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Auction: 21135 - The 'Ruby' Collection of Burma Postal History
Lot: 387

(x) Burma
Military Mail
First Burmese War, 1824-26
1825 (30 Nov.) entire letter written by Lt. W. Gossip from Prome to his father in Wetherby (redirected to London), rated "1/3" and "2/2" and showing, on reverse, Madras Ship Letter oval d.s. (27.12), framed "india letter/london" and red London transit d.s. (30.5). The letter talks of military promotion, but ends significantly; "...several letters are lost between this and England...as the Burmahs have of late succeeded in cutting off some of our boats...Report says that the Burmahs are in great force and strongly stockaded very near us, but as they won't come to attack, we must go to attack them". (with transcript)

Note: The battle of Prome, the final engagement of the war, was fought the very next day. Lt. Gossip, and one other of the 41st were killed.

provenance:
Derek Filby, December 2017

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£950

Starting price
£950