1853 (Jul. 10) Belgaum, India to West Winsted, Conn., folded soldier's letter with "Soldier's Letter" endorsement, red "Belgaum Free, 1853 July 12" and Bombay "India" oval handstamps, letter carried by East India steamer Semiramis II to Aden and P&O steamers Bentinck and Ripon to Suez and Southampton, London (9.2) backstamp with large "2" pence due handstamp updated in manuscript "4" cents G.B. debit to U.S., carried by Cunard Line Niagara from Liverpool Sep. 3 to Boston arriving Sep. 15, "Boston Br. Pkt." exchange datestamp and "9" due rating for 4¢ plus 5¢ inland due rating; some edgewear and slight toning, Fine, one of only four recorded examples of this scarce concessionary rate to the U.S. Estimate  $1,000 - 1,500. Unpaid soldier's letter from Private Jeremiah Ryan, 2nd company, 2nd Regiment, Bombay European Light infantry station at Camp Belgaum, India. Letter entitled to British military concessionary rate with appropriate endorsement and signature of company officer, Major John S. Ramsey. London marked 2d due, the unpaid concessionary rate to the U.K. and passed this on as 4¢ debit to U.S. Boston added 5¢ for U.S. inland fees and marked the letter for 9¢ postage due using the 6¢ rate handstamp upside down. This was the only way an unpaid letter could be sent from India to the U.S. for only 9¢. $0 (Image)