Sale 1357 — 2025 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Wednesday, 25 June, 2025
Category — Colonial and Revolutionary War Period (Arranged by Date)
(Hartford Conn., 1717). Folded letter datelined "Hartford Aug. 2, 1717" and endorsed "On His Majesty's Service" to New London Conn., sender's directive "pr John Plumb" at bottom, Very Fine and very early letter from Hartford, the sender, William Pitkin, would later become deputy governor and then governor of Connecticut
(Annapolis Md., 1753) "Ann. 3:-". Manuscript postmark and 3dwt rate on folded cover to John Reynell in Philadelphia, "1/3" due in local currency (3dwt=9p x 1.67 inflation factor=15p, or 1sh3p without carrier fee), receipt docketing "From Nicholas Maccuben Rece'd 30 Novr. 1753 p Post", Very Fine, extremely rare Annapolis Colonial manuscript postal marking, much earlier than the 1760 earliest date in ASCC Vol. 3 (value $1,000), although a 1735 year-dated cover offered by us in Sale 944 rewrites the catalog listing, ex Historical Society of Pennsylvania
(Philadelphia Pa., 1755) French and Indian War Letter to London. Folded letter datelined "Philadelphia Novr. 22-1855" with large "3" shillings rate from James Alexander addressed to the Earl of Lauderdale in London, England, manuscript "Ship", "12/IA" Bishop's mark backstamp, docketed at upper left, fascinating contents first gives an inventory of seeds in two boxes including white oak, spruce etc., the letter continues with excellent French and Indian War content: "Since the fattal defeat of General Bradock the french and the Indians have been killing and scalping the back inhabitants whose familys and singel persons in such amount as that there was no traveling without great danger in those places where the most valuable plants ar got therefor it was impossible for me to procure that number of them that I designed. But to make up that deficiency I have sent 2 boxes of plants Nov 11.12", vertical file folds with some toning, purple backstamp from 1884
VERY FINE. A REMARKABLE LETTER SENT DURING THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR FROM PHILADELPHIA TO ENGLAND, COMMENTING ON THE DIFFICULTY OF OBTAINING SEEDS FOR HIS PATRON DUE TO SCALPING BY THE INDIANS.
In 1755, General Edward Braddock, the British Army commander, suffered a defeat and died July 13, 1755, from wounds suffered in battle near what is now Braddock, Pennsylvania, just east of Pittsburgh. This defeat left a vacuum of leadership, which is reflected in the contents of this letter.
(Marblehead Mass., 1762) Ship Letter from British-Held Martinique to Boston via Marblehead. Two clear strikes of brownish-black "MARTINICO" straightline on back of October 1762 folded letter to Boston, manuscript "MH Sh 2dwt" Marblehead Mass. port-of-entry postmark, some slight wear and toning
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE INBOUND COLONIAL-ERA LETTER FROM BRITISH COLONIAL MARTINIQUE TO BOSTON, SENT THRU MARBLEHEAD, MASSACHUSETTS.
In January 1762 the British mounted an assault on French-controlled Martinique, soon after they had captured Dominica. Forces from Newfoundland, Antigua and Barbados took part, and the island was taken in less than a month. St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent were also taken by the British in the next few months without resistance. Martinique was returned to France after the Treaty of Paris was signed on Feb. 10, 1763, ending the Seven Years' War. Thus, for a period of about a year, mail originating in Martinique was sent through the British Colonial postal system.
Ex Arthur White and Dr. Johnson.
(Philadelphia Pa., Jan. 21, 1766) "Philada. 58:16" and "7 1/4 oz.". Manuscript postmark with 58dwt 16gr rate (29 x 2dwt rate from Philadelphia to New York, plus 16gr ship fee) on folded cover with intact wax seals (coat of arms and "Dominus Lux Nos Est") addressed in perfectly readable calligraphy, "To His Excellency, The Honle. Thomas Gage Esqr. Major General & Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces in North America & & New York" with "On his Majesty's Service" endorsement, brownish "28 FE" Franklin mark on back, receipt docketing "John Stuart Esqr., Charles Town 21st Jany. 1766 Recd. Feby 28th - Answd", minor tears at upper left, opened at sides, lightly soiled
VERY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING COLONIAL SHIP LETTER FROM CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, TO BRITISH COMMANDING GENERAL THOMAS GAGE IN NEW YORK CITY VIA PHILADELPHIA.
The sender of this cover, Colonel John Stuart, was the King's superintendent for the southern district of the British Indian Department from 1761 to 1779. His home in Charleston, built in 1772, still stands as a National Historic Landmark. This cover is addressed to British General Thomas Gage, who served from 1763 to 1775 as commander-in-chief of the British forces in North America, overseeing the British response to the 1763 Pontiac's Rebellion.
Ex Dr. Robertson.
(Richmond Va., 1769) "Richd. 4 dw [+] 4 [=] 8". Manuscript postmark with 4dwt plus 4dwt progressive rates on folded cover from Petersburg Va. to Israel Pemberton in Philadelphia, receipt docketing "Petersburgh 18 5 mo. 1769, From Edward Stabler with a bill for £215 Stg &c", lightly toned along file folds, tissue reinforcing, still Fine and very attractive, ex Historical Society of Pennsylvania
(Philadelphia Pa., Feb. 1, 1770) Philadelphia to Newport, R.I. Folded letter datelined "Philada. 1 Feby. 1770" from Josiah Hewes to a merchant in Newport R.I., well-struck red "PHILA/DELPHIA" two-line handstamp and magenta "1 FE" Franklin mark, magenta "4" rate, Very Fine and attractive use charged 4dwt for the rate between 300-400 miles, ex Siskin
(East Florida-South Carolina, 1770) "CHARLES/TOWN". Clear strike of brownish-black two-line handstamp on folded cover with three pages of original letter dated "November 7th" from London, England, to James Grant, British Colonial Governor of East Florida, at St. Augustine via Charleston S.C., brownish-black "18/NO" (Nov. 18) Bishop's mark applied in London, manuscript "1N" Falmouth-Charleston one-shilling packet rate, receipt docketing "Mrs. Anderson, 7th Novr. 1770", minor eroded spot along file fold
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE FALMOUTH-CHARLESTON COLONIAL PACKET COVER TO GOVERNOR GRANT OF EAST FLORIDA.
Beginning in 1768 a courier carried mail between Charleston and St. Augustine in East Florida (Horowicz-Lowe, pp. 18 and 36). In the same year (Sep. 7, 1768) a direct packet between Falmouth and Charleston was established.
James Grant was a British Colonial officer who fought with George Washington and other American military heroes in the French and Indian War, only to face them as adversaries in the American Revolution twenty years later. From 1764 until 1771, Grant was the British Colonial governor of East Florida. In this letter to Governor Grant, a Mrs. Anderson of London refers to "war-like preparations" and to "the submission of the Bostonites." Her indignation is reflected in her commentary: "You must observe their insolent attacks and how disrespectful they are to all government." Grant himself regarded the American Colonials he served with during the French and Indian War with contempt, and in early 1775, anticipating the military conflict with the rebellious colonists, he sneered "...[they] could not fight...", and declared that he could "....march from one end of the continent to the other with five thousand men."
Ex Meroni and Curtis.
(Pensacola, June 21, 1771) Pensacola, West Florida, to Madeira via Dover, England. Folded letter datelined "Pensacola 21st. June 1771" from James Bruce (British collector of customs in Pensacola) to wine merchant Thomas Gordon in Madeira, sender's directive "P favr. of Captn. Waugh Q.D.C.", bold "DOVER/SHIP LRE" two-line handstamp, "17/AU" (Aug. 17) Bishop's mark on back, manuscript rate crossed out and re-rated "Inall 2/7", letter mentions receipt of a box of vines and "Pipe of Wine", writer mentions that his wife "sees nothing but sand and mosquitos" in Pensacola and also mentions a number of British military officers, couple small internal erosions
VERY FINE. A RARE TRANSATLANTIC LETTER FROM THE CROWN'S COLONIAL COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS IN PENSACOLA TO ONE OF THE LEADING WINE MERCHANTS OF THE PERIOD.
Pensacola served as the capital of Britain's West Florida territory from 1763 until 1781. There was a June 24 packet sailing from Pensacola to Charleston (the Diligence, Capt. Arthur Clark), but this was apparently sent by another vessel and route.
(Norfolk Va., Dec. 31, 1772) Norfolk Va. to Marblehead Ms. via Williamsburg and New York. Folded letter datelined "Norfolk Decr. 31, 1772" to Mr. Samuel White in Marblehead Mass., manuscript "Nfk" postmark with matching "8" dwt rate and "20/" in local currency, red "Wms BURG" straightline handstamp, black "NEW/YORK" two-line handstamp with matching "10 FE" Franklin mark, Very Fine use, ex Siskin
(Philadelphia Pa., 1773) "PHILA/DELPHIA". Light strike of red two-line handstamp and "3 AV" (Aug. 3) Franklin mark on back of folded letter datelined "Philadelphia 12th July 1773" addressed to London, England, light strike of "NEW YORK" straightline handstamp and "4 AV" (Aug. 4) datestamp on flaps, bold strike of "INLAND AND/PACKET POSTAGE" two-line handstamp applied at New York with manuscript "4N6" rate indicating prepayment of 4sh 6p, neat "6/SE" Bishop's mark (Sep. 6 arrival), manuscript "To pay 1/6", some paper loss at center along vertical file fold, gently cleaned
VERY FINE. A RARE COLONIAL SHIP LETTER FROM PHILADELPHIA TO LONDON, WITH MARKINGS OF PHILADELPHIA, NEW YORK AND THE RARE "INLAND AND PACKET POSTAGE" HANDSTAMP. VERY FEW EXAMPLES OF THIS MARKING ARE KNOWN IN PRIVATE HANDS.
Ex Siskin and Dr. Johnson.
(Trenton N.J., May 3, 1774) "Trenton 3.8". Clear manuscript postmark on folded cover with May 3, 1774 docketing from Rev. Elisha Spencer to the president of Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, endorsed "To the care of Rolf Pomroy Esq. in Hartford Connecticut" at left, light vertical file fold, Very Fine use charged 3dwt 8gr for a distance of 200-300 miles
(Williamsburg Va., 1774), Williamsburg Va. to Edenton N.C. Inbound folded ship letter with small portion of letter on one flap, with bold strike of red "Wms BURG" handstamp and manuscript "Sh 6" and "4" totalled to "10" rate to Edenton N.C., additional "2/6" and "4/4" for 4sh4p local currency, small split at center, some silking on bottom flap which been refolded to show the postmark
VERY FINE. A RARE USE OF THE WILLIAMSBURG HANDSTAMP ON AN INBOUND SHIP LETTER TO NORTH CAROLINA.
This is an unusual use. The 4dwt extra would imply forwarding for distances between 0-60 miles, and Williamsburg is farther than 60 miles from Edenton.
(Annapolis Md., 1775) "ANNAPOLIS". Red straightline handstamp with separate "JAN 24" straightline datestamp on back of folded cover to John Cadwalader in Philadelphia, manuscript "2.16" (2dwt 16gr) rate and red "1/4" due in local currency (2dwt16gr=8p x 1.67 inflation factor=14p plus 2p carrier fee, or 1sh4p), receipt docketing "Rich. Bn. Lloyd, 17th Jany. 1775, Patuxent, Letters &c", part of backflap missing (not affecting markings or docketing), lightly toned file folds
VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE ANNAPOLIS STRAIGHTLINE MARKING, INTRODUCED DURING THE TRANSITION AWAY FROM THE BRITISH PARLIAMENTARY POST.
From early 1774 until late 1775 various post offices ceased operating as part of the British Parliamentary postal system and introduced new markings. The 1775 year-dated docketing makes this the earliest recorded example of the red "ANNAPOLIS" straightline (the ASCC reports an example dated Aug. 18, 1775). The sender, Richard Lloyd, of Kent, Maryland, was a signer to the "Declaration of the Association of the Freemen of Maryland" in July 1775. The "Patuxent" in the docketing refers to the Patuxent River in Maryland.
Ex Historical Society of Pennsylvania. ASCC Vol. 3 value $2,500.
(Montreal, Jun. 20, 1776) Montreal to Edinburgh, Scotland. Folded letter from Captain John Wight of the 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment of Foot datelined “Montreal 20th June 1776” to his brother Andrew Wight “to be left at Forrests Coffee House” in Edinburgh, Scotland, contents are an account of the Battle of Trois-Rivieres during the American Revolutionary War, rare and early use of “Quebec” double-circle with separate “22/IY” Bishop mark and “5/SE” London transit Bishop mark, rated “In all 9” which likely refers to 3p inland rate to London and a further 6p to Edinburgh
VERY FINE. A SUPERB HISTORICAL LETTER FROM A BRITISH CAPTAIN DETAILING THE BATTLE OF TROIS-RIVIERES AGAINST THE CONTINENTAL ARMY DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
Captain Wight’s letter states: “On the 8th of June the Rebels came to attack us at a small town called the Three Rivers, a very small part of the Army had only got landed some Companys of Grenadiers & Light Infantry with a few others of different Corps. On the first Alarm we was under arms in a twinkling, marched out of town & mett them in the skirts of a wood where during the course of the action a great many was killed. The numbers could not be ascertained & near three hundred taken prisoners with their General (whose name is Thompson). I had only one man of my Company killed, or rather died of his wounds and not a single officer touched. In short we have now drove them totally out of Canada. I was witness two days ago to St. Johns, as well as all the other forts in this country being in flames which was performed by the Rebels before they evacuated them. I am obliged to write this in a hurry on the top of a casket in the midst of noise and confusion.” He goes on to state that he had written another letter from his journey to Canada but misplaced it in his baggage—the letter was found and was offered in our Sale 1218 (lot 2011).
The Battle of Trois-Rivieres occurred on June 8, 1776, and was the last battle fought on Quebec soil. After their defeat, the Continental Army retreated to Fort St. Jean, burning the fort and any capable boats on June 17. They eventually retreated back to Fort Ticonderoga.
(Baltimore Md., Nov. 23, 1776) "BALTIMORE/NOVEMBER 23". Clear strike of two-line datestamp on folded letter from Stephen Steward, datelined "Baltimore 23rd Novr. 1776" and addressed to Philadelphia, manuscript "2-16" rate, Philadelphia "1/4", Very Fine, the 2dwt16gr rate for 100-200 miles, rated 1sh4p in local currency (14p postage plus 2p carrier fee), ex Siskin
“Thomas Pots Esqr., Deputy Director Genl. of the Military Hospitals, Middle Department, Reading”, circa 1777. Address on undated folded cover, sender’s directive “favd. by Doctr. Cutting, Apothecary General”, small repair at top where wax seal removed, otherwise Very Fine, very rare war-period cover to a military hospital, Thomas Potts was the brother of Jonathan Potts (see Sale 1171, lot 46, for letter to Jonathan)
(American Blockade Run, 1777) St. Augustine, British Florida to England. Folded letter datelined "St. Augustine 23rd July 1777" and addressed to Berwick, England, endorsed "per favor of Capt. McLeod" at lower left, manuscript "1" (1p ship) and "8" (8p inland) manuscript rates, brown "DOVER/SHIP LRE" handstamp and "25/SE" Bishop's mark on back, sender is trying to buy the recipient's farm in Florida which is getting run down, Very Fine and rare use from British Florida to England during the Revolutionary War, the American Privateer blockade was active off British enclaves beginning in 1775, including Florida and the West Indies, this is a rare example of mail from Florida to England that ran the blockade, ex Dr. Briggs
(Aug. 30, 1777) Letter to Richard Henry Lee at Second Continental Congress. Folded cover docketed "August 30th 1777 Col. Pendleton" and addressed to Richard Henry Lee at Philadelphia, endorsed "Free" at upper right, trace of red postal marking just above recipient's name, additional docketing notes names of Dr. Rush, Charles Lee and George Wythe (see website for scan of the docketing), gently cleaned and expertly restored along a few folds, Very Fine appearance, sent to Lee at the Second Continental Congress
(Philadelphia May 16, 1778) British-Occupied Philadelphia to Edinburgh, Scotland. Folded letter datelined "Philadelphia 16th May 1778" from Thomas Sterling to Edinburgh, Scotland, partial strike of "PORTSMOUTH/SHIP LRE" two-line handstamp, manuscript "In all 1N7" rate (one-shilling transatlantic packet fee plus 7 pence British inland postage), additional manuscript rates crossed out, London "3/IY" Bishop mark on back, interesting contents including "We are anxiously waiting for a packet from your side to know what is to become of us, as this French War may probably change our operations…Washington is at his old Cantonment and does not get his reinforcements readily; the Congress rejects every idea of reconciliation, and they are all in high spirits with the French Treaty and the War.", expertly restored, Very Fine appearing use with great content, the sender was a 5th Baronet who fought for the British in the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars, an excellent companion to the letter from the same sender in lot 22, ex Willcocks and Siskin
(British Occupation of New York) "Brooklyn 22d April 1779". Dateline on folded letter from Richard William Parkin to Seth Norton, Commissary Forage, Oyster Bay (Long Island), endorsed "On His Majesty's Service", letter orders Norton to take charge of the provisions at Oyster Bay and continue to issue forage and provisions, Very Fine, extremely scarce British military letter carried by express from occupied Brooklyn to Oyster Bay on Long Island, discussed in an article by Calvet M. Hahn in CCP March-April 1991
(New York, Oct. 7, 1779) British-Occupied New York to Edinburgh, Scotland. Folded letter datelined "New York Oct. 17th 1779" from Thomas Sterling to Edinburgh, Scotland, large strike of "PLYMOUTH/SHIP-LRE" two-line handstamp, manuscript "In all 1N9" rate with additional rate crossed out, brown "3/DE" Bishop's mark, docketed "New York 17 October 1779 Gen'l. Sterling", primarily business contents but does touch on the war including discussing using some of his Virginia prize money and also comments on battles in Georgia "Every plan is threatened by D. E. Hargin not a triumphant fleet & Georgia not all the troops have fallen into his hands", some slight wear, wax seal area on top flap sensibly patched, Very Fine, an excellent companion to the letter from the same sender in lot 20, who was in British-occupied Philadelphia, he had since been promoted to General
(Staten Island, Oct. 30, 1779) British-Occupied Staten Island to Essex, England. Folded letter datelined "Staten Island Ocr. 30th 1779" and written by Thomas Gibson to the Rev. Thomas Gibson in Harwich, Essex, England, this was sent on the Falmouth packet which left New York the following day, manuscript "1/-" crossed out, with "In All" handstamp and rated "1N3", clear "22/DE" Bishop's mark, letter discusses business and how his baggage was stolen as it was conveyed to him, some splitting along folds has been expertly mended
VERY FINE USE FROM BRITISH-OCCUPIED STATEN ISLAND TO ENGLAND.
The British occupied Staten Island for a period of seven years, from 1776 to 1783. Mail from Staten Island during this period is rare.
(New York, 1779) British Occupation of New York City. Folded cover from England to John Reynell in Philadelphia, sender's directive "To the Care of Saml. Shoemaker, New York", "EXETER" straightline handstamp and red manuscript "P 1N4" for 1sh packet rate and 4p internal G.B. postage, to the right is a small squiggle which could be a postmark, receipt docketing "From Mary Groth, Rec'd 5 of 11 mo: 1779", minor wear and toning
FINE. A REMARKABLE USE, WHICH WAS EVIDENTLY RECEIVED IN NEW YORK DURING BRITISH OCCUPATION AND FORWARDED TO PHILADELPHIA, WHICH WAS NOT OCCUPIED AT THIS TIME.
Ex Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
(American Blockade Run, 1781) New York to Edinburgh, Scotland, via Falmouth-New York Packet. Folded letter datelined Aug. 15, 1781, at New York, from General Thomas Stirling to Edinburgh, Scotland, carried by Falmouth-New York Packet from New York on August 20, arriving September 21, “26/SE” (Sep. 26) London Bishop’s mark, manuscript “1N” packet rate crossed out and re-rated “1N6” for 6p additional inland postage to Scotland
VERY FINE GENERAL OFFICER’S LETTER FROM BRITISH-OCCUPIED NEW YORK TO SCOTLAND, SENT BY PACKET THROUGH THE AMERICAN PRIVATEER BLOCKADE, WITH EXCELLENT CONTENT.
Sir Thomas Stirling, 5th Baronet, had a long and active military career in the British Army, serving in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, ultimately attaining the rank of General. In this letter he writes “I am uncertain as to the time when I shall leave this country, as I must wait for a fleet sailing for London, as the packets are not safe, inconvenient and the land journey from Falmouth more than I could bear. A fleet will, it is thought, sail end of next month which I shall take the advantage of, if Mons. de Grasse does not shut us up, which they threaten from the rebel camp. A reinforcement of 2-3,000 German recruits arrived here lately which makes us a little more respectable and may enable S.H. Clinton to look our foes at the White Plains in the face, who wait only the arrival of the French fleet off the Hook to attack N.York.” Two months after this letter was written, General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, in part due to the outstanding tactical efforts of French fleet commander Lt. Gen. Francois Joseph Paul de Grasse (referenced in the letter “if he does not shut us up”). De Grasse achieved a crucial victory over the British fleet at the Battle of the Chesapeake in September 1781, which prevented the fleet from aiding Cornwallis. He then blockaded the coast until Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington on October 19.
Ex Barrie Jay and Walske.
(Jamaica, Aug. 29, 1781) Jamaica to Madeira, Portugal via Pensacola and Charleston. Folded letter dated "29 August 1781" beneath sender's signature, with bold strike of "JAMAICA" straightline handstamp on flap, carried by West Indies packet from Kingston Jamaica via Pensacola to Charleston, then via Charleston packet to Falmouth, London "2/NO" Bishop mark on flap, manuscript "1N" rate, sender's directive "by the Packet", carried by private ship to Madeira, docketed "Recd 10 March 1782", contents complains to a wine merchant about lack of response to requests for wine in Jamaica, Very Fine and very unusual use
(New York, March 23, 1782) New York to England, Evacuation of Yorktown Contents. Folded letter datelined "New York March 23rd 1782" from Capt. John Ritchie on the ship Providence, to Newcastle upon Tyne, England, contents reads in part "with provisions for 3 months on board we are laying off York Town expecting to take troops on board every day", also "we have no new here but of the ? in the Windward Islands in the West Indies", carried by naval packet to Falmouth where charged "2/-" double packet letter rate, re-rated "2N8" at London with "26/AP" Bishop's mark, refolded for display, Very Fine use with fascinating contents, at the time of the end of the Revolutionary War, the British and French were also fighting in the West Indies