Manuscript Cancellations Before there were stamps…

"Manuscript cancellations" existed long before other forms of cancellation, or even stamps, came into use. They consisted of the postmaster's handwriting, and were usually in the upper right corner of the envelope. Most were very simple--either the word "Paid" and the amount, or the word "Free". Manuscript cancellations made a brief resurgence with the advent of Rural Free Delivery in 1896, when rural mail carriers would use an indelible pencil to cancel local mail en route.

This manuscript cancellation from 1848 (shortly before statehood) shows it cost 5 cents to send a letter from Theresa, Wisconsin Territory to Green Bay, Wisconsin Territory, shortly before statehood.

An example of the kind of markings found on Rural Free Delivery manuscript cancellations. Note the route is listed ("RR 9").