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WEST INDIES MARITIME MAIL - PRE 1842

SHIP LETTERS

A cover that originated in Montego Bay, Jamaica on 25th July 1794. On arrival in
Whitehaven it was struck with Robertson SI, 16 years earlier than previously recorded.
Although heavy it was a single letter and was charged l/3d. It went almost 600 miles out of its
way to London on its way to Edinburgh being charged Id ship, 6d to London and 8d from
London to Edinburgh. Arrival on 28th October meant a transit of 95 days.

An entire from the Ashbumer correspondence written on 10th May 1795, sent from
Barbados by the “Venus in the Fleet that leaves this day”. On landing at Lancaster it was struck
with a plain SHIP mark (Robertson SI) and the town’s circular hand stamp. It was charged 3d for
the transit to Ulverston across Morecambe Bay at low tide - Id ship and 2d for what was
considered to be one post stage.