** AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE - COVER EX FRENCH NAVAL P.O....

Hammer

£360

** AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE - COVER EX FRENCH NAVAL P.O.W. ON PAROLE IN ALRESFORD (HANTS.); 7 Apr. 1779 EL (in French; sealed with two different red wax seals - one perhaps applied by the censor?) from Visdelou du Liscouet, a junior French naval officer (ensign) apparently now on parole in "Alresford", to his father in Quintin in France (Missent to St. Quentin with m/s "deb. de St. Qtn." on flap) - with fine "ALRES/FORD" and faint London transit Bishop Mark alongside. Prepaid 6d in Alresford (m/s "P6" and then charged "30" [sous] on delivery). The writer again discusses his financial problems, acknowledges a letter from his father dated 22 March, and says of a friend going to France for the summer that "I would have liked to be able to accompany him to France... But it could not be arranged, unless I give my word not to serve, which I am not sure about without the approval of the Ministry." Very rare P.O.W. cover from this short-lived War involving France and Britain as well as Americans. Exhibition Quality. [Not recorded in MFPWE.] Cross Reference: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FRANCE, MILITARY - P.O.W. MAIL, HAMPSHIRE