Ireland. 1800-01 Entire letters sent from Jane Fraser (using the nom de plume "John Sinclair") in Tuam to her cousin Ann Campbell (using the nom de plume "Donald Davidson" or "John Robertson") in Scotland all endorsed "A soldiers letter, paid 1 penny" and signed by the senders father Lt. Col. James Fraser of the Fraser Fencible Regt, all accepted at the 1d soldiers rate, a saving of 2/- postage on each letter. Also the book "His Majesty's Fraser Fencible Regiment of Foot 1794-1802" by Firebrace & Rawlings which details fourteen letters (including these three) from this correspondence, all deliberately sent as soldiers letters to defraud the Post Office. A remarkable series of letters showing a deliberate, prolonged and successful abuse of the 1d soldier's concession rate. The Fraser's Fencibles were formed in 1794 for home defence only, and disbanded in 1802; in 1798 they fought French and Irish forces at Castlebar. (3 + book). Photo on Page 46. (Image1)

1820 Entire letter from Woolwich to Edinburgh prepaid at the 1d soldiers rate, headed "From Serjeant R. Learmouth 1st Batt. Royal Artillery" and countersigned by an Officer, with "WOOLWICH EO / 1py P. Paid". The letter includes "excuse the manner in which I have addressed you on the outside as I have done it for the purpose of getting this franked to save postage, and when you send me a single letter have the goodness to put a penny into the Post Office along with it". The 1py P. Paid handstamp of the London Local Post is only found on soldier's letters prior to 1840.

1850 (August) Post Office Notice No. 28 authorising the use of postage stamps on letters from seamen employed on H.M Ships on foreign stations sent to G.B in bags made up on H.M Ships. Such letters to be franked 1d each unless carried by private ships when they will be charged a further 2d unless prepaid with the additional 2d in stamps. Also 1806 London Gazette containing a P.O Notice on 1d soldiers and seamans letters. A scarce notice on the seamens 1d concession rate, 390x255mm. (2).