** CAMPAIGN MAIL - 1d CONCESSION RATE REF. NAPOLEON BOAT + T...

Hammer

£280

** CAMPAIGN MAIL - 1d CONCESSION RATE REF. NAPOLEON BOAT + TO BRITISH OCCUPATION OF FRANCE; 9 Apr. 1814 EL (overall toning of address-panel) headed & countersigned for the Soldier's 1d Concession Rate by a seaman on "H.M.S. Podargus" at "Reave Bordeaux" ref. the naval battle off Bordeaux on 2 April in which the writer says "we have taken 15 of the enemy squadron besides the grand Napoleon Bonapart's State Barge..."; posted in "PLYMOUTH DK" red mileage cds on reverse. [Napoleon was to abdicate on 4 April, but the sender of this letter was as yet unaware of that development.] Plus fine 20 July 1816 EL prepaid ("P2/1½") from Edinburgh to "Lt. & Adjutant Allan McLean, 79th Regt., France" who was with the British Occupation forces there. Good contrast between the postage rates for ordinary ranks and officers. (2 covers)Cross Reference: FRANCE, MILITARY - PENNY CONCESSION RATES, MILITARY - P.O.W. MAIL, SCOTLAND