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Auction: 25027 - Stamps and Covers of Great Britain
Lot: 2023

(x) Great Britain
Postal History
An Important "Hast Post Hast" Letter, Sent Cross Post
1640 (25 May) entire letter penned "9 att night" from John Acland at Colum John - a Royalist garrison house near Exeter - addressed "To my much honored ffriende Sr George Chudleigh, Baronett on of the Deputie Leiuetenants of this County speede thys hast post hast", signed "John Acland" and endorsed at top "ffor his Ma'ties Speciall Service". Chudleigh then residing at Atherington House, North Devon, thirty-four miles from Exeter.

The letter concerns letters from the Lords, with mention of Sir Edward Seymour, requesting that Chudleigh and the "Head Constables of yr & Collonell Bampfields ... to attend us the shall be present on friday next att the new Inn att Exeter to give us an account how much Conduct and Coate money is allreadie received and in what forwardness the rest is to bee raysed". Signed "John Acland". Fine, folding out well for display with intact wax seal of the Acland crest; a dramatic endorsement, and rare, this having been sent Cross Post, as evidenced by the lack of endorsements through London.

Notes: Sir John Acland, 1st Baronet (1591-1647) was a supporter of the Royalist cause and served as a Commander during the Civil War, setting up a garrison at Columb John. Fairfax used Columb John as his headquarters in 1645-46 in his attack on Exeter.

Sir George Chudleigh, 1st Baronet (1578-1658) supported both Parliamentarians and Royalists, ultimately garrisoning Ashton on behalf of the Royalists.

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

Estimate
£6,000 to £8,000

Starting price
£4800