1870s Bedford MA Cover to Charlotte E. Leavitt Providence RI 3¢ Bank Note #1428

Original 19th-century U.S. postal history cover mailed from Bedford, Massachusetts to Miss Lottie E. Leavitt, Providence, Rhode Island, franked with a 3¢ green George Washington Large Bank Note issue. The addressee is believed to be Charlotte “Lottie” E. Leavitt, later known as Charlotte Leavitt Slocum, a Providence educator, writer, hymn composer, and member of the historically prominent Leavitt-Stearns family. Her family had strong ties to Bedford, Massachusetts, making the Bedford-to-Providence usage especially interesting. The stamp appears to be from the U.S. 3¢ Bank Note series used during the 1870s–early 1880s. Exact Scott number has not been professionally verified, as several similar printings exist. The circular Bedford postmark is visible but the exact date is faint. A penciled notation at upper left appears to read “1870–71,” likely added by a previous collector. Condition: Genuine period cover showing age-related toning, staining, handling wear, light soiling, and mounting/adhesive traces on the reverse. Stamp remains attached and has not been removed. Please examine all photos closely for condition and postal markings. A desirable piece of Massachusetts/Rhode Island postal history, with additional interest from the identifiable Leavitt-Stearns family connection. Sold as pictured. No certification or guarantee of exact Scott number is implied.