Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 22016 - Important Stamps and Covers of the World
Lot: 36

(x) Cape of Good Hope
1795 (17 July) letter from Admiral Sir George Elphinstone aboard HMS Monarch to Alexander Farquar, Naval Storekeeper, Simonstown. The letter directs Farquar to use provisions from the Monarch to feed Hottentots and slaves who had arrived at Simonstown to take refuge from skirmishes

Note: Britain launched an expedition to secure the Cape sea route in April 1795, after the French had invaded and occupied Amsterdam in 1794. Elphinstone arrived at the Cape on 10 June 1795. After a series of skirmishes, the Dutch Governor, Abraham Sluysken, surrendered to the British on 15 September. The occupation lasted until 1802 when the Cape was returned to the Dutch by the Treaty of Amiens.

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

Sold for
£420

Starting price
£240