of Columbia. The cover was mailed two days after the U.S. Asiatic Squadron, under the command of George Dewey (1837-1917), destroyed the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay.
The cover traveled by horse-drawn wagon, which, from October 1, 1896 until June 15, 1900, made six to nine circuits per day collecting mail along 9th and F Streets and Pennsylvania Avenue for delivery to the Post Office or the railroad stations in the District of Columbia.
Not knowing how to address the envelope, the sender wrote “Please forward” at the top and sent the letter to the Navy Depot, where the correct address was supplied.
Glossary
