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SHIP LETTERS EX THE WEST INDIES, 1755 - 1842

JAMAICA TO DEAL

An entire written in Kingston on 17th July 1796 addressed to London. It was nominated to be
carried by H.M.S. Intrepid acting as a private ship and not as a packet. As a consequence when she
arrived at Deal it was struck with Robertson S 4. The entire was rated 5d as a single letter (Id Ship
Letter and 4d inland for up to 80 miles) but this was then changed to 9d as a double, with the
Inspector’s initials alongside confirming the change. It was back stamped in London on 13th October.

FOUR DEGREES NORTH OF THE VIRGIN ISLES TO GREENOCK

An entire written by Lt, (fprrisqp pf (ft? fipyql Marines on board H.M.S. Canada on convoy
duty at Lat. 22.30 + Long. 65.20. on 2$W June 1807. The letter was sent by a “Running Ship”, a fast
sailer sent with despatches ahead of the convoy. The letter was landed at Greenock where it was
Strtick with a crown ship letter, Robertson S4, extending the known date of use by 3 years. The
letter was charged l/5d to take it to London which consisted of 4d Ship letter and 1/ld inland for 429
miles. It was back stamped in London on 4th August, a transit of 40 days.