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The earliest cross-border communications between what are now the United States and the Maritime provinces were carried by ship, as there were no mail routes connecting the colonies.  Communication by non-contract merchant ships continued to play an important role through confederation. 
 

United States Ship Letter Rates 

 

 Effective Date

                                           

Postage at PortShip Letter Charge In Addition to Inland Postage
June 1, 1792

4¢

 4¢

March 2, 17996¢ 2¢ 
July 1, 1851

6¢ unpaid

5¢ prepaid 

2¢ 
February 27, 1861

 5¢

 2¢

July 1, 1863

4¢ 

3¢

 

United States Rates & Markings

 

Rates Effective June 1, 1792

Boston

New York 

 

Rates Effective March 2, 1799

Boston (see also Cunard Line mail)

Eastport

Portland

 

Rates Effective July 1, 1851

Boston

Eastport

 

Rates Effective February 27, 1861

Portland

 

Maritime Province Ship Letter Rates

 

Effective DateShip Letter Charge In Addition to Inland Postage
17992d stg. (2½d cy.) 
December 5, 18424d stg. (4½d cy.) 

 

Maritime Province Rates & Markings

 

Rates Effective 1799

St. John, New Brunswick

Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

Rates Effective December 5, 1842

St. John, New Brunswick

Annapolis, Nova Scotia

Halifax, Nova Scotia