Lot 10873 – 1778 (July 29) Entire from St. Johns, Quebec to London, England, endorsed in manuscript “Care of Cap’t Ross 34 Regt Quebec” with manuscript “1N6”, “A.I.P. Due 1N4”,

1778 (July 29) Entire from St. Johns, Quebec to London, England, endorsed in manuscript “Care of Cap’t Ross 34 Regt Quebec” with manuscript “1N6”, “A.I.P. Due 1N4”, “1/4½” and “9” rates, handstamped “SHIP-LRE” straightline, reverse with manuscript “Not at home 26th Aug 1778”, “Quebec” double circle handstamp with triangle at base and centrally struck “15 SE” bishop mark, also a “16 NO” bishop mark. A rare manuscript example of American inland postage due on a transatlantic American Revolutionary War cover; ex Steinhart sale lot 1018, hammer price CHF 7000, HARMERS SA 2005.

The letter was carried from St. Johns to Quebec where it was held for Capt Ross who according to the reverse notation was not at home, and finally posted Sept 16, rated “A.I.P. Due 1N4” for American inland postage due 1/4, via private ship to England, with London ship letter handstamp, rated 1/4½, and 3 or 9 applied in England. The cover was detained in being forwarded from Quebec as Captain Ross, a noted officer who had been at New Orleans and explored on the Mississippi River up to Illinois, was away from home, undoubtedly occupied as an officer in the American Revolutionary War. Ross was appointed Major 21st July 1780.