Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 20035 - The Philatelic Collectors' Series Sale
Lot: 3533

India
1818, entire letter endorsed "p orpheus" to the Navy Office, Somerset House London, with good "(Crown)/india/packet letter" on the front and red arrival datestamp on reverse, across flap. Splendid and dramatic contents from a son to his father relating to the Third Anglo-Maratha war, including "....There is a general war in India and we are every day exposed in battle, tho it is of a very inferior kind. Our enemy is the most despicable I could ever have possible imagined. Frequently are about two or three thousand of our fine troops exposed to 50 thousand of the Pushwas and we beat them most unmercifully.... I am still as anxious as ever to be in the cavalry... I am as happy as any king would be, for you must know that war makes soldiers, good ones - and as I am beginning to be one, it consequently makes me happy... I delayed closing my packet in consequence of expecting news which has arrived. The light division under Genl. Smith came up with the enemy on the 20th. and our cavalry charged them most effectively killing immense numbers & taking 12 elephants and 46 Camels with treasure. Gokhar (sic) the chief of the enemys cavalry is killed...."

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£450

Starting price
£180