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Auction: 20041 - The "Dubois" Collection of Jamaica Postal History and Stamps - Part I - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 13

The Use of His Majesty's Warships as "Packet" Ships
1756 (15 June) entire letter "p his Majesties Ship Hinde, Capt. Webber Q.D.C." "via Edinburgh" to Clatto near St. Andrews, indistinct official rate marking, apparently "1/6" for the single packet rate to London plus 6d. from London to Clatto and 2d. Edinburgh to Clatto, although this official rate does not appear to coincide with the rate on the cover, Bishop mark on reverse. A rare and most unusual usage of a warship as a "Packet" ship. Photo

Note: In 1755 France took control of St. Lucia and this occupation of the neutral island was one of the causes of the "Seven Years War" of 1756-1763.
Warships were often used in such times as a convenient carrier of mail when no other way of transporting mail was available and were given the status of "Packets". In 1757 the West Indies Packet Service was resumed with four Packets

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Sold for
£450

Starting price
£200