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1st Afghan War 1838/42c.: The Haughton correspondence of ...más
1st Afghan War 1838/42c.: The Haughton correspondence of letters
pertaining to the Afghan War, mainly from or to John Colpoys
Haughton (1817-1887) who served as a midshipman in the Royal Navy
before being invalided from the service in 1835. Two years later he
joined the Bengal Army. During the 1st Afghan War (1839-1842) he
was Adjutant of the 4th Gurkhas of Sha Shuja's force, winning great
fame during the defence of Charikar, which was besieged by a huge
Afghan force in November 1841. Haughton lost an arm during the
siege and after returning to the Afghan capital was taken hostage
by Akbar Khan on 29 December 1841. Haughton was eventually released
in September 1842 when Major-General Sir George Pollock's Army of
Retribution arrived in Kabul. The letters include accounts of
Charikar, his imprisonment in Bamyan, the siege in the Mission
Compound etc. copies of Bell's Weekly Messenger newspapers, three
exquisitely drawn Maps and Plans of GHUZNEE showing the
emplacements under Lieut.-General Sir John Keane (23 July 1839); a
Map of KABUL "Showing the Bala Hissar and Cantonments" taken from
an original drawing by Lt. Henry Creed (7 Aug 1839); and, on the
return KELAT-I-GHILZAI with splendid hand-drawn Map (13 Nov 1839) -
sold together with the Gillespie correpondence of letters from
Ghaznee (22 July 1839), two miles from Kabul (24 Aug 1839), letter
on the Massacre in Afghanistan (26 Feb 1842) and a letter from
Gillespie's wife from Paris (2 Oct 1843); together with 17 Nov 1843
letter detailing one F. Cunningham's report of the Afghan Campaign,
letter from Sir Donald Macleod discussing the health of the 13th
European Regt., a treasure trove of information and history,
together with letters from some of the finest postal historians of
past years discussing certain items in this sale
Official Views of the Afghan Campaign 1840/1843: ...más
Official Views of the Afghan Campaign 1840/1843: Autographed
letter-sheets from Sir James Rivett-Carnac (1784-1846) when
Governor of the Bombay Presidency and after on the conduct of the
war, with 17 April 1840 letter to the Earl of Auckland "I have
thought about the proposition to advance our Troops at Cabool
beyond the Hindu Kush...I do not like it", April 1840 letter from
Lord Auckland (1784-1849) stating "by the last accounts of March 28
there was peace throughout Afghanistan..."; full original copy of a
letter from Camp Sorrket 25 April 1840 written by General W.
MacNaghten to Sir James Rivett-Carnac concerning the Khiva problem
and the threat of Russian incursions, mentioning Capt. Connolly's
delegation to Bukhara (where he was later executed); May 1841
letter from Carnac "I am sceptical about the failure of the
expedition to Khiva. I hope we do not allow the Russians to throw
dust in our eyes... MacNaghten and Burnes both stoutly declare the
continued advance of a Russian Army..."; 21 May letter from Carnac
stating the Russians are "within 100 miles of Khiva", June 1840
letter from Lord Auckland stating that "the Sikh frontier (needs to
be) determined", June 1840 letter from Carnac to UK stating "We
have accounts of the Ghilzee tribes being in open rebellion between
Candahar and Ghuznee"; Sept 1840 another letter detailing the
defeat of Major Clibborn marching to Kahan with the loss of 175
men, and MacNaghten's view that "we shall not profit from waging
war with these savage mountaineers"; an extraordinary archive
showing Britain and India's fears over the Afghani's, the Russians,
the Sikhs and even the Gurkhas. Historic and unique
1st Afghan War 1840/43: Covers/entire letters (4) with the earliest
1 ...más 1st Afghan War 1840/43: Covers/entire letters (4) with the earliest 1 April 1840 from Bombay with content regarding Ghazni "(the Chaplain) used to bury three or four every day and during the Cholera four or five at a time...", sent per "Victoria" and readdressed on arrival (May 3); 1843 entire letter regarding a missing soldier believed to have been murdered in Karachi; 1843 prepaid cover and contents from Lord Auckland in Hounslow, England to Calcutta regarding the withdrawal (from Afghanistan); and a 28 April 1843 somewhat soiled but very rare Soldier's concessionary rate entire letter from Meerut to Bath showing the problems of communication: "I only receieved your letter of 18 Sept 1842 a few day ago....for it was impasable to get a letter safe into Afghanistan...I was three days in that murdering place the Khyber Pass...surrounded by enemy but thank God I escaped without a wound while hundreds fell around me..we succeeded in rescuing the whole of the Prisoners from their hands then we burnt and destroyed every town and fort in their country..". An interesting group
1st Aghan War 1841/43: The Lieutenant John Haughton (31st ...más
1st Aghan War 1841/43: The Lieutenant John Haughton (31st Bengal
N.I.) correspondence (12 entires, 3 letters sheets) to West Wickham
or London; the first letter sent written between 19-23 July 1841
from Charakar, Kohistan, some 40 miles north of Kabul, protecting
the Northern route to the capital, with rare but typically unclear
"AFFGHANISTAN / PAID" in red, with a further letter from Charikar
(Oct 5) which was overrun in early November by Afghanis under Meer
Masjidee with nearly everyone at the post killed. Haughton (badly
wounded) managed to escape, only to be left behind due to his
injuries when Kabul was evacuated and he became a captive of the
Afghanis. Letters (June 14 and 17, 1842) written by a friend as his
right arm was so damaged, second with his left hand, carried to
British lines by Capt. Mackenzie (48th Madras N.I.) who acted as
intermediary with Akhbar and Gen. Pollock, (this being a horrific
letter listing his injuries as the last man standing at Charikar
and stating that Meer Hajee had looked after him and six Officers
quite well in Kabul); rare entire from Kabul (23 Sept 1842) with
"L.P.O." and "Loodianah" handstamps in magenta (rare); Oct 3 letter
(no cover) from Kabul, Oct 19-27 letter from Gandamak with news of
the destruction of Jelalabad, 2-3 November entire begun at Camp
Jamrud and finished in Peshawar, letter ex Manikiyala, 13 Jan 1843
attractive entire ex Ferozepore with red despatch, fine entires
from Gurmukhtesar, Patna and on board steamer home and posted at
Malta. A fascinating historic correspondence from an immensely
brave soldier. Provenance: DF, Geneva, 4 Dec 2002, lot 31758
1st Afghan War - The journey to retake Kabul The Captain ...más
1st Afghan War - The journey to retake Kabul The Captain (later
Major-General) William Riddell (1805-1875) correspondence to his
wife Maggie in Indore. December 1841-September 1842: The
extraordinary correspondence (63 entires and 1 letter-sheet) of
which this is a large part of the 148 letters found (all except the
first were numbered, many with contents already printed in Peter
Collins's booklet on this correspondence published by Robson Lowe
in 1977) begins with Riddell's letter from Rajwas on 26 Dec 1841
where he starts his journey towards Afghanistan, second entire from
Rajwas (each with 'Bearing' handstamp in brown); thence via Tippree
with two entires with "Tippree / Paid", entires prepaid from
Gwalior, Agra (2), Meerut, Kurnaul, Umballa ("Sir William
MacNaghten's murder is not believed...I am certain that the whole
force at Cabool will be sacrificed"), prepaid entires from
Loodianah, Ferozepore (2), Bearing entires from Camp Chong,
Bukrala, near Attock, Peshawar and Camp Kowulsur (4, one stating
"The (Khyber) Pass is purchased as far as Ally Musjid but beyond
that...") and Camp at Jamrud (3) two with "L.P.O." and Loodianah
handstamps; double rate letter from Camp at Ally Musjid ("we fought
every inch of the way...the arrangement for purchasing the pass
having completely fallen..the sepoys behaved admirably"), letter
from Gen. Pollock's Camp, West end of the Gurhee all Beg Valley,
another from Dukha opposite Lallpoora and another from Camp Gyrhee
with "L.P.O." and Loodianah handstamps stating "Shah Soojah is
probably murdered", further entire from General Pollock's Camp near
Ally Baghan again via Loodianah (as are nearly all the following
entires), entire from Jelalabad with similar markings applied,
fully describing the march into the Jelalabad garrison, following
cover stating "it is now known that the Barukjee party have got the
upper hand at Cabool...", whilst stationed at Jelalabad Riddell
suffers from dysentery, 3 Aug 1852 entire stating that the
prisoners Capt. Troup and Capt. Lawrence had ridden in to the Camp
having been freed by Mahomed Akbar, this and the following letters
all now sent via Ferozepore; 30 August entire with superb (for
this) "AFIGHANISTAN / Bearing" in black dated and with "10 annas."
notation (illustrated in Collins, page 21) ; 5 Sept entire with
fine "AFIGHANISTAN / Bearing" in black dated and with "10 annas."
notation and boxed Ferozepore below; 9 Sept entire with superb (for
this) "AFIGHANISTAN / Bearing" in black dated and with "10 annas."
notation and sent via Loodianah, and the famous 15th Sept minute
entire with "L.P.O." and framed Loodianah carried at 5 anna rate,
sent with General Pollock's despatches, written on the day of the
capture of Kabul with fascinating contents (in full in Collins's
monograph, the cover illustrated on page 22) "we had to fight our
way inch by inch the whole way up the severe ascents and on
arriving at the last summit we had the good fortune to capture one
of our own 24lb. howitzers taken from the Cabool force and to learn
it was against Mahomed Nekbar and his whole strength we had been
fighting...Tom (his brother) and I have been mercifully protected
by providence and got through one of the severest fights which has
ever taken place in Afghanistan". Followed by letters sent during
his return written from Camp at Jugdulluck, entires from Jelalabad,
Var, Kooar, Paree Wala, Junjattee and Ferozepore (2) all bearing
"AFIGHANISTAN / Bearing" handstamps in black (the last in red) with
many unusually well struck. An astonishing historic archive
collection in superb condition with the letters giving much
information of India, the postal system, the War and its
personalities. Note: From Peter Collins's monograph the letters
offered are: (-), 1, 6-8, 10-16, 18, 22, 26, 31, 33-35, 37, 38,
42-46, 48-53, 56, 70, 71, 73-76, (77a), 78, 85, 87-89, 93, 95, 96,
98, 100, 102, 109, 113, 119, 122-123, 128, 131-132, 136, 138, 142,
145, 148. Provenance: Initial offering of the correspondence was in
Robson Lowe, Bournemouth, 5 July 1973 ex lots 1049-1072. Many
purchased by Major Adrian Hopkins, Robson Lowe, Zurich, 19 May
1988, ex lots 3307, and collection Horst Dietrich, DF, Geneva, 17
Nov 2003 where further items can be found
1st Afghan War. The correspondence of General Lord Sir Robert ...más
1st Afghan War. The correspondence of General Lord Sir Robert Sale
(1809-1845) and Lady Sale (1790-1853). Held as a prisoner for 9
months by Akbar Khan following the massacre in the Khurd Kabul Pass
on the disastrous journey back from Kabul, Lady Florentia 'Flo'
Sale who had been shot in the wrist and was held hostage (together
with her daughter Alexandrina and son-in-law Lieutenant John Sturt)
in Kabul and Bamyan until her husband General Sale was able to join
her and bring her back in triumph to Kabul in September 1842. The
correspondence includes a poem in her hand "Quick as they may now
seem / Again the Afghan knives will gleam / The Punjab wakes from
its restless dream / and the 13th cross the Sutty stream or my name
is not Flo"; with many letters from Lord Ellenborough (Governor
General of India) to Sir Robert with one congratulating Sale on a
victory at Jagdalak in September 1842 and the release of his wife,
daughter and grandchild; another communicating a pension of £500 to
Lady Sale (17 Oct 1843) and a further letter informing him of his
G.C.B., ; a famous print of Lady Sale during the retreat; 1842
letter from Sir Jasper Nicholls, commander-in-Chief in India
congratulating Sale on the sortie from Jelalabad and the defeat of
Akbar Khan's forces, signed letter (7 Feb 1844) from Sir Charles
Napier, Governor of Sind from Karachi apologising for
countermanding an order (with witty illustration) and another (17
March 1844) stating "I read her Ladyship's book. By the Lord Sir
William, General Shelton and Elphinstone are nice fellows for
(hanging)...I only wish that she had commanded"; Sale's record of
service in his own hand, written in 1839; further letters from the
future Lord Raglan etc. and a letter from Windsor Castle giving
permission to Lady Sale for her book (A Journal of the Disasters in
Afghanistan, 1841–42) to be dedicated to Queen Victoria. A unique
and historic assembly
1st Afghan War / General Robert Sale 1835 (Aug 19): ...más
1st Afghan War / General Robert Sale 1835 (Aug 19): Soldier's
concessionary rate letter from a Private in His Majesty's 13th
Light Infantry at Agra addressed to another soldier in H.M's 31st
Regiment at Kurnaul, struck on reverse with heavy impression of
framed "AGRA / FREE" handstamp in black. The letter is
countersigned by his Commanding Officer at lower left "W. Sale,
Lieut. Col.". Full transcript accompanies the lot. Displays well,
believed to be the sole known example of this handstamp.
Provenance: Spink, London, 4 June 2008, lot 183
1st Afghan War / Army of the Indus 1839 (Aug 5): Entire ...más
1st Afghan War / Army of the Indus 1839 (Aug 5): Entire letter
written by Captain James Parsons at Camp Moorghiri, before Kabul to
London and readdressed, with wonderful content (see below),
endorsed "Post paid" at top (15 annas), carried from Kabul via the
Khyber Pass and from thence on the "Berenice" to London, struck
with oval "INDIA" in red, struck with superb strike of "BRITISH
1/10d. / FOREIGN 1/8d." with rates in manuscript and London arrival
(Oct 30) in both black and in red. Readdressed to Bawtry, Yorkshire
with further charge of 10 d. to pay on arrival. The entire with
erasures on obverse due to readdressing but a fine and extremely
early entire with full transcript from a soldier present at the
famous Battle of Ghazni; sold together with a February 1839 entire
sent as an enclosure from Capt. R.R. Gillespie of the 4th Dragoons
- this recounting how "we hope to be in the far famed Bolan Pass in
13 days and in 20 days after at Kandahar". A very rare pair. Note:
Part of full transcript from Camp Moorghiri letter: "We arrived at
Ghuznee which we found to be well fortified...upwards of 2'500 men
determined to oppose us...on the 23rd (July) we blew open one of
the Gates, stormed and carried the place. Our loss was trifling
compared to what might have been expected...only 17 men killed and
165 wounded...I was among the latter, I received a ball to my lower
jaw but it was cut out...Dost Mohammed (the usurper of the throne
of Cabul) has fled and abandoned 25 of his Guns...we enter Cabul
tomorrow..."
1st Afghan War / Occupation of Kabul 1839 (Sept 15): Entire ...más
1st Afghan War / Occupation of Kabul 1839 (Sept 15): Entire letter
from James Atkinson (1780-1852) Surgeon with the Army, written from
Bala Hissar, Kabul via the Khyber Pass to J.H. Maddock, Official
Sec. to the Governnor General of India at Simla, endorsed "B /"
(Bearing) at top, without postal markings and endorsed on reverse
at 6 annas to pay. A confident letter: "Now that Afghanistan is
conquered...This is a delicious climate and would be a fine country
if man was still not a monster in this self incarcerated state, a
few years of good government and regular payments to the Afghan
forces, like ours, will do wonders". Provenance: Cavendish, Derby,
23 Oct 2002, lot 4135
1st Afghan War / Occupation of Kandahar 1840 (July 26): Entire
letter ...más 1st Afghan War / Occupation of Kandahar 1840 (July 26): Entire letter written by Lt. R.A. Trotter of 43rd Bengal N.I. from Kandahar to Patna and endorsed "Candahar" on reverse, endorsed at top "10 annas Bg" (Bearing) as pre-payment was not possible, struck on reverse with framed "PATNA / August 29 / Bearing 10 as." manuscript filled datestamp in brownish ink. Fascinating letter (transcript accompanies the lot) "the heat was dreadful during the day, thermometer never under 100⁰ and ....as high as 112⁰...as for the stuff one reads in the papers about leaving Shah Souojah to take care of himself with his contingent, the very idea is perfectly absurd and it is the opinion of almost every man in Afghanistan that were such a thing to take place, Shah Soojah or "Our King" as MacNaghten calls him, would be back in Loodianah before the Regulars. He is detested by the people and the best thing not only for us but this country would be his death....". The writer goes on to worry about the Dooranee chiefs and the Baluchi's attacking the rear at Quetta and also includes a fine pencil drawing of the writer (aged 26) in Kandahar. A fascinating and historic entire. Provenance: R.A. Siegel, New York, 30 Oct 1996, lot 2473
1st Afghan War / Occupation of Kandahar 1840 (Aug 20): Entire
letter ...más 1st Afghan War / Occupation of Kandahar 1840 (Aug 20): Entire letter written by Lt. R.A. Trotter of 43rd Bengal N.I. from Mehi Mundul, some 50 miles south of Kandahar on the way to Quetta to Patna; endorsed "via Cabul" at top and further endorsed "Bg 10 as." in manuscript, struck on reverse with framed "PATNA / October 8 / Bearing 10 as." manuscript filled datestamp in brownish ink. Fascinating contents (transcript with the lot) concerning the force returning to face the Baluchi's who had threatened Quetta: "we left Candahar on the evening of the 13th (Aug)...with orders to make Quetta in 12 marches without a halt...we have again to cross the Kojuck Pass - worse than all. If the Belooches will only wait till we get to Quettah our own force, with what is present there, ought to give about 8'000 of them as pretty a thrashing as one can imagine...". Provenance: R.A. Siegel, New York, 30 Oct 1996, lot 2260
1st Afghan War - Kohistan Campaign 1840 (Oct 8): Entire ...más
1st Afghan War - Kohistan Campaign 1840 (Oct 8): Entire letter
written by Major-General Sir Robert Sale (1782-1845), commanding
1st. Infantry Brigade to his wife, Lady Sale in Kabul, written at
Charekhar, Kohistan. The entire without postal markings and carried
by horse courier back to Kabul with contents "Your news of the
Dost, if it proves true, will settle a great deal of great feeling
in this country. You will be glad to hear that Sir William
(MacNaghten) says I am to keep the sword...". A rare letter.
Provenance: Collection Gerald Sattin, Harmers, London, 19 May 1992,
ex lot 1813; collection Horst Dietrich, DF, Geneva, 17 Nov 2003,
lot 10009
1st Afghan War 1840 (Oct 17): Entire letter from Capt. Gillespie ...más
1st Afghan War 1840 (Oct 17): Entire letter from Capt. Gillespie of
the Bombay Division who had left Afghanistan via Kandahar in
September, written at Bangalore to his wife in London, endorsed
"Per Steamer Victoria", with faint oval "INDIA" in red and fine
strike of framed "FORWARDED / BY / REMINGTON" in black, with London
arrival on reverse (Dec 13) in red. Closed repairable tear in face
panel but a scarce and attractive entire. Provenance: Christie's,
London, 2 June 1999, lot 154
1st Afghan War 1841 (Jan): Large part entire letter from Capt.
James ...más 1st Afghan War 1841 (Jan): Large part entire letter from Capt. James D. Douglas of the 53rd. Native Infantry, to London and thence to his father, High Commissioner in Corfu, Ionian islands; endorsed "By Steamer via Bombay", struck with good strike of first "AFFGHANISTAN / PAID" handstamp in red applied in Kabul, with oval red "INDIA" and carried on the "Berenice" (Feb 1) to London (March 11, 1841). Struck with "T.P. / Piccadilly" in black and re-mailed to Corfu with "1s." rate prepaid in red manuscript. Contents (with the lot) refer to a recent action "Sir Robert Sale failed in a hurried attack on a contemptible mud fort and in the very last affair with the enemy two squadrons of our Cavalry, native, behaved in the most disgraceful manner. They were nobly led by their British Officers but they hung back at the crucial moment and suffered as they deserved. The conduct of the Officers is the admiration of all. ..I have been presented with the Dooranee Order of the 3 Class". This unfortunately was Douglas's last letter, he was killed in action against Sangu Khel Shinwaris on February 25, 1841. Provenance: Christie's, London, 2 June 1999, lot 2
1st Afghan War 1841 (May 2): Entire written from Kabul to ...más
1st Afghan War 1841 (May 2): Entire written from Kabul to London
written by Major-General William Elphinstone to his daughter in
London, endorsed "via Marseilles" and dated at top, struck on
reverse with typically weak strike of "AFFGHANISTAN / PAID" in red
applied alongside the the General's personal seal in violet and
gold. Struck with oval "INDIA" in red, the cover was carried by the
steamer "Cleopatra" leaving Bombay on June 19, with London arrival
cds (Aug 2) in red and charged "2/8d." to pay. Contents "I have
this moment heard that the last safe date for this Mail has
passed...". Transcript with the lot, small imperfections but rare.
Note: Elphinstone (1782-1842) fought gallantly at Waterloo in
command of the 33rd Regiment of Foot. He was appointed to the
command of the Army of the Indus in December 1840. General Nott,
who had been passed over for the command, described General
Elphinstone "as the most incompetent soldier to be found among
those of requisite rank". An opinion that would soon be confirmed
to be true, with his force destroyed leaving Kabul. He died as a
captive of the Afghan forces on 23 April 1842 and is buried in
Jelalabad. Provenance: Collection Derek Hammond Giles, Spink,
London, 25 Oct 2000, lot 601
1st Afghan War 1841 (May 13): Soldier's concessionary rate ...más
1st Afghan War 1841 (May 13): Soldier's concessionary rate entire
letter from Kabul to County Galway, Ireland, with full endorsement
"From Sergt. Major E. Quinlivan, Mountain Train Artillery, Shah
Soojah's Force" at top and countersigned by his Captain at lower
left, sent unpaid and charged "2" pence due upon delivery with oval
"INDIA" in red on reverse with London and Dublin transits and
Galway arrival cds (Aug 3) in black. Full description of the
Sergeant Major's dress uniform discussed in the letter and a full
transcript accompanies the lot. A rare and attractive entire.
Provenance: Collection Gerald Sattin, Spink, London, 4 June 2008,
lot 110
1st Afghan War 1841 (May 25): Entire letter from Gandamak ...más
1st Afghan War 1841 (May 25): Entire letter from Gandamak from
Assistant Surgeon John Campbell Brown to Dunse, Scotland endorsed
"per Steamer", the entire struck on reverse with typically weak
framed "L.P.O." handstamp (Loodiana Parcel Office) in magenta ink -
one of just three such recorded in this colour - alongside
manuscript "Paid 12 annas" and London transit cds (Aug 2) in red.
Obverse with oval "INDIA" in red and rated "3/6d." to pay on
arrival with Dunse datestamp in black adjacent. The contents
mention the Jelalabad Troops passing through Gandamak on their way
to Kabul. A fine and very rare entire. Provenance: Collection Horst
Dietrich, DF, Geneva, 17 Nov 2003, lot 10017
1st Afghan War 1841 (June 27): Entire letter from Kabul to ...más
1st Afghan War 1841 (June 27): Entire letter from Kabul to Capt.
Smythe of the Bengal Engineers at Kishengarh, India written by
Surgeon Francis R. Metcalfe of the 5th Bengal N.I., with the
earlier of the two known strikes of the "AFFGHANISTAN / B"
(Bearing) handstamp in black, with transit of framed "L.P.O."
handstamp (Loodiana Parcel Office) in magenta ink - one of just
three such recorded in this colour - superbly struck and annotated
at 14 annas to pay. A fine and extremly rare entire for the
connoisseur. Note: Dr. Metcalfe entered Kabul with General
Elphinstone in April 1841 "it was then a lovely place...fresh and
green and blooming, now all is dry and burnt". Dr. Metcalfe was
killed at the Battle of Gandamak on 13 January 1842 during the
disastrous retreat from Kabul. Provenance: Collection Horst
Dietrich, DF, Geneva, 17 Nov 2003, lot 10019
1st Afghan War 1841 (July 28): Large part entire letter at ...más
1st Afghan War 1841 (July 28): Large part entire letter at Military
concession rate from Kabul to Arbroath, Scotland endorsed "From
Sergeant John Anderson, Bengal Comm(isariat) Dept. / Soldiers
Letter" and correctly countersigned by his senior Officer at lower
left, struck with oval "INDIA" in red and handstruck "2" (pence) to
pay upon arrival. Stained and internal faults with one flap missing
but content noted "This country is still in a very unsettled state,
people getting daily killed. Murder is in fact nothing thought of"
1st Afghan War 1841 (Aug 3): Large part entire letter from ...más
1st Afghan War 1841 (Aug 3): Large part entire letter from Kabul
written by General William Elphinstone (his personal seal is on
reverse flap in blue & gold), to Scotland and endorsed with date
and "via Marseilles" at top, struck with typically watery
"AFFGHANISTAN / PAID" in red, unusually with date "3 August 41" and
rate "12 annas" filled in manuscript. Some parts of the content are
missing but noted "...with a knife, he was seized and taken before
Prince Timur, the King's son, who on hearing the particulars of the
case ordered the offender to be immediately blown from a gun, which
was done". Oval "INDIA" in red and London (Oct 8) cds, Edinburgh
and Crieff datestamps on reverse. Displays well, a historic and
rare cover. Note: General William Elphinstone (1782-1842) was in
command of the Kabul garrison and it should be said, author of both
his and the British forces' downfall in Afghanistan. His entire
command (over 4'500 men, plus many thousands of Camp followers)
were massacred during the British retreat from Kabul during January
1842. He was taken prisoner on the disastrous retreat from Kabul
and was killed whilst in captivity on 23 April 1842. Provenance:
Collection Derek Hammond Giles, Spink, London, 25 Oct 2000, lot 601
1st Afghan War 1841 (Oct 1): Entire letter from Camp at ...más
1st Afghan War 1841 (Oct 1): Entire letter from Camp at Ghuznee
(Ghazni) to Lisburn, Ireland endorsed "paid 12 annas" in
manuscript, mailed via Kabul and the Khyber Pass (rather than
Kandahar and Quetta) - the Pass was closed to dawks from early
October 1841 and this rather battered entire was probably the last
to exit on this route (indeed there is a manuscript note probably
written in Bombay - "received on the 9th November"). Struck with
oval "INDIA" in red with Lisburn arrival in black adjacent (Jan 21,
1842). Extraordinary content: "What do you think of the following
piece of policy of Sir W. MacNaghten at Cabul; Dr. Lord, a
political agent in this country was murdered by an Afghan some
months ago. The murderer was caught, but Sir. W. M., having
discovered that, according to the Mohammedan religion, it was
considered lawful for the man to kill one whom he considered an
Infidel, let him off scot free, a good lesson to other Afghans to
murder Europeans...". Provenance: Cavendish, Derby, 23 Oct 2002,
lot 4138
1st Afghan War 1841 (Nov 4): Entire letter from Gandamak ...más
1st Afghan War 1841 (Nov 4): Entire letter from Gandamak Camp,
written by Lt. Edward Boileau, 35th Bengal N.I. (attached to
General sale's Brigade) to London and readdressed, endorsed
"Overland Mail via Falmouth" at top and further endorsed "Paid 12
annas" for rate from Loodiana to Bombay, thence carried on the East
India Co. steamer "Victoria" (Dec 1) with oval "INDIA" in red and
arriving in London on 18 January 1842. After heavy fighting Sale's
brigade reached Gandamak on 29 Oct, with news of the Kabul uprising
received on 10 November 1841. Contents record the beginning of the
end - "on the 22nd ultimo we had to storm the heights of Tezeen,
which was well done...your brother was wounded severely...we have
had hard fighting lately our Regt. 35th has suffered severely with
2 officers killed, 2 wounded and 107 killed and wounded...we are
now on our return to Hindoostan after 3 years campaigning...".
Minor edge wear but rare. Provenance: Collection Horst Dietrich,
DF, Geneva, 17 Nov 2003, lot 10021; Lugdunum, Lyons, 9 March 2004,
lot 402
1st Afghan War 1841 (Dec 14): Entire letter from Jelalabad ...más
1st Afghan War 1841 (Dec 14): Entire letter from Jelalabad to
Lucknow, written by Capt. (later Major-General Sir Henry) Havelock,
of the 13th Light Infantry, sent prepaid with manuscript "Paid 12
as." at top, and struck with framed "L.P.O." in brownish ink
(Loodiana Parcel Office) and framed "LOODIANA / Paid" handstamp in
red. Contents: "Sir A. Burnes was assassinated with all our
adherents in Cabool...Sir R. Sale's force to which I was
temporarily attached, with General E(lphinstone's) sanction, fought
its way inch by inch to Gandamak and on the news of the general
outbreak returned to this place". File folds and flap tear but very
rare. Provenance: Collection Dr. Soli F. Contractor, Spink, London,
16 Dec 1999, lot 314
1st Afghan War - Siege of Jelalabad 1841 (Dec 27): Entire letter
from ...más 1st Afghan War - Siege of Jelalabad 1841 (Dec 27): Entire letter from Jelalabad from Asst. Surgeon John Campbell Brown to Dunse, Scotland endorsed "Per Steamer via Falmouth" and "P.P. 12 annas" in manuscript, reverse with framed "L.P.O." in black (Loodiana Parcel Office) and framed LOODIANA handstamp in magenta, struck with oval "INDIA" in red and Dunse arrival in black (March 17). Contents "our communication with India have been cut off....there is no certainty of our contriving to leave as the country between us and the Khyber Pass is still nervous...the troops at Cabul have been beseiged since the 2nd of last month...fighting day and night...we hear that Gen. Elphinstone talks of capitulating but that the Envoy will not listen to it. Elphinstone by all accounts is an old fool...". A fine entire: sent on the last Dawk to travel through the Khyber Pass - thus this letter (transcript enclosed) gives the last contemporary report of the events unfolding in Kabul. Note: General Sale had been ordered to wait at Gandamak but when a messenger from MacNaghten reached there from Kabul on Nov. 10 saying that Burnes had been assassinated and Kabul was in revolt he ignored Elphinstone's order to march to Kabul and instead withdrew, through heavy skirmishing, to Jelalabad. Provenance: Collection Horst Dietrich, DF, Geneva, 17 Nov 2003, ex lot 10017
1st Afghan War - Army of Retribution 1842 (Feb 10): Entire ...más
1st Afghan War - Army of Retribution 1842 (Feb 10): Entire letter
from Lieut. Willis Atty of the 31st. Regiment to his aunt Lady
Baring Gould in Barnet, Herts., written between Meerut and Kurnaul
at Camp Chamlee, mailed prepaid to Bombay with boxed and manuscript
dated "KURNAUL / Paid" in red, endorsed "Prepaid" and "via
Falmouth", with oval "INDIA" in red, thence on Steamer "Victoria"
from Bombay with London arrival (April 11) in red on reverse. Fine
content (full transcript with the lot) regarding the War: "we
expect to march to Kabul....to revenge the death of the whole of
the 44th Regt. which has been cut to pieces by the Afghans. We made
a treaty with our enemy to lay down our arms and quit Cabul which
the 44th hand no sooner done than a proclamation was issued by the
Chief of the Afghans to kill and destroy the whole of our
force...they have likewise murdered all the ladies, sick and
hostages...my best thanks for the kind present of £50". Scarce
cover with fine content. Provenance: Collection Derek Hammond
Giles, Spink, London, 25 Oct 2000, lot 602
1st Afghan War 1842 (Feb 15): Entire letter from Capt. Gillespie ...más
1st Afghan War 1842 (Feb 15): Entire letter from Capt. Gillespie at
Poonmullee, India to Camberwell, endorsed "Post Paid to Bombay" and
"Per Steamer via Falmouth", with fine framed "MADRAS / Paid" in red
and "10 as." rate in manuscript, oval "INDIA" in red and London
arrivals (April 10) in red all displaying well on flap. Fascinating
content as news of the fall of Kabul had just reached India "the
recent disaster of our arms in Caboul and the murder of our Envoy
Sir William MacNaghten....our troops after a glorious defence of
six weeks in their entrenched position began to feel the severity
of the winter...and the want of provision...compelled Sir William
MacNaghten to enter into a conversation with Mohammed Ahbar Khan
son of Dost Mohammed the late reigning monarch by which our Troops
were to evacuate the capital...In the course of negotiation
Mohammed Akhbar Khan appears to have fallen under suspicion with
his confederates as being too kindly disposed towards the English,
to free himself of suspicion he adopted the desperate course of
himself murdering our Envoy...". Small imperfections but a splendid
and historic letter continuing for four pages. Provenance:
Christie's, London, 2 June 1999, lot 154
1st Afghan War - The Army of Retribution 1842 (March 31 and April
2): ...más 1st Afghan War - The Army of Retribution 1842 (March 31 and April 2): Entire letters (2) both sent from Jamrud Fort unpaid to Calcutta, the earlier entire struck with "L.P.O." (Loodianah Parcel Office) and framed "LOODIANA / Bearing" handstamp in black (rated as triple letter at 1 r. 5 annas) with content "We are now close to the Khyber which is not to be fought for but purchased...I do not believe the Afghans will meet us on the plains of Jelalabad and they say we are not to go to Caboul this season..."; second entire from Jamrud Fort from Capt. Willam Darby, First Field Surgeon, with framed "FEROZEPORE / Bearing" handstamp in black, rated at 14 annas and dated April 10th in manuscript, states the opposite "I believe we are to force the Pass tomorrow...the Hills are studded with the enemy...". This last with complete transcription of General Pollock's orders with list of Forces and how the force, and Officers commanding shall proceed through the Pass (mentions Capt. Riddell as leading three companies of the 60th Native Infantry). A fine and historic pair. Provenance: Cover via Loodianah, collection Dr. Soli F. Contractor, Spink, London, 25 Oct 2000, lot 604
1st Afghan War - The Army of Retribution 1842 (April 24): ...más
1st Afghan War - The Army of Retribution 1842 (April 24): Soldier's
concessionary rate letter from a private in the 31st Regiment,
written from Peshawar preparing to leave for Kabul, to Reading,
Berks., endorsed "From Thos. Knight, Pte. in 31st. Regiment" and
countersigned by the Major commanding; with oval "INDIA" in red and
handstruck "2" (pence) to pay upon receipt. Fascinating contents
"General Sale of the 13th Regiment with his brigade who have been
beseiged at Jelalabad these four months had an engagement with
Ack-Bar-Khan and his Army, who was the chief of the insurgents, and
Gen. Sale completely routed them with great slaughter and took all
their stores, ammunition and four large guns. Our Arms was only
1'600 and the enemy 15'000...". Despite faults, a rare and most
interesting cover from a very literate Private. Provenance:
Collection Dr. Soli F. Contractor, Spink, London, 25 Oct 2000, lot
205
1st Afghan War - to Lady Sale in captivity 1842 (May 10): ...más
1st Afghan War - to Lady Sale in captivity 1842 (May 10): Entire
letter from General Sale in Jelalabad to his wife, Lady Sale in
captivity at Zanduh, 10 miles South of Tezeen under Mohammed Akhbar
Khan, without postal markings as carried under Flag of Truce by
Capt. Colin Mackenzie. Contents state "I was disappointed at not
getting a note from you by McKenzie but as your forts are far
asunder it was hardly to be expected...I have received many letters
from all our children in the provinces...". On the reverse in faint
pencil, are notes for a pattern: "a pyjama about a yard long". The
measurements are in fingers so it was probably written whilst Lady
Sale was in captivity. Lady Sale had been taken hostage on the
retreat from Kabul, the hostages were eventually released on 20
September 1842 on the approach of General Pollock's Army. Historic
and very rare. Provenance: Collection Gerald Sattin, Harmers,
London, 18-20 May 1997, ex lot 1813; collection Horst Dietrich, DF,
Geneva, 17 Nov 2003, lot 10022
1st Afghan War 1842 (June 11): Soldier's concessionary rate ...más
1st Afghan War 1842 (June 11): Soldier's concessionary rate entire
mailed unpaid from Camp at Jelalabad endorsed from Cpl. James
MacKinley, Her Majesty's 3rd Light Dragoons, to Scotland,
countersigned at lower left by his Commanding Officer; struck with
oval "INDIA" in red and handstruck "2" in black to pay upon
arrival. Reverse with London cds in red (Sept 9) and Glasgow
arrival in black (Sept 10). Interesting content: "4'000 Sycks
(Sikhs) arrived here this morning to take charge of the Fort of
Jelalabad these Sycks belong to the King of Lahore, he has been
very kind to our Army...the Sycks have brought plenty of
stores...grog, ammunition, shot and shell...our men are all anguish
to be on the move...to have Revenge for the Massacre of the 44th
Regt. of Foot, I suppose you have heard of the massacre of our Army
in Afghanistan there was 10'000 killed in November last, through
downright treachery and some neglect of the General in command...".
Somewhat grimy but rare
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1 ...más 1st Afghan War 1840/43: Covers/entire letters (4) with the earliest 1 April 1840 from Bombay with content regarding Ghazni "(the Chaplain) used to bury three or four every day and during the Cholera four or five at a time...", sent per "Victoria" and readdressed on arrival (May 3); 1843 entire letter regarding a missing soldier believed to have been murdered in Karachi; 1843 prepaid cover and contents from Lord Auckland in Hounslow, England to Calcutta regarding the withdrawal (from Afghanistan); and a 28 April 1843 somewhat soiled but very rare Soldier's concessionary rate entire letter from Meerut to Bath showing the problems of communication: "I only receieved your letter of 18 Sept 1842 a few day ago....for it was impasable to get a letter safe into Afghanistan...I was three days in that murdering place the Khyber Pass...surrounded by enemy but thank God I escaped without a wound while hundreds fell around me..we succeeded in rescuing the whole of the Prisoners from their hands then we burnt and destroyed every town and fort in their country..". An interesting group
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letter ...más 1st Afghan War / Occupation of Kandahar 1840 (July 26): Entire letter written by Lt. R.A. Trotter of 43rd Bengal N.I. from Kandahar to Patna and endorsed "Candahar" on reverse, endorsed at top "10 annas Bg" (Bearing) as pre-payment was not possible, struck on reverse with framed "PATNA / August 29 / Bearing 10 as." manuscript filled datestamp in brownish ink. Fascinating letter (transcript accompanies the lot) "the heat was dreadful during the day, thermometer never under 100⁰ and ....as high as 112⁰...as for the stuff one reads in the papers about leaving Shah Souojah to take care of himself with his contingent, the very idea is perfectly absurd and it is the opinion of almost every man in Afghanistan that were such a thing to take place, Shah Soojah or "Our King" as MacNaghten calls him, would be back in Loodianah before the Regulars. He is detested by the people and the best thing not only for us but this country would be his death....". The writer goes on to worry about the Dooranee chiefs and the Baluchi's attacking the rear at Quetta and also includes a fine pencil drawing of the writer (aged 26) in Kandahar. A fascinating and historic entire. Provenance: R.A. Siegel, New York, 30 Oct 1996, lot 2473
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letter ...más 1st Afghan War / Occupation of Kandahar 1840 (Aug 20): Entire letter written by Lt. R.A. Trotter of 43rd Bengal N.I. from Mehi Mundul, some 50 miles south of Kandahar on the way to Quetta to Patna; endorsed "via Cabul" at top and further endorsed "Bg 10 as." in manuscript, struck on reverse with framed "PATNA / October 8 / Bearing 10 as." manuscript filled datestamp in brownish ink. Fascinating contents (transcript with the lot) concerning the force returning to face the Baluchi's who had threatened Quetta: "we left Candahar on the evening of the 13th (Aug)...with orders to make Quetta in 12 marches without a halt...we have again to cross the Kojuck Pass - worse than all. If the Belooches will only wait till we get to Quettah our own force, with what is present there, ought to give about 8'000 of them as pretty a thrashing as one can imagine...". Provenance: R.A. Siegel, New York, 30 Oct 1996, lot 2260
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James ...más 1st Afghan War 1841 (Jan): Large part entire letter from Capt. James D. Douglas of the 53rd. Native Infantry, to London and thence to his father, High Commissioner in Corfu, Ionian islands; endorsed "By Steamer via Bombay", struck with good strike of first "AFFGHANISTAN / PAID" handstamp in red applied in Kabul, with oval red "INDIA" and carried on the "Berenice" (Feb 1) to London (March 11, 1841). Struck with "T.P. / Piccadilly" in black and re-mailed to Corfu with "1s." rate prepaid in red manuscript. Contents (with the lot) refer to a recent action "Sir Robert Sale failed in a hurried attack on a contemptible mud fort and in the very last affair with the enemy two squadrons of our Cavalry, native, behaved in the most disgraceful manner. They were nobly led by their British Officers but they hung back at the crucial moment and suffered as they deserved. The conduct of the Officers is the admiration of all. ..I have been presented with the Dooranee Order of the 3 Class". This unfortunately was Douglas's last letter, he was killed in action against Sangu Khel Shinwaris on February 25, 1841. Provenance: Christie's, London, 2 June 1999, lot 2
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from ...más 1st Afghan War - Siege of Jelalabad 1841 (Dec 27): Entire letter from Jelalabad from Asst. Surgeon John Campbell Brown to Dunse, Scotland endorsed "Per Steamer via Falmouth" and "P.P. 12 annas" in manuscript, reverse with framed "L.P.O." in black (Loodiana Parcel Office) and framed LOODIANA handstamp in magenta, struck with oval "INDIA" in red and Dunse arrival in black (March 17). Contents "our communication with India have been cut off....there is no certainty of our contriving to leave as the country between us and the Khyber Pass is still nervous...the troops at Cabul have been beseiged since the 2nd of last month...fighting day and night...we hear that Gen. Elphinstone talks of capitulating but that the Envoy will not listen to it. Elphinstone by all accounts is an old fool...". A fine entire: sent on the last Dawk to travel through the Khyber Pass - thus this letter (transcript enclosed) gives the last contemporary report of the events unfolding in Kabul. Note: General Sale had been ordered to wait at Gandamak but when a messenger from MacNaghten reached there from Kabul on Nov. 10 saying that Burnes had been assassinated and Kabul was in revolt he ignored Elphinstone's order to march to Kabul and instead withdrew, through heavy skirmishing, to Jelalabad. Provenance: Collection Horst Dietrich, DF, Geneva, 17 Nov 2003, ex lot 10017
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2): ...más 1st Afghan War - The Army of Retribution 1842 (March 31 and April 2): Entire letters (2) both sent from Jamrud Fort unpaid to Calcutta, the earlier entire struck with "L.P.O." (Loodianah Parcel Office) and framed "LOODIANA / Bearing" handstamp in black (rated as triple letter at 1 r. 5 annas) with content "We are now close to the Khyber which is not to be fought for but purchased...I do not believe the Afghans will meet us on the plains of Jelalabad and they say we are not to go to Caboul this season..."; second entire from Jamrud Fort from Capt. Willam Darby, First Field Surgeon, with framed "FEROZEPORE / Bearing" handstamp in black, rated at 14 annas and dated April 10th in manuscript, states the opposite "I believe we are to force the Pass tomorrow...the Hills are studded with the enemy...". This last with complete transcription of General Pollock's orders with list of Forces and how the force, and Officers commanding shall proceed through the Pass (mentions Capt. Riddell as leading three companies of the 60th Native Infantry). A fine and historic pair. Provenance: Cover via Loodianah, collection Dr. Soli F. Contractor, Spink, London, 25 Oct 2000, lot 604
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