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Auction: 8029 - Soldiers' Rates of the BE - Gerald Sattin Collection
Lot: 264

Java The Java Expedition, 1811-14 1812 (16 Oct.) entire letter "From George Oldfield Private Soldier in H.M. 14th. Regt. foot" at Weltevreden Barracks to England, countersigned by the Commanding Officer and showing large "2" handstamp deleted and replaced with manuscript "1/-", the reverse showing the write´s notation and with two different London d.s. (15.9). The only known British soldier´s letter from the Java Campaign. Photo Estimate £ 2,000-2,500 Note: When Holland fell to Napoleon, an expedition was sent against the Dutch island of Java in 1811, and the island capitulated on 18 September. The 1st. Battalion took an active part in the campaign after which the Flank Company moved to Weltevreden Barracks. As there was no Packet Boat service between Java and England, the letter was denied a soldiers 1d. privilege rate and treated as an ordinary letter, hence the charge of 1/- comprising 2d. Ship Captains gratuity, 4d. Inward Ship Letter fee and 6d. Inland Postage

Sold for
£2,100