Lot 130
1778 (May 16) Philadelphia Pa. to Edinburgh England, datelined folded letter bearing "PORTSMOUTH / SHIP LRE" handstamp and manuscript "In all 1N7" rating, additional manuscript ratings crossed out, London "3 / IY" Bishop mark; faults including tear partly across address panel, Fine, rated the 1 shilling transatlantic packet fee plus 7 pence British inland postage.
Estimate 2,000 - 3,000
Provenance: Martin Willcocks
The letter was written by British Col. Thomas Stirling, and includes interesting historical content, "We are anxiously waiting for a packet from your side to know what is to become of us, as this French War may probably change our operations…Washington is at his old Cantonment and does not get his reinforcements readily; the Congress rejects every idea of reconciliation, and they are all in high spirits with the French Treaty and the War."
The British occupied Philadelphia from September 26, 1777 to June 18, 1778.
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| Realized $1,450 |
