Lot
1086 
1778 (Jul. 14) Alresford, England to St. Quentin, France readdressed to St. Brieux, datelined folded letter with manuscript "Examined, July 16, E. Knapp" censor marking, original red wax seal resealed with black wax by censor, entered mails with "Alres / Ford" two-line postmark on flap with manuscript "p 3" pence prepaid rating to London, red "Post Paid" circled handstamp, Bishop "20 / IY" marking on back, French "Angleterre" straightline handstamp and manuscript "30" sols rating for 20s England-France plus 10s Paris-St. Brieux, flap with manuscript "Deb de St Qui" for debourse de St. Quentin, readdressed to St. Brieux, Very Fine and rare censored prisoner of war letter, ex-Barry Jay. Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
A RARE FRENCH PRISONER OF WAR LETTER DURING THE AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE.
This was a letter from a French naval officer whose ship was captured by HMS "Hector", part of an English squadron. He was taken to Alresford where he was on parole. This is particularly interesting as it was signed by the censor.
Realized: $6,750