Puerto Rico March 15, 1899, 5c U.S. Grant #212 (VF) tied by rare "PLAYA PONCE, STA. / MAY 20 1899 / PORTO RICO." duplex on commercial cover to U.S. with "MILITARY STA. 1 PORTO RICO, WASH. D.C. / MAY 20 / 12 AM / 99 / REC'D" transit and New York (5-30) backstamps. "PORTO RICO" overprint at 36 degree angle on US #281. Rare Playa Ponce military sub-station cancel. Fewer then six reported, all within Independent Department of Posts period, this being the latest reported example. Cover roughly opened at left still a Showpiece of Spanish American war postal history mounted on exhibit page!