1858, entire letter from London sent via BEIRUT to ALEPPO, SYRIA, manuscript endorsement ” PER FR. PKT. VIA MARSEILLES ”, franked with GB Queen Victoria 6d pale lilac (SG 70), tied by oval '21' numeral, with PD in red, CALAIS entry marking (April 14, 1858) and alongside rare two line ”POSTE FRANÇAISE / D'ALEP” handstamp in blue (the combination with Beyrouth cds is not recorded in the Pothion catalogue), reverse with London despatch cds, Paris and ”BEYROUTH SYRIE 30 AVRIL 58” transit cds. MAIL FROM BRITAIN TO SYRIA IS ALREADY VERY SCARCE, IN COMBINATION WITH THIS FRENCH POSTMARK ONLY VERY FEW ARE KNOWN.