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Auction: 8029 - Soldiers' Rates of the BE - Gerald Sattin Collection
Lot: 170

India 1826 (20 Oct.) entire letter "From Thomas Elton Private Soldier 2nd. Queens Royals" at Poona to England, countersigned by the Commanding Officer and showing a largely fine strike of the circular-framed "india soldier &c/1/london" h.s. (In. Sol. 2) and, on reverse, "Poonah/post free" oval-framed d.s. and London transit c.d.s. (25.5) c.d.s., both in red; clean and attractive. Photo Estimate £ 500-600 Note: Letters from British soldiers serving in India were charged full civilian rates of postage following repeal of the East India Pack and Ship Letter Act in 1819. Hardship was created and after representations an act was passed in 1823 entitling British soldiers on service in India to send their letters to the U.K. unpaid, with postage of 3d. to be paid by the addressee for the 1d. soldiers latter rate plus 2d. sea postage The Directors of the East India Company also agreed to forgo the 2d. payable for their Ship Captains for carrying a soldier´´s letter

Sold for
£850