Sale 290


 
Lot 129



1778 (Mar. 24) Falmouth England to Philadelphia Pa. via New York, datelined folded letter endorsed "P Packet", sent by Falmouth Packet to New York with manuscript "1oz 4/" rating, forwarded to Philadelphia; small edge tear at bottom, lightly soiled, Fine, the 4 shilling packet rate for a quadruple weight letter, or group of letters weighing up to 1 ounce.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500

THE ONLY RECORDED LETTER TO OCCUPIED PHILADELPHIA.

The letter in part reads: ".within these few days we have Confirmation of a Treaty Offensive & Defensive figured between the French Court & America which makes me fear the present proposals will be without effect. its expected a French War will be the Consequence & that is now daily expected to be the case. Therefore I wish for all my friends to be prepared for such an event as I fear it will be attended with bad consequence to the friends of Government that have their property in America. It is reported that two Eng'h 74 Gun Ships have had an engagement with two French ships."

The New York Parliamentary Post Office was located on a warship in the harbor. The British occupied Philadelphia from September 26, 1777 until June 18, 1778. No postal markings are known during this period.


 
Realized $4,250



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