Lot No. 218
1861 Sailors letter from Japan to Stonehaven. A small sailors envelope complete with original letter ”From James Dixon, Cooper, H.M.Ship Vulcan” in Japan dated for 1st January, addressed to his brother in Stonehaven bearing an 1857 1d rose-red issue beieng tied by the ”A86” mailboat numeral in black ink, bearing on front in red the transit mark ”CR” for Caledonian Railway and dated on reverse for Mr 22 1861. H.M.S. Vulcan was a troopship and Kames Dixon writes of leaving Hong Kong full of provisions with the weather being very cold. From August 1850 sailors serving overseas could send letters home at the privilege rate of 1d prepaid by the addition of a postage stamp and countersigned by the commanding officer. Letters from ordinary ratings at this time are rare. (M)
