Whenever a letter comes to us with postal markings, those markings will be recorded with the transcription. Unfortunately, through the years, many letters have been separated from their covers. The United States Post Office issued its first postage stamp in 1847. Incidentally, the US Postmaster General in 1847 was Cave Johnson, a Tennessean. Stampless covers were still in use long after 1847, especially by rural post offices.
Covers are important to genealogists because they can give more proof to an enclosed letter.
I am not soliciting to purchase your old family letters. While I do collect postal history items, this is an improper place for me even discuss the subject. The TNGenWeb does not allow any direct commercialism. George E. Webb Jr. I have found Mr Webb to be honorable. Please remember that all dealers buy at a wholesale level.