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WEST INDIES MARITIME MAIL - PRE 1842

A wrapper from St Vincent dated 10th April 1838 addressed to London endorsed
“Consignee’s Letter”. On arrival, it was struck with a Brixham Ship Letter (Tabeart S4). In
London on 25th May this was over-ruled and its free status confirmed by a strike of the Crown
Exempt Ship Lr (Tabeart EX1). As a double letter it was charged l/10d - no Ship Letter
charge but 2 x lid inland for 214 miles. Exempt Ship Letters from the West Indies are
unusual.

A copy letter from Manning and Marshall in Vera Cruz addressed to Frederick Huth in
London where it arrived on 14lh December 1839, 9 days after the rate structure changed from
sheets to weight. It was carried by the Falmouth Packet “Express” and originally charged 3/6d,
but this was cancelled by an Inspector’s crown and changed to 3/- for a */2 oz letter (2/ld and
lid inland).