The letter IS present.  You are purchasing BOTH the letter and the postal markings.  The letter has not been separated--it's still here, and pictured.  

ONE of the reasons it is collectible is because of the fact that the local postmaster applied postal markings considered appropriate for the letter's journey--namely:  The originating town name and a rate.  In addition to being collectible because the addressee or the town from which it was sent, it is a collectable item of "postal history" because of the rates, markings usage, the addressee or something that might appeal to the collector.

ANOTHER is the writer, the content and the addressee.

Terms and Conditions:

FREE United States of America Postal Service FIRST CLASS MAIL SHIPPING to the United States.

Uninsured International, including Canada, shipments are $11.75 for the first item and $2 or $3 extra for each additional item.  If you purchase multiple items, I will adjust the shipping charges when I send an invoice.

I prefer PayPal.  If you wish to pay by any other means, please message me before buying at and ask permission, which will not be unreasonably withheld.  When I send an invoice after you have purchased the item, please immediately remind me that you will be paying by another means.

Postal insurance and/or registered mail for loss and/or damage protection will be an extra charge and offered only if specifically requested.  If this concerns you, please message me in advance of your purchase.  Sometimes I will require this to protect us both.

All international shipments that request registered mail (insurance generally unavailable) will be charged a flat $16 for this service. 

The United States Postal Service has an excellent record with my shipments.

I have been a member of the American Philatelic Society since 1978 and have been selling on eBay for years.

You will need to work through Sales Tax issues with eBay.

Buy with trust and confidence.

Thank you for taking the time to view my items and make sure to review the other items in my eBay retail store, especially in this category.