Stamp Collecting: 1831 Stampless Cover Manuscript Letter, Oberkaufungen, Germany to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

, . Folded manuscript letter mailed at Oberkaufungen, Germany March 15, 1831, written by Carl and Maria Friemann and addressed to brother-in-law Christopher Jung in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, begging him for news of the couple’s two emigrant sons, Christoph and Heinrich Friemann, as they have not heard from them, do not know where they are living, and are increasingly anxious to learn of their welfare, adding that this is the seventh time the couple has written, with no response forthcoming. Inverted large red circular date stamp (August). A small note by the recipient on the bottom front flap reads, "This letter I received the 30th of August 1832, Christopher Jung." This would be some seventeen months after being posted in Germany. Such an extraordinary length of time could possibly explain the couple’s lack of success in getting a reply to their previous letters, or else may indicate that the last "1" in the "1831" date at the head of the letter is actually a "2". A close look seems to show small loops at top and bottom, however the translator is adamant it is a "1". Written on watermarked chain-laid paper, sealed with red wax. Aged tape reinforcement of the fold seams, small area of paper thinning beneath the Friemann signature at the bottom. Paper supple, not brittle. Text in Kurrentschrift. Full transcription and translation provided.