30th International Auction

BESONDERHEITEN - Incoming mail, 1857, Great Britain: 2nd OPIUM WAR, naval mail, very fine cover addressed to Capt. Arthur A. Cochrane (3rd son of the infamous Lord Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald) commanding the sloop "H.M.S. Niger" stationed in the Canton river, China. Prepaid at the 6d Officers concessionary rate with a 6d pale lilac on azure paper neatly cancelled by sideways duplex of Ramsate "634" for NO. 10 1857. The "Niger" was sent to Canton at the beginning of the war and had arrived Nov. 1856. Cochrane was directly involved in the Battle of Fatshun Creek in June 1857, which resulted in the destruction of part of the Chinese fleet. He was injured and took no further part in the campaign. Canton was captured in January 1858 and a treaty soon signed, however this was quickly broken by the Chinese and hostilites resumed. The war finally ceased with the sacking of the Summer Palace (in retaliation for the torturing to death of british diplomats) in October 1860, etc. Capt. Cochrane recovered from his injuries and retired from the Navy with the rank of Admiral in 1886. Very scarce and attractive piece of mail from this fascinating period of military history. Catalog Price 400.00