cover 1778 (May) entire letter from Henry Grove to London, rated "4" and showing, on the reverse, "DOMINICO" (RL HSI), FAL/MOUTH" and arrival Bishop Mark "5 AV"; minor sellotape staining around the seal. A great rarity. Photo in colour

Early Handstamps The earliest recorded use of a straight line handstamp

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Nabarro, 1975

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Note: This is one of the two known examples of this handstamp, the other being from the same correspondence and used in August, 1778. The "4" is thought to cover the inland charge from Falmouth to London. The letter includes, "We expect every moment to hear of a Declaration of war with France... we are in a pretty situation in this Island between two fires, but it's to be hoped they will throw in some more troops or recall what is hear, otherwise it may happen that I may have the opportunity of improving my French". The French sent an invasion force from Martinique and the garrison surrendered on 7th September, 1778. The island was not returned to the British until the Treaty of Versailles in 1783.