CORNISH FISHERMAN IN CAMBRAI P.O.W. CAMP APPEALS FOR CLEMENC...

Hammer

£280

CORNISH FISHERMAN IN CAMBRAI P.O.W. CAMP APPEALS FOR CLEMENCY AS HE WAS ONLY A PILOT; 29 June & 21 Aug. 1812 pair of fine ELs from the same man, John Williams (age 51) from near Looe(?), to the French Minster of War in Paris each endorsed "4D" (prepaid 4 decimes?) on reverse; both written from "Cambrai Citadel/Depot" with very fine "P.57.P./CAMBRAI" marks on the front and without postal charge - the latter also with v. fine boxed "Ps.Ps." mark on the front. The writer (typed translation of both letters included) gives full details of how he was only piloting a Spanish ship from Charleston (US) bound for Plymouth along the coast from near Falmouth when they were blown off course and captured by a French vessel. He is destitute and asks to be repatriated... The second letter is witnessed as true by the Spanish ship's Captain and a passenger, who were also presumably still POWs in Cambrai Camp. Fascinating story worthy of further research. (2 covers)Cross Reference: CORNWALL, MILITARY - P.O.W. MAIL, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, SPAIN