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Auction: 1014 - Collector's Series - Stamps
Lot: 384

Gibraltar Early Letters Three Remarkable Letters From The Great Siege 1780 (27 Jan.) entire letter from Robert Forbes, Captain of H.M.S. Apollo to Scotland, rated "5" (deleted) and with "In All" h.s. alongside "11", showing "plymouth/ship-lre" h.s. and, on reverse, "10/mr" Bishopmark; wonderful content including "I am glad to inform you of our success in taking and distressing our enemys....on the 16th. of June off Capr St. Vincent...we fell in with the Spanish fleet, who has so long intercepted our mediteranian trade, which consisted of nine sails of the line & four frigates, the weather at that time was very foggy and before we saw then we was very near them. I suppose two or three miles dist.....we crowded sail to get up with them our ship sailing best got up near half an hour before any of the rest and the enemy thinking we were Curdover´s fleet which they expected made them lay too for some time to wait for us...when they found their mistake it was too late. The Edgar was then close alongside the Spanish Comador we poured a whole broadside into him....he returned... and for 3/4 of an hour the fire was continued....through their confusion they catched fire and blue up...everyman was killed excepting one...". A highly descriptive letter. Photo Estimate £ 350-400

Sold for
£350