The Revenue Marine, also known as the Revenue Cutter Service, was established in 1790 by the US Congress. Initially comprising ten ships, its missions were to combat smuggling, to enforce tariff and trade laws and to safeguard the collection of federal revenue. In 1915, Congress combined the Revenue Marine and the Life-Saving Service into the US Coast Guard, one of the five US military service branches.

8" height X 4 7/8" width four-page folded hand-written in ink letter, in cursive script, on official issue U.S. Revenue Marine stationery. Three of the four heavy stock, lined pages are filled.

The letter, in fine condition and well preserved, reads in part:

"U.S. Revenue Marine,

"Fernandina Fl

"May 8^th, 1881.

"Dear Mother [in Bangor, Maine]

"We came to this place on Friday last will remain here until Monday. I have nothing new to write. My health continues very good and I am enjoying life as well as I can with the heat, mosquitos and sand fleas...

"Give my love to all and I am your

"Aff. [Affectionate] Son

"Chet"

Jack Tanis, 614 Broome Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034-3837, USA
Telephone: 904.261.4628
e-mail

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