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Auction: 8029 - Soldiers' Rates of the BE - Gerald Sattin Collection
Lot: 2

Abyssinia The Abyssinian Field Force 1868 (9 May) envelope from Bombay to "John Souza, Trumpet Major, Bombay 3rd. L. Cavalry Abisinia Field Force", marked "Bearing" and showing, on reverse, despatch c.d.s., framed "bombay/Bearing 1 Annas" h.s. and a good strike of the scarce "field force. post office/abyssinia" c.d.s. for 26 February; the envelope with central vertical fold and some splitting at edges, otherwise fine. Photo Estimate £ 600-700 Note: The 3rd. Regiment Bombay Light Cavalry was employed from 16th. January 1868 in carrying the mails between the 66 miles of posts from Zula to Senafe, riding mules of the Land Transport Train. The Regiment lost 367 of their mounts to "The African Glanders". Major Souza, riding one of the remaining healthy horses, reached Adrigat on 16 February and accompanied Sir Robert Napier to Adabaga on the 25th. to meet Prince Kassai

Sold for
£900