* = ONLY lots with their lot numbers prefixed by one star are subject to V.A.T. at 17·5%. ** = ONLY lots with their lot numbers prefixed by two stars are subject to V.A.T. at 5%. PLEASE NOTE: All lots in this auction are subject to the Buyers’ Premium of 15% (plus V.A.T. where appropriate) on their hammer prices. ALL BIDS WILL BE TAKEN AS EXCLUSIVE OF THIS PREMIUM

SOLDIERS' 1D CONCESSION RATE COVERS – CHANNEL ISLANDS

1000

"JERSEY" SCROLL NAMESTAMP ON 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER TO GLOUCESTERSHIRE; Attractive 6th April 1819 EL (a love letter; worn folds) from "Fort Regent, Jersey" to a pub "near Brilton", headed & countersigned for a Private Jeffries in the 55th Regiment, with a red manuscript "P1" and a mostly very fine scroll-framed serpentine "JERSEY" mark on the front. Very rare Channel Isles 1d Concession Rate cover from the garrison period following the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Exhibition item.

£400

SOLDIERS' 1D CONCESSION RATE COVERS – ENGLAND

1001

ESSEX - ABUSE OF FREE MAIL; 27 the Dec. 1755 EL from "Ensign Robert Bruce" at "Land Guard Fort [Harwich]" with London arrival Bishop Mark but no Harwich mark; franked by an M. P. and so with manuscript "P" [= Privilege] on the front, although breaking the free mail rules. Early military item from this part of the world.

£75

1002

A 1790's OFFICER's LETTERS; 1797/9 pair of EL's from London to Major/Lieut. Col. Lee of the "16th Dragoons" at Hanley and Windsor; the first with "NEWCASTLE/UNDER-LINE" endorsed "Not for Hanley nr." as well as "Not at Warwick" and "Not Henley in Arden" on the front with "Returnd no such a person at Hanley, Staffordshire" on the back, and the second with very fine red triangular "Penny/Poft/Not Paid" of London. Good examples of full postal rates charged on Officers' mail. (2 covers).

£75

1003

HANTS. - EARLY "PORTSMOUTH" 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER, ETC.; March 1802 EL (light toning affects address) to Edinburgh with mostly fine "PORTSMOUTH", prepaid 1d and endorsed "a Soldier's letter, Hilsea Barracks" for a private in the 40th (S. Lancs.) Regt. (inc. mention of problems of his letters being sent unpaid in error or by default); plus 1807 EL (faults) with faint "SOUTHAMPTON" mileage endorsed "Soldier's letter" but charged the full 5d to Wardour Castle because the writer's Commanding Officer was not in town and the sender had not had his pay (!), a July 1839 EL from "GOSPORT" to London countersigned & prepaid 1d for the Concession rate, and an 1803 EL from "Hitchin" charged full postage to a Major of the "Kg's Drgn Gds" at Teignmouth. (4 covers).

£120

1004

ISLE OF WIGHT - 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER, ETC.; 1804 EL (somewhat grubby address panel) from "Hospital at Parkhurst, Isle of Wight" to Scotland headed and countersigned for a Sergeant in the 60th King's Royal Rifle Corps (a West Indies Regiment), endorsed "Pd1" in black on the front along with a very faint "NEWPORT I.W./105" boxed mileage mark; plus an 1843 EL to Scotland (an order for tartan from a Sergeant in the Black Watch at "Parkhurst Bks.") with the normal m/s "1" charge of Uniform Postage and a "NEWPORT/ISLE of WIGHT" c.d.s. (2 covers).

£100

1005

BIRMINGHAM & LONDON - SOLDIERS' 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS; Fine 1833/7 trio of EL's prepaid at the 1d rate from Birmingham (boxed "PAID/AT/BIRMINGHAM" headed & countersigned to Daventry) or London (to a Sergeant in Portsmouth, or headed & countersigned for a Corporal - addressed to Yorkshire endorsed "Try Bedale" with fine York "TOO LATE" on flap). Good lot. (3 covers).

£100

1006

KENT - 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS EX HYTHE, CANTERBURY & CHATHAM, ETC.; 1809/10 pair of EL's prepaid 1d with very fine "HYTHE" and fair red "CHATHAM" mileage, both headed & countersigned for the 1d Rate for a private & a gunner of the Royal Pembrokeshire Militia and the Royal Artillery Regt., addressed to Wales & Scotland; the 1810 letter includes "[In the river] Medway lies 10,000 French prisoners on board old hulks...". Plus 1807 EL from Sandwich to Margate endorsed "On Service" and presumably carried by military messenger, and 1819 EL with part "CANTERBURY" mileage prepaid 1d to Chatham, being headed for a Sergeant but with no counter-signature. Good lot. (4 covers).

£120

1007

SUSSEX - SOLDIERS' 1d RATE COVERS INCL. ABUSE OF CONCESSION RATE; 1807 EL from "Blatchington Barracks" (near Seaford) apparently posted in London and 1811 EL to Kennington Cross with partial fine "HORSHAM" mileage and fair red crowned London "To be/delivered/Free" mark; both headed and countersigned for Private soldiers and prepaid 1d in cash. The Horsham letter was not written by the soldier for whom it was countersigned. Scarce pair. (2 covers).

£100

1008

POST-WAR MILITARY MAIL; 1818-1840 EL's at full postal rates or franked from Officers in various regiments; postal marks include mileages of NEWBURY (on a letter of complaint ref. postage addressed to Francis Freeling at "P. O./ Lombard Street, London"), HUNGERFORD & LYMINGTON, MALMSBURY UDC, the scarce Dublin "Addl/½" mark, and a faint 1840 "OLDCASTLE" UDC with m/s "Redirected at Oldcastle". Good mix of military flavour contents. (6 covers).

£100

1009

NOTTS. - SOLDIER's 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER, ETC.; 1819 fine EL to Edinburgh with mostly very fine "NOTTINGHAM/124" mileage, headed & countersigned for a sergeant in the Highland Light Infantry with red m/s "P1"; plus April 1839 EL (some staining) prepaid full postage from Nottingham (c.d.s.) "On H. M. Service" to a Major in Todmorden during the Chartist Riots incl.; "In case of emergency you may occupy the church should you think it right to do so for the security of your detachment." (2 covers).

£75

1010

BERKS./SOMERSET/YORKS. - SOLDIERS' 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS TO IRELAND & SCOTLAND; 1827/8 trio of covers with "ILCHESTER" mileage or c.d.s.'s of WINDSOR & YORK, all prepaid 1d to Dublin (2; one headed & countersigned but the other addressed to a Sergeant) or Edinburgh. Scarce lot. (3 covers).

£100

1011

RARE RED HANDSTRUCK "1" OF LONDON ON PRE-1840 SOLDIER's CONCESSION RATE COVER; Attractive Jan. 1831 EL to Rochdale headed & countersigned for a Corporal in the Royal Engineers with a very fine black "Woolwich EO/1 py P Paid" mark (rare pre-1840) on the front as well as a very fine red 45mm Handstruck "1" mark matching the London local post Chief Office oval d.s. on the flap. (Jay did not record this in red and only recorded one pre-1840 example in black; we have seen about four examples of this pre-1840 red "1" mark - all but one on Soldiers' Mail.) Plus a matching 1827 EL to central London from the same soldier but unpaid and so with a faint boxed "T.P/Woolwich EO" mark and a h.s. "3" charge. (2 covers).

£150

SOLDIERS' 1D CONCESSION RATE COVERS - IRELAND

1012

EARLY MILITARY LETTER FROM DUBLIN, ETC.; 1768 EL from the Adjutant of the 49th Regt. in "Dublin" to London (ref. a soldier who had died in Jamaica in 1759) with overstruck "DE/29" Dublin Bishop Mark and faint "DUBLIN" straight-line mark on the flap; plus unrelated 1776 EL from London to Bath from one officer to another in the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons. (2 covers).

£75

1013

BELFAST & CORK - LETTERS TO THE ORKNEY ISLES; 1795 pair of EL's to Kirkwall "by Donaghadee" from the Commander of the North Lowland Fencible Regiment (formed for the protection of Britain from invasion) with almost very fine strikes of "BELFAST" (in red) and "CORK" with multiple m/s charges; the latter with uncomplimentary comments ref. life in County Cork; "We are here in the most truly Irish place you can suppose....The people made up of two classes only - one extravagant and the other wretchedly poor...Beef is at 2d per pound and hay at 7 guineas a Ton. Salmon 2d per pound....Eggs at 1/6 per dozen, the price of a large Turkey or Goose....We have such streets or rather lanes as would make one relish the comforts of Kirkwall..." Fine and interesting pair (both with full typed transcriptions). (2 covers).

£100

1014

CASHEL - VERY EARLY 1d CONCESSION RATE LETTER SENT ILLEGALLY BY A CAPTAIN; May 1797 EL (paper weak in places but complete) to Dunbeath (Scotland) with a fine "CASHELL" on the front and endorsed "Pd 1d" with a mostly fine claret Dublin "POST/PAID/D" in circle on the front; countersigned on the back by a Captain of the Rothesay & Caithness Fencibles, who was also the sender! The regulations governing Soldiers' Concession Rate covers had not yet been tightened up!! Rare thus.

£100

1015

MONAGHAN - 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER SENT ILLEGALLY BY A COLONEL; Similar fine June 1797 EL to Edinburgh headed "Soldier's letter" on the front and countersigned by the Colonel of the North Lowland Fencible Regiment but also sent by him (!), having a partial "MONAGHAN" with red manuscript "P P 1" on the front. Also a 1796 EL from London franked to the Colonel of the "Fraser Fencibles, Cavan, Ireland" with 3-ring London "FREE/C" c.d.s. (2 covers).

£100

1016

THE FRENCH INVASION OF IRELAND AT KILLALA BAY - CONTEMPORARY COMMENT FROM THE BRITISH COMMANDER OF DUNGANNON, ETC.; 26th Aug. 1798 EL to Thurso with mostly fine "DUNGANNON" on the front and charged "1/1", written only 4 days after the French landing at Killala Bay from the Colonel in command of the North Lowland Fencibles to his wife, commencing thus; "I was in hopes of hearing [ref.]...leave of absence, when the event of another French landing here [i.e. in Ireland]...cut off all expectation for the present. That part of our Regiment quartered here I sent off this morning towards the enemy who are nearly 100 miles from us. But I have been obliged by a special order from the Generals under whose command I am to remain behind - to take command of a large force collecting for the defence of this place where we have large magazines." Not much security or censorship of mail at this critical period!! Plus an unrelated 1798 EL from London to a Major of the Breadalbane Fencibles in Ireland with red "ENNISKILLEN" mark endorsed "Mifsent to". (2 covers).

£150

1017

THOMASTOWN - CORRECTLY COUNTERSIGNED SOLDIER's 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER; 14th Oct. 1798 EL from "Thomastown" (Co. Kilkenny) to Edinburgh with unclear namestamp on the front beside red m/s "Paid 1" and poor Dublin "POST/PAID/D" in circle, countersigned on the front for the private in the Glengarry Fencible Regiment who sent the letter. Written two days after the French Invasion reinforcement squadron had been destroyed by Sir John Warren; rare thus.

£100

1018

WESTPORT - REGULAR ABUSE OF THE 1d CONCESSION RATE; 3rd Dec. 1798 EL to Nairn with fine "WESTPORT" on the front, endorsed "P 1d" and endorsed and countersigned for a private in the Fraser fencible Regiment, but actually from the signing commanding officer's daughter (Jane Fraser) to her girl friend back in Scotland, with instructions how to reply care of another officer in the Regiment; "put a black wafer as a mark, also one at each end"!! Blatant abuse of the system by an officer for his family's benefit! (See the book "H.M. Fraser Fencible Regiment of Foot" by John Firebrace and Alan Rawlings, where this cover is illustrated on p.29.)

£100

1019

WESTPORT; Similar Jan. 1799 EL from the same nefarious correspondence with v. fine "WESTPORT" on the front overstruck by a partial black Dublin "POST/PAID/D" in circle; clearly endorsed "A Soldier's letter", countersigned and with m/s "P 1d" in red. Again written by the senior officer's daughter to her friend in Nairn! (Illustrated in F.F.R.F., p.29.)

£100

1020

TUAM - "Mifsent to Narin" COVER; Aug. 1799 EL from the nefarious Jane Fraser correspondence to Nairn (Scotland) but mistaken for the tiny Irish village of Narin and so with faint "TUAM" and fine "NARIN" marks, as well as the Missent endorsement all on the front, together with m/s "A Soldier's letter. Paid 1d", the Officer's signature and a faint claret Dublin "POST/PAID/D" in circle. Another successful abuse of the Concession Rate system! (Illustrated in F.F.R.F., p.33.)

£100

1021

Similar Nov. 1800 EL to Nairn "By Donagadee & P. Patrick" with "TUAM" and Dublin mark but not Missent; fully endorsed and accepted as a "Soldier's letter paid 1 penny" but actually written by the daughter of the officer who countersigned it!

£100

1022

TUAM - FAILED ABUSE OF 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER; Similar May 1800 EL from the Jane Fraser correspondence to Nairn "By Donaghadee" with v. fine "TUAM", endorsed "single sheet, paid 1d" and "A Soldier's Letter", BUT also endorsed "No penny paid" and charged a grand total of "2/2" in all, dramatically demonstrating the savings made by the cheating letters of the previous four lots!! Presumably the P.O. stole the penny, or a military messenger "lost" it on the way to the Tuam P.O. Fascinating item. (Illustrated in F.F.R.F., p.33.)

£120

1023

DUNGARVAN - CORRECT SOLDIER's 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER; Fine May 1800 EL to Scotland with faint "DUNGARVAN" on the front, headed and countersigned as "a Soldier's Letter" for a private in the Rothesay & Caithness Fencibles, with m/s "1" and part claret Dublin "POST/PAID/D" in circle on the front.

£100

1024

ARMAGH - SOLDIER's 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER, ETC.; 1814 EL (minor stains on address) to Blackburn with a fair red "ARMAGH" mileage mark on the front beside red m/s "P1"; headed & countersigned (correctly) for a private in the N. Yorks. Militia. Plus an 1808 EL from London to a Welsh Regt. Colonel in Ireland, much travelled with a red "COLERAIN" endorsed "Redirected at" and charged "2/4" in all, and an 1815 EL franked to an M.P. (Lieut. General Sir Alex. Hope) in Bagshot with red "BALLYSHANNON" mileage. (3 covers).

£85

1025

4 DIFFERENT MILEAGE MARKS ON MUCH TRAVELLED COVER FROM COVE; 1808 EL (some weak folds and a paper mounting on one flap do not detract) from a Lieut. General in the 24th S. Wales Borderers in Cove to a Lieut. in the same regiment, much redirected with mostly very fine strikes of four different Irish mileage marks - "CORK/124" (red), "CASHELL/92"(?), "PARSONS TN/71" and "WATERFD/78" - all on the front. Dramatic cover.

£75

1026

ENNISKILLEN & GALWAY - 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS; 1822 E to Dublin from a 5th Dragoon Guards sergeant with faint fancy red scroll-framed "POST PAID" matching a fair "ENNISKILLEN" mileage mark; plus an 1829 EL (grubby address panel) to Keighley from a 64th N. Staffs. Corporal with a fine red "GALWAY/104" mileage. Both headed and countersigned and prepaid the 1d rate. (2 covers).

£100

1027

BUTTEVANT & MULLINGAR - 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS; 1824 EL to Shropshire with fine red "BUTTEVANT" mileage and red m/s "P1" from a sergeant in the Black Watch, plus an 1830 E to Hull with partial fine orange-red "POST PAID" directly above a similar "MULLI[NGAR]" mileage and red m/s "1" from a private in the (34th) Border Regiment; both headed & countersigned for the 1d rate. (2 covers).

£100

1028

CAVAN & CORK - 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS; 1826 EL to Stirling with fine red "CAVAN" mileage from a sergeant in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, plus an 1836 EL (minor faults) to Roscommon with fine red boxed "PAID/AT/CORK" from a private in the 1st Royal Scots; both headed and countersigned with m/s "P1" or "1" marks. (2 covers).

£100

1029

DUBLIN - 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS; 1832/7 pair of covers to Scotland with red boxed Dublin "PAID" datestamps and red m/s "1" rates; headed & countersigned for sergeants in the Dragoon Guards and the Highland Light Infantry. Clean and fine. (2 covers).

£100

1030

KILKENNY & LIMERICK - BLACK BOXED "PAID AT" MARKS ON 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS; 1836/7 pair of EL's (former with faults) headed and countersigned to Tideswell/Bannockburn with very fine "PAID AT/KILKENNY" and near fine "PAID AT/LIMERICK" respectively alongside m/s "1" rates. From a private and a sergeant in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and the Seaforth Highlanders respectively. Scarce pair. (2 covers).

£100

1031

DERRY - 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER WITH RED BOXED "PAID AT" MARK; 1837 fine EL to Bannockburn headed & countersigned for a sergeant in the 92nd Gordon Highlanders with red m/s "1" beside a mostly very fine red boxed "PAID AT/DERRY" mark on the front. Exhibition quality.

£75

1032

RARE "1Pd" MARK OF PORTGLENONE ON CHELSEA PENSIONER COVER; Aug. 1840 EL to Chelsea with a superb strike of this scarce distinctive Uniform Penny Postage mark on the front; from a S. Lancs. Regiment pensioner.

£75

SOLDIERS' 1D CONCESSION RATE COVERS – SCOTLAND

1033

RARE MANUSCRIPT "Per:2" CHARGE ON COVER TO A SCOTTISH COLONEL; Fine 1725 EL from Lawers (Perthshire) to "Coll. James Campbell of the Royal Gray Dragoons At Edr." (who became Constable of Edinburgh Castle in 1738), charged "2" on the front and with the rare manuscript "Per:2" marking nicely place on the lower flap. Exhibition quality; this is the first year recorded for any postal marking of Perth.

£100

1034

ORKNEY & SHETLAND FENCIBLES COVER AVOIDING POSTAGE; 1795 EL sent from Edinburgh to London addressed to two brothers, being intended for the Fencibles Colonel via his brother the M.P. (who therefore had free postage!), clearly naming both in the address. An ingenious way of avoiding postage. From a military surgeon seeking a transfer to the Fencibles.

£75

1035

HADDINGTON/INVERNESS - PRINTED MILITIA COVERS; 1811 EL (minor address panel stains) to Durham with v. fine boxed "HADDINGTON" mileage and red m/s "P1" (printed "Durham Regiment of Militia" contents), and 1813 EL sent from Portsmouth to Paisley with red m/s "1" having printed "INVERNESS MILITIA" contents); both headed and countersigned for the 1d Concession Rate for a private & sergeant in these regiments. Ref. soldiers' wife and substitute. (2 covers).

£100

1036

PAISLEY - MATCHED PAIR OF 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS FROM & TO SOLDIERS; 1823/9 EL's prepaid 1d with Paisley datestamps and red m/s "P1" marks; to a 66th Regt. Quartermaster Sergt. (in Enniskillen) and from a Quartermaster Sergt. (to Stirling) respectively. Rare to find both forms of the Concessionary rate from the same P.O. (2 covers).

£100

1037

EDINBURGH & GLASGOW - INTERNAL SCOTTISH 1d CONCESSION RATE COVERS; 1826/39 Pair of EL's (former v. fine and latter grubby) to Ayr/Caithness with red m/s "1" marks of Edinburgh & Glasgow, from sergeant & private in the King's Own & Seaforth Highlander Regts. (2 covers).

£75

SOLDIERS' 1D CONCESSION RATE COVERS, ETC

1038

IONIAN ISLANDS (CORFU) VIA MALTA - 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER; 1822 EL to Worcester headed from a Sergeant in the 36th (Worcs.) Regiment and countersigned with a red m/s "P1" on the front along with a faint blue-green 2-ring Corfu "ISOLE/IONIE" mark and a partly fine curved black "PAID/MALTA" mark. The letter was actually from the Commanding Officer himself and so was an abuse of the system! Rare thus; soldiers' Concession rate covers from the Ionian Islands are rare, especially prior to 1840.

£150

1039

GIBRALTAR - 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER TO IRELAND; 1826 E (needlessly but professionally re-backed) to Dublin headed & countersigned for a Sergeant in the 2nd Staffs. Regiment, having a red m/s "1" on the front beside a mostly fine red curved "GIBRALTAR/PAID" mark. Rare thus.

£120

1040

CANADA - "PAID/AT/QUEBEC L.C." CROWNED CIRCLE 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER; Attractive 1848 EL from the Quebec Military Hospital to Scotland, headed & countersigned for a corporal in the Artillery Regt. with red m/s "1" and fine red Crowned Circle on the front. Rare Transatlantic 1d Rate.

£100

1041

GIBRALTAR – G.B. 1d RED "STARS" CONCESSION RATE COVER TO G.B.; Fine 1864 env. (vertical fold) to London headed & countersigned for a private in the Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, franked by a G.B. 1d Red "stars" tied by a fine "A26" numeral with v. fine "GIBRALTAR" c.d.s. alongside.

£120

1042

GIBRALTAR; Similar 1864 env. (minor faults) from the same correspondence but addressed to Luton.

£100

1043

GIBRALTAR; Similar 1865 env. to Bristol with G.B. 1d Red (Plate 71) tied by a fine "A26" numeral, from a private in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Attractive.

£120

1044

GORDON OF KHARTOUM - 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER COUNTERSIGNED BY HIM; Sept. 1869 env. (toned and some wear) to Cape Town franked by GB 1d Red (pl.100) tied by a Gravesend duplex with v. fine "CAPE TOWN" arrival c.d.s. alongside; headed for a Royal Engineers Sergeant and countersigned "C.G. Gordon, Capt. R.E. & B[reve]t. Lt. Col. (Commanding Officer)". There is a part "CAPE PACKET/DEVONPORT" c.d.s. on the part flap. Rare outgoing overseas 1d Rate cover and a most unusual autograph of this famous soldier. Unique?!

£150

1045

TRANSVAAL - ZULU WAR 1d +1d CONCESSION RATE COVER EX C. SERGEANT A. BOOTH, V.C.; c.1st Nov. 1879 env. (some stains and closed tears, etc.) to Nottingham, G.B. franked by an 1877-9 "V.R./Transvaal" 1d red on orange cancelled by the 3-ring "18" numeral of The Grange P.O. with a partial "[DURBA]N/[NAT]AL" c.d.s. on the flap, beside a superb scarce "PLYMOUTH/SHIP LETTER" c.d.s., matching the superb handstruck "1d" charge (an extra 1d for the Ship Letter charge) on the front. The cover is headed and countersigned for "Color Sergeant A. Booth, 80th Regiment" who was awarded the V.C. in Feb. 1880 for his actions at the Intombi River in March 1879. An exceptionally rare 1d Concession Rate cover from the Zulu War and with a V.C. connection.

£500

1046

EGYPT - SUEZ "H.M.S. EURYALUS" SAILOR's 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER; March 1882 env. (some creasing) to Birmingham franked by a GB 1d lilac tied by the London "10" in diamond vertical oval cancel, headed and countersigned (with a handstruck "E. Rolfe" of the Admiral) for the Concession Rate for "Skilled Shipwright M. Sullivan, H.M.S. Euryalus, Suez". Scarce from Suez; from the naval forces involved in protecting the canal during the Arabi Rebellion.

£100

1047

GIBRALTAR - "SOUTH DISTRICT" C.D.S. ON 1d CONCESSION RATE COVER; Attractive April 1887 env.(mount marks slightly affecting left hand end of address panel, but mostly on reverse) to London franked by Gibraltar ½d green pair tied by fine vertical oval "A26" numerals with a 70% strike of the scarce "GIB[RALTAR]/SOUTH DISTRICT" c.d.s. on the front.; headed & countersigned (by the "Superintendant of Gymnasia"!) for a Sergeant in the Royal Irish Rifles. Rare thus.

£150

1048

GIBRALTAR - 10c CONCESSION RATE COVER TO G.B.; April 1895 env. (opening tear and slight stains affect right hand end of address panel) to London with partly printed inscription and heading of the "1st Batt., Cameron Highlanders", franked by a Gibraltar 10c red tied by the "GIBRALTAR/A26" duplex; headed & countersigned for a Private Fern.

£100

1049

MALTA & GIBRALTAR; The balance of the overseas Concession Rate covers; 1865 env. (stains) to London franked by a GB 1d Red (pl.78) tied by the "MALTA/A25" duplex, 1885 env. (restored at foot) to Cheshire with GB 1d lilac tied by "GIBRALTAR/A25" duplex, and Feb. 1898 env. (faults) to GB franked by Gibraltar 10c red (fault) tied by a light "GIBRALTAR/A25" duplex. All headed & countersigned for Private soldiers in the King's Own Royal Lancs., Cheshire & Grenadiers regiments. (3 covers).

£120

EGYPT - THE FRENCH OCCUPATION, 1798-1801

1050

VERY EARLY OCCUPATION COVER FROM NAPOLEON's 2nd-IN-COMMAND; 13th July 1798 EL (very fine with printed heading of "KLÉBER, Général de Division" heading inside) from "Alexandrie" to a local address ("Maison de Suêde"), sent just 13 days after the French invasion, a week before the occupation of Cairo and 2 weeks before the first French P.O. opened in Egypt. There are therefore no postal marks, but the letter mentions the "Maltese Legion" and may be the earliest recorded cover from the French Occupation of Egypt in private hands. Signed by Kléber who was Commander-in-Chief of the French forces in Egypt after Napoleon's departure on 22nd Aug. 1799, until he (Kléber) was assassinated in Cairo on 14th June 1800. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", pp.10 &11. [Plus 3 prints of Kléber and one of the assassination.] (1 cover + 4 prints).

£300

1051

FIRST DAY AFTER THE OCCUPATION OF CAIRO - COVER SENT BY MILITARY MESSENGER; 26th July 1798 EL sent from "Quartier General du Caire" (which the French force had occupied only the day before) signed by General Caffarelli of the Engineers to one of his junior officers, 'Directeur des fortifications' at Alexandria regarding six 'ingenieurs Geographes' to be sent to Cairo at once; the French P.O.'s did not open until 2nd Aug. 1798 at the earliest, and so this letter is endorsed "Service Militaire" and "Etat major du genie" to authorise its transmission from Cairo to Alexandria by military means. A fine example of a forerunner of the postal service. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.5. Very rare.

£300

1052

EARLY "ALEXANDRIE" MARK ON BLOCKADE-RUNNER COVER TO FRANCE; 25th Sept. 1798 EL (overall staining consistent with vinegar disinfection) from Roudy (the "President du conseil de guerre de la Division Bon") to the "Ministre de la Guerre, A Paris", originally enclosing the monthly accounts from the "3 Division de l'armée d'Egypte". On the front is a very fine grey-black "ALEXANDRIE." mark, touching overlapped poor strikes of the "ARM. DE LA MEDNEE/1RE DIVON" mark and an unclear straight-line mark (? of disinfection?). There is no postal charge being addressed to the Ministry; this letter was carried by a French ship that managed to elude the British naval blockade that followed Nelson's destruction of the French fleet at Aboukir Bay on 25th July 1798. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.13. Very rare overseas mail from the French forces.

£500

1053

EARLY "URGENT" LOCAL CAIRO COVER FROM GENERAL DUGUA; 15th Feb. 1799 fine EL (headed inside by printed "Dugua General de division", etc.) from "Kaire" addressed locally to the Administrator General of Finances, regarding payments for some Marines; clearly and unusually endorsed "pressé" and "le g[enera]l dugua" on the front. Rare thus.

£200

1054

Similar 2nd March 1799 fine EL sent locally in "Le Caire" to General Dugua (who initialled it inside) with a fancy "L'Ordeur.L'Aigle" endorsement within oval (reminiscent of the similar Kidney-framed handstruck "Com. Ord. en Chef" marks) on the front. Unusual official mail endorsement and attractive. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.7.

£200

1055

THE RARE "ARM. DE LA MED.NEE/1RE DIVON." MARK ON COVER FROM CAIRO TO RHAMANIE; 26th April 1799 EL (some hinged folds and overall toning, but with fine printed "ADMINISTRATION SANITAIRE....BLANC, Ordonnateur des Lazarets" heading inside) from "Kaire" addressed to the "Conservateur de Santé A Rhamanie" (rare destination) with a very fine (for this) strike of the very rare "ARM. DE LA MEDNEE/1RE DIVON" mark (few examples known; rarer than the town marks) on the front with blurred but rare cachet of the "Commissare Ordoneur/du Service de Santé". No postal charge being on official business. Rare Exhibition item. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.12.

£600

1056

THE TYPE I KIDNEY-FRAMED "Commre. Ordr. en Chef" MARK ON COVER FROM CAIRO TO BENESOUEF; 29th Sept. 1799 EL (part of one flap adjacent to signature inside torn away, but with fine printed "ARMÉE...LE Commissaire Ordonnateur en Chef DAURE" heading inside) signed by "Daure" addressed to "La Commission des Grains dans la haute égypte à Bénisuef" with a light but readily recognisable strike of this distinctive framed mark (40x24mm) on the front. An early example.

£200

1057

THE VERY RARE "BENESOUEF" MARK IN RED ON COVER TO CAIRO WITH CANCELLED POSTAL CHARGE; 4th Oct. 1799 EL (small part of flap, just alongside signature inside, has been cut away) addressed to "Citoyen Reynier, Directeur de Revenues en Nature, Au Kaire", having a very fine red "BENESOUEF" mark (very few examples known - all in red - this is believed to be the earliest recorded example) nicely placed on the front. The letter was charged "4" in manuscript when posted, but that has been crossed out in transit when the official status of the addressee was noticed. One of the rarest of all the French Occupation of Egypt marks. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.14 & Colour Plate XI.

£1200

1058

BLACK "LE CAIRE" MARK ON OFFICIAL "Bureau Central" COVER TO SEMENOUD; Fine 27th Nov. 179(?)9 EL (printed "J.B. REGNIER, Commissaire des Guerres" heading inside) from "Caire" having a mostly very fine strike of the black "LE CAIRE" mark nicely placed on the front with a fancy manuscript oval-framed "Bureau Central" endorsement nearby; addressed to a soldier in the "15eme Regiment de Dragons, a Semenoud". Attractive example of official mail to a scarce destination. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.15.

£400

1059

BLACK "LE CAIRE" MARK ON COVER TO DAMIETTE WITH TYPE I KIDNEY-FRAMED "Commre. Ordr./en Chef" MARK; 27th Nov.1799 EL (small blue ink mark at left of address; with printed heading of "Le Commissaire Ordonnateur en Chef DAURE" inside and apparently signed by him) addressed to a doctor at "Lesbé Par Damiette" passing on the commendation (and 400 francs gratification') of General Kléber in recognition of Dr Barbes' service in the Syrian Expedition. The cover shows a mostly fine black "LE CAIRE" mark on the front beside an almost very fine (rare thus) kidney-framed "Commre. Ordr./en Chef" mark as well as manuscript oval "d'ordr./en Chef" marking. Not charged postage being an official letter. Attractive and rare thus. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.24.

£400

1060

"[NAPOLEON] BONAPARTE" SIGNED LETTER FROM CAIRO CONCERNING SHIPS TO PATROL THE RED SEA FROM SUEZ; Attractive 1st Dec. 1798 letter (no address wrapper and with overall toning, etc. but sound) to Admiral Ganteaume, concerning armed feluccas (small Egyptian sailing ships) for use in the "mer rouge", with a fine printed heading "BONAPARTE, Général en Chef" at the top and a bold clear signature - "Bonaparte" - at the foot. The letter has been endorsed "Répondu" (by the Admiral?) at the top. Ideal album-page size letter, and one of very few in private hands signed by Napoleon while he was campaigning in Egypt. A key item from the John Firebrace Collection. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.9. Plus ten 19th century prints of Napoleon, mostly in Egypt. (1 letter + 10 prints.)

£1000

1061

RARE "Alexandrie" MARK ON POSTALLY CHARGED PRIVATE LETTER TO ROSETTA; 29th March 1800 EL (minor creasing) from Charles Louis Balzac (a member of the Commission des Sciences et Arts) addressed to an architect in Rosetta, inviting him to take part in a voyage to 'Saïde' - presumably as part of Napolén's grand 'Survey of Egypt'. Manuscript charge '2' with a very fine strike of the rare upper-and-lower-case "Alexandrie" mark nicely placed on the front. This was the only town to use the mixed type mark, and it is particularly rare on a private letter. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.17.

£600

1062

THE RARE "ROSETTE" MARK ON COVER ADDRESSED TO KLEBER WHO BECAME C-IN-C AFTER NAPOLEON RETURNED TO FRANCE IN AUG. 1799; 1799/1800 E (one side-flap removed; must have been dated after 22nd Aug. 1799 and before Kleber's assassination on 14th June 1800) addressed "Au Général en Chef Kleber au Caire" and endorsed "G[ener]al. Menou" in a fancy manuscript frame on the front (to authorise this as a letter free from postal charges), having a mostly very fine strike of the rare "ROSETTE" mark in black nicely placed above the address. Seldom seen, and an unusual item connecting two famous French generals. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.19. Plus 3 prints of Menou or Kleber. (1 cover + 3 prints).

£750

1063

THE UNIQUE (?) CAIRO POSTMASTER's "FOUND IN THE BOX" ENDORSEMENT ON A COVER TO GENERAL MENOU; 22nd June 1800 E (sent locally in Cairo?) addressed "Au Général en Chef Menou Au Caire", having no postal marks, but apparently put into the post in error by a military messenger, because it has a fine endorsement on the back; "Trouvée dans la Bôite aux lettres de la Poste, le 3 Messidor à 2 heures du soir. Au Kaire le 3 Mor. an 8. Le D[irec]teur [des Postes au Caire], Robert". Monsieur Robert is known to have been the Divisional Director of the Postal Service in Cairo, and this is a most exceptional Missent Mail endorsement; thought to be unique from French Occupied Egypt. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.21.

£500

1064

THE VERY RARE RED "LE CAIRE" MARK ON COVER TO ROSETTA FORT WITH THE KIDNEY-FRAMED "Commr. Ordr./en Chef" MARK; Fine 13th July 1800 EL (printed "HECTOR DAURE, Commissaire Ordonnateur en Chef" heading inside and signed by him at the foot of the second page), addressed "Au Commandant du Forte de Rosette" (received 6 days later) with two strikes of the RED "LE CAIRE" mark (one faint and one fine though inverted) on the front along with a poor Type I kidney-framed "Commre. Ordr./en Chef" mark. Few examples of this "LE CAIRE" mark are known in red. Very rare.

£750

1065

THE VERY RARE MANUSCRIPT "Siouth" MARKING ON A LETTER REF. A DEPUTATION FROM THE "KING OF DONGOLA"; 7th Aug. 1800 EL (small part of one flap lost with seal affects a few words of the contents) from "Général de Brigade Donzelot" in "Siout" addressed to the Commander-in-Chief (General Menou at this date) of "l'armée D'Orient...Au Kaire" with a very fine Post Office manuscript "Siouth" marking (few examples known) nicely placed on the front. The letter has interesting contents concerning negotiations with local leaders and incl. news of the arrival of 'une députation du Roi de Dongola pour demander notre protection et réclamer des femmes, des enfans [sic] at d'autres objets qui des arabes d'egypte sont aller leur enlever...Ils sont d'un pays ou il n'est pas permis de faire des esclaves." Exhibition item of historical importance and a very early reference to Sudan.

£850

1066

THE VERY RARE MANUSCRIPT "Siouth" MARKING ON COVER TO CAIRO WITH CANCELLED POSTAL CHARGE; 10th Oct. 1800 fine EL from "Syouth" (the "Payeur du 1er Arrondisement") to "Reynier, Directeur des Revenues en Nature, au Caire", with a very fine Post Office manuscript "Siouth" marking on the front, exactly matching the ink of the manuscript "8" charge (which was crossed out - presumably on arrival in Cairo - when the official address was noticed. Very few examples of this Manuscript town mark are known. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.22.

£800

1067

VERY RARE REGIMENTAL BLOCKADE-RUNNER COVER TO FRANCE WITH "V.D.M.P.TOULON" MARK, ETC.; 22nd Sept.1800 EL (worn and with overall toning consistent with disinfection by vinegar) from "PEPIN, Chef de la 9me. demi-Brigade d'Infanfterie de ligne" (signed by him and with his own printed heading inside) to the father of two soldiers who had been killed in Egypt (at the Siege of El Arish and at the Siege of Acre) offering condolences and encouragement. There is a fine intaglio oval regimental cachet across the seal, while the front has a superb rare "V.D.M.P. TOULON" mark and a very fine matching "78/TOULON" mark as well as a manuscript "11" arrival charge. Exceptionally rare example of a letter that was sent through the British Blockade of the French forces in Egypt. An important French Maritime cover. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.26.

£500

1068

THE UNIQUE(?) POST OFFICE MANUSCRIPT "Rahmanie" MARKING ON A CHARGED COVER TO CAIRO; 16th Oct. 1800 EL (one side-flap partly removed) to General Sanson "au Kaire", charged "4"(?) in manuscript exactly matching the ink of the Manuscript P.O. "Rahmanie" marking at the top left of the address. This is believed to be the sole example recorded of this French P.O.'s marking in Manuscript. An important Exhibition item. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.23. The writer, a Captain of Engineers, records the imminent destruction of his stores by flooding and mentions disputes with the 'arabs' about navigation rights on the 'canal'. Plus a small print of General Sanson. (1 cover + 1 print).

£1200

1069

THE VERY RARE "DAMIETTE" MARK ON COVER TO CAIRO; 7th Nov. 1800 EL (contents reduced at foot but very fine) from the Paymaster of the 6th Arrondisement at Damiette, addressed to the Director of Revenue "en Nature" at Cairo and so not charged postage; on the front is a mostly very fine (though somewhat overinked) strike of the rare "DAMIETTE" mark of which only a handful of examples have been recorded. Exhibition quality. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.16. Plus a print of Raynier. (1 cover + 1 print).

£800

1070

THE VERY RARE RED HANDSTRUCK "SIOUTH" MARKING ON COVER TO CAIRO; Attractive 7th Dec. 1800 EL (slight thinning of paper in places, well clear of mark) to Reynier in Cairo with a superb strike of the "SIOUTH" mark in red nicely placed on the front, sent by the Inspector of Grains of the 1st Arrondisement. Few examples known and a very attractive Exhibition item. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.18 & colour plate 1.

£750

1071

THE VERY RARE SMALLER TYPE II KIDNEY-FRAMED "Commre. Ordr./en Chef" MARK ON LOCAL CAIRO COVER; 14th Jan. 1801 EL (small part of flap lost near seal) from Sartelon (printed heading inside) addressed to Brigade General Samson with a mostly very fine strike of the smaller kidney-framed "Commre. Ordr./en Chef" mark on the front and no postal charge. This kidney-shaped mark only measures 35x23mm and is clearly different from the larger type, but this Type II mark is only recorded for 9 days (from 11th to 19th Jan. 1801). One of the rarest marks of the French Occupation of Egypt. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.25. Plus 10 19th century prints of various characters & scenes of the French forces in Egypt. (1 cover + 10 prints).

£500

1072

PRISONER OF WAR. COVER FROM A FRENCH SHIP's CAPTAIN HELD ON BOARD THE BRITISH SHIP H.M.S. "JANUS" IN ABOUKIR BAY; Remarkable and very fine 18th June 1801 EL headed "A Bord du transport Anglais le Janus, No.26....en rade d'Aboukir" from Captain Charrier of the French frigate "Good Union", recently captured by Lord Keith's fleet while attempting to sail from Alexandria to Marseilles, describing his capture and mentioning being accompanied by a further 5 or 6 transports containing "800 to 1000 French prisoners", etc. The letter was apparently sent along with General Damas, a Prisoner on H.M.S. Penelope, and is addressed to the French Admiral in charge of Toulon. The letter was carried by the captured Admiral as far as Livorno where the Admiral (on parole?) was presumably landed and so has a fine "No.30/ARM. D'ITALIE" mark on the front beside a red "*" in circle Inspector's mark and a m/s "5" charge. Very rare example of mail from the crumbling French forces towards the end of the French Occupation of Egypt, written a week before the surrender of Cairo. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.27.

£750

EGYPT - THE BRITISH CAMPAIGNS, 1801-1841

1073

LORD NELSON - IMPORTANT AUTOGRAPH CAMPAIGN LETTER, SIGNED, REFERRING TO HIS RECENT DEPARTURE FROM THE BLOCKADE OF EGYPT; Fine 6th Dec. 1798 4-side letter (no address wrapper) from Nelson at Naples, sent to "Honble. Lt. Genl. Stuart" congratulating him "on the conquest of Minorca, an acquisition as a Sea Port invaluable to our country", and stating that "I hurried from Egypt in August as by Earl St. Vincent's orders I was in expectation of being summoned to attend you." The rest of the letter is as follows; "However I am sure my place was much better filled by Com[mo]dore Duckworth. The New War commenced here is yet impossible to say how it may turn, as either it may hasten the ruin or save this Monarchy; at all events if the King had not begun the War he would soon have been kicked out of his Kingdom. The King is at Rome, but 500 French still hold pos[session]n of St. Angelo. Genl. Mack is gone to Civita Carthana where 13,000 French has [sic] taken [the] port. M[ac]k's force with him is 20,000 fine young men, but with some few exceptions wretchedly officered. If the French are not soon driven from this port, which is very strong by nature, M[ac]k's [force] must fall back to the Frontier. On the side of Ancona the French have drove back to say no more [than] the Right Wing of the K[ing]'s Army and taken all their baggage & artillery; the Emperor has not yet moved and his Minister Thrugood is not very anxious to begin a new War. But if he does not, Naples & Tuscany will fall in two months. I shall be happy if you will honor me at any time with your commands here, or elsewhere, being with the highest Respect your most obedient ser[van]t, Nelson. Naples Decr. 6th 1798. [P.S.] Com[modo]re Duckworth's letters have not yet reached me." A very fine and rare Campaign letter from Nelson just after his return from Egyptian waters; although the signature is crossed by of Nelson's original letter folds, this is a very early example of this autograph, because he had only heard of his elevation to the peerage on 18th Nov. 1798. A marvellous personal Nelson letter from a crucial period of his naval career. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.33. Plus 4 19th century prints of Nelson and his battles. (1 letter + 4 prints).

£1000

1074

THE EGYPTIAN NAVAL CAMPAIGN - CERTIFICATE OF WOUNDS, PRINTS, MAPS, ETC.; Vellum certificate ref. a seaman's bullet-wound in the hip sustained on H.M.S. Le Tigré on 6th March 1801 "while reconnoitering [sic] the coast of Egypt" signed by Captain "W. Sidney Smith" (dated Nov. 1802), a 19th century print of the 8th March 1801 British landing in Egypt, an 1826 letter ref. the treasure of the French ship "L'Orient" lost in 1798 in Malta, an 1803 letter from Downing St. to a General Doyle signed by Lord "Hobart" ref. the addressee's being awarded the Order of the Crescent for services "during the late glorious Campaign in Egypt", 4 19th century maps of Egypt and the campaigns there, etc. (14 items).

£100

1075

FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF THE BRITISH VICTORY AT ALEXANDRIA WRITTEN & SIGNED BY THE COMMANDER OF THE BRITISH FORCES, GENERAL SIR RALPH ABERCROMBY; 16th March 1801 EL (no postal marks; presumably sent in the naval bag - some dusting of the address panel) headed "Camp before Alexandria", addressed to "Colonel Brownrigg, Horse Guards, London" (with m/s note that it was received on 9th May 1801), giving his personal account of the British landings and the subsequent battle (which continued for some days, leading to the mortal wounding of the writer just 5 days after it was written; he died on 28th March - see the following lot). In part this fascinating letter reads thus; "The disembarkation of the British Army was effected on the 8th instant, under the most unpromising appearances: I did expect that Lord Keith would have been obliged to make the signal to discontinue, and had the Enemy been less confident at first, and less wavering at last, I do not believe we could have landed. In the action of the 13th they lost the advantage the[y] possessed in commencing the attack. Nothing, be assured, could equal the conduct & courage of the [British] Troops. The ground on which we acted was entirely open...I am sorry to say our loss has been considerable...Alexandria is much strengthened and the garrison numerous, and open to reinforcements both from Cairo and from France. Their frigate has already got in, with Troops, Arms and Ammunition." He then appears to have a premonition of his own imminent demise, because he goes on: "It is nothing more than froth, when I say that I am nearly worn out; it is hard to say if I shall be able to go through this service...I earnestly recommend that some efficient officer may be sent out to take charge of the troops in the Mediterranean...The voyage (?) on Board ship has hurt my health." An important Campaign letter from the very start of the British Campaign against the French in Egypt, written by one of its most important protagonists. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.35. Plus six 19th century prints of the General and his death, and a complete 1801 example of the Act of Parliament that granted an annuity to his widow. (1 cover + 7 other items).

£400

1076

LORD KEITH's SIGNED LETTER REGARDING THE DEATH OF GENERAL ABERCROMBY SENT FROM THE BRITISH FLAG-SHIP "H.B.M.S. FOUDROYANT" IN THE BAY OF ABOUKIR; Formal 29th March 1801 EL (with separate address wrapper with worn reinforced folds but complete) sent by special messenger "On His Britannic Majesty's Service" to "His Highness Yousouf Pacha, Supreme Vizier [of the Turkish Forces in Egypt], &c, &c, &c, &c", signed inside and at the foot of the address panel by "[Lord] Keith", the Commander of the British Fleet in the Mediterranean with an impression of his personal Arabic seal alongside the signature inside. The letter gives the sad news of the death on board the ship the previous day of the British Commander of the land forces in Egypt, General Abercromby. See also previous lot. Rare letter sent between the two leaders of the allied forces during the Campaign in Egypt. Important historical letter. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.37. Plus six 19th century prints of Keith, Abercromby's death and the plan of the battle. (1 cover + 6 prints.).

£300

1077

CAMPAIGN LETTER WRITTEN ON BEHALF OF THE FAMOUS CAPTAIN SIR SIDNEY SMITH FROM HIS "QUARTERS" NEAR ALEXANDRIA; 9th April 1801 letter (no address wrapper) headed "Sir. Sidney's Quarters, Camp [near Alexandria]", endorsed "Private" and sent to "Sir Richd. Bickerton" (the Rear Admiral - on board his ship H.M.S. Swiftsure?), giving news of Sir Sidney himself, who was just "gone with the Rosetta Expedition" and originally sent with reports of recent actions. Sir Sidney Smith was famous for his brave defence of Acre in Palestine in 1798. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.35. Plus 4 relevant 19th century prints of Smith and Acre. (1 letter + 4 prints).

£100

1078

MARINES OFFICER's CAMPAIGN LETTER FROM " CAMP BEFORE ALEXANDRIA"; 13th June 1801 EL from a Major Montieth of the Marines to London, charged "1/1" with a very fine black oval "Ship Lre/(Crown)/PLYMOUTH DOCK" in black on the lower flap (frame shaved by filing fold), having light vinegar-spots from disinfection but attractive. Interesting contents ref. the progress of the Campaign: "...We are encamped on the Sand Hills, about five miles to the east of Alexandria, and the French opposite us [at a] distance [of] a little more than three miles. We have provisions of every kind in great plenty and cheap...we [the Marines] are on the right, which never was settled before, for in America the Marines were considered as the youngest Corps in the Army; now we have a precedent I trust we will keep it...Genl. Hutchinson has laid close siege to Cairo; as soon as it surrenders, Alexandria will be laid close siege to...[he] has been joined within this few days by 3,000 Mameluke Cavalry, the finest and best appointed that ever was seen. A Division of the Army from the East Indies [the Indian Contingent; see the lot below] is landed and on the march to join Genl Hutchinson...I am second in Command [of the Marine Batallion]..." A fine account of developments, and a rare letter from this Campaign; illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.40. Plus a fine printed (some hand colouring) map of the 9th May 1801 Battle of Rahmanie, as used in colour for the Back Cover of "19th Ce. Wars". (1 cover + 1 map).

£400

1079

INNISKILLEN FUSILIERS LIEUTENANT's CAMPAIGN LETTER FROM "CAMP BEFORE ALEXANDRIA"; 3rd July 1801 EL (minor wear) to the writer's father in Stirling, having a mostly very fine double oval "Ship Lre/(Crown)/PORTSMOUTH" on the front, with varied m/s rates and a red Edinburgh transit Bishop Mark. The letter describes a shortage of writing paper and recent military developments; "...General Hutchinson...is still before Cairo; it is a very strong place. Our Army has an immense Battering train of Artillery...so that we expect every day to hear of their Batterys having opened on the town, which I hope will soon fall. [It fell finally on 27th June, but news of this had not reached Alexandria when this letter was written.] General Coote commands the Army here, its strength is between 5 and 6,000 men...The French Army is strongly posted on a high hill near Pompey's Pillar covering Alexandria, and we are posted on another hill a short distance from them...sometimes their gun boats and ours have engagements on a Lake close to our left...I am on guard on the out-side of the lines today, where the sand is flying so thick that I can hardly see to write this scrawl..." A rare letter from the very heart of the Campaign. Illustrated in "19th Ce. Wars", p.41.

£340