cover 1840 (23 Nov.) single sheet entire addressed to Liverpool "pr Louisa Baillie", rated "8" and showing on the reverse a fine strike of the very scarce "INDIA LETTER/KINGSBRIDGE" in red; clean and fine. Interesting contents pertaining to the Opium War include "...It seems the Queen Steamer went up to Chuenhee on 21st and sent a boat ashore with a flag of truce and a letter for Ke-shen, the Commissioner. The fort fired on the boat and then on the steamer, which was struck by a 32ib shot, they returned the fire with shot and shell and then carried back the letter to the Admiral. It is said that Capt. Elliot has got the letter delivered to the Chinese Officer here, the Kuen-Min-Foo...The admiral has brought with him the Melville, Wellesley, Blenheim and Modeste; the Herald joined him outside. We believe he went up the Bogue yesterday accompanied by the greater part of the Squadron, and with no small anxiety we wait for intelligence of his reception there..."