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Lot# 716 - 169-172 Auction

  • Lot# : 716 Ethiopia

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    The Captain W. C. Harris Expedition to Abyssinia 1841 (Aug 21): Entire letter written by Lieutenant Sydney Horton to Hesse-Cassel, Germany datelined "Au Camp de Tajurra, Abyssinie", whilst the Expedition was on it's way to Shewa. Presumably picked up by an East India Company ship at Aden and thence to London by diplomatic mail. Disinfected with slits against Cholera, struck with framed London "Paid" in red (Oct 12) and thence via Holland with two line "Engeland  / over Rotterdam" in red and Waldcappel arrival cds (Oct 18) on reverse in black. Inside shows return address: "S. Horton, 49th Foot, care of Messrs. Cox & Co. Army Agents, Charing Cross". An extremely rare entire, believed to be the sole known private letter from this Expedition.
    Note: A treaty of friendship was signed on this mission to Showa between Captain Harris and Sahle Selassie (1813-1847), the King of the Showa. A similar treaty was signed with the French in 1843.
    Starting bid : 1,200 CHF
    Hammer price : 2,600 CHF