Lot
2554 
Naval Vessel to Portsmouth. Entire dated "HMS Asia Jany 27th. 1815 Near New Orleans" from Capt. (Royal Marines) John R. Mascall who had participated at the ill fated British attack on New Orleans on the 8th January. This was 2 weeks after the Treaty of Ghent had been signed and therefore an unnecessary battle. Britain lost 2,000 soldiers including the two Generals leading the attack against a total US loss of 14. Letter landed at Portsmouth to receive the "SHIP LETTER / Crown / PORTSMOUTH". Addressed to the Government Paymasters at Hatton Garden, London and charged 1/2d. being 6d. ship letter plus 8d. to London. A portion of the text is transcribed: "I have the pleasure to acquaint you of my safety after the attack on the City of New Orleans, the particulars and disaster I shall not to presume to enumerate, the public accounts will sufficiently evince the event.", Very Fine.
Estimate $600 - 800.
Realized: $2,200