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Lot# 2220 - Auction 222-226

  • Lot# : 2220 India

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    1840: Second sheet of entire letter addressed to Miss (Anne) Elphinstone, dated on obverse '18th March 1840' and addressed to Enfield, Middlesex, the letter being written and signed by General William G. Keith Elphinstone (1782-1842), the unfortunate Commander in charge of the British Empire's greatest defeat - the retreat from Kabul and the ensuing masssacre of much of his Force during the First Afghan War in 1842. The cover bears an oval INDIA handstamp in red and was charged 2/8d. due upon receipt, backstamped 'MEERUT / Paid' in red with date in manuscript, alongside London arrival cds (May 8) in red. A scarce and most interesting cover of some historical importance (he was unwell when he wrote this letter and remained so for the next two years) with full transcript which accompanies the lot.
    Starting bid : 1,000 CHF
    Hammer price : not sold