GB 1814 Pre-Stamp Napoleonic campaign letter

Stock Code: P223015130

1814 (May 18+22) Napoleonic Campaign Mail. Very fine entire from General Sir John Mitchell from Comdom & Langdon (S.W. France) where he was stationed following the Peninsula war, addressed to his wife Jane in Portsmouth. Routed via Paris with indistinct transit marks on obverse, rated originally at ‘1/2’ originally, then uprated to ‘1/8’. Clear London Foreign branch transit cds on reverse for MA.31.1814. An emotional letter as Mitchel does his best to keep up his own and wife’s spirits as he breaks the news that rather than returning home, he and part of the army are ordered to America. ‘I really think there is every chance of our being countermanded and in that case we shall be the first to arrive in England - as we shall be ready to embark in six days - and even if we go I trust the war with America cannot possibly last beyond the Summer - so that I shall not be detained from you still - to be sure that does not alter the hopes I have lately indulged of being with you in a week or two….’ His wife simple endorsed the letter under the rear flap ‘the most unwelcome letter I have ever received. J.E.M.’ General Sir John Mitchell K.C.B. (Royal Artillery) served in all the major actions of the Peninsula war in 1813-14, and then in N. America, Washington Baltimore and New Orleans, returning to join the Duke of Wellington’s army on the continent after Waterloo. from 1831-36 General Mitchel commanded the Royal Artillery in Canada. A very scarce and poignant campaign letter.

$555.75*

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GB 1814 Pre-Stamp Napoleonic campaign letter - $555.75*

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