The John Minns East Africa: German Post Office in Lamu: Rare early incoming envelope addressed to Gustav Denhardt at "Lamu/East Coast of Africa/First Station between Aden and Zanzibar", sent "via Brindisi" from Grafengehaig, Bavaria Nov. 30 1888 franked 10pf. (2) and showing on reverse Munich transit and receiving datestamp "LAMU/OSTAFRIKA/ 16/1/89". Ex Fischer and 'signed' Mansfeld. In 1885 the brothers Denhardt negotiated a treaty with Ahmed ibn Fumo Bakar, Sultan of Witu, under the terms of which 25 square miles of territory were ceded to the brothers' "Tana Company", the remainder of the area becoming the German Protectorate of Wituland (Deutsch-Witu) with Gustav as the German Resident and his brother as deputy. On July 1 1890, in accord with the Heligoland--Zanzibar Treaty, Germany renounced its protectorate, ceding Wituland to Great Britain in exchange for Heligoland, despite strong protests from the local inhabitants, who wished to remain under Germany's protection. The brothers were compensated by an indemnity of 150,000 Goldmark but were lucky to escape from an angry mob and both later died back in Germany. A German postal agency opened at Lamu on Nov. 22 1888 and continued in operation until Mar. 31 1891. Photo. (Image1)