1735 (Oct. 29) Louisbourg, French Nova Scotia to Rochefort, France. Folded letter datelined "louis bourg, le 29 octobre 1735" carried by French ship to France, entered mails with "ROCHEFORT" straightline and manuscript "6" sols due rating, Very Fine and choice.
Estimate; $15,000 - 20,000.

THE EARLIEST RECORDED LETTER FROM FRENCH NOVA SCOTIA, AND THE EARLIEST RECORDED FROM ALL OF NEW FRANCE.

Steinhart notes the earliest letter from French Nova Scotia for 1755 and the earliest cover with a postmark from all of New France as 1749. This usage is by far the earliest.

In 1745, New Englanders attacked Louisbourg and with the help of the British Fleet and four warships under the command of Commodore Warren Louisbourg surrendered on 17th June 1745. It was again given back to France in the peace of Aachen on October 18th 1748. Est. $15,000-20,000 (Image)

Est. $15,000-20,000

"A Regimental Court Martial in Sr. Wm. Pepperrells Regiment, Louisbourg, May 23rd 1748". Letter describing court martial signed by Capt. Wooster as President concerning "Robert White of Capt. Woosters Compy confin'd by Sergt. Hotchkiss for Striking and abusing him" and goes on in detail concerning the event and a second "Corpl. Morrison of Capt. Boyles Compy confin'd by the Governors Order for disobedience of Orders, both were found guilty and given 50 and 100 lashes respectively; file folds, Very Fine.
Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.

William Pepperrell was one of several people who proposed an expedition against the French Fortress of Louisbourg. He gathered volunteers, financed and trained the land forces in that campaign. When they sailed in April 1745, he was commander-in-chief, supported by a British naval squadron under Captain Peter Warren, appointed Commodore on a temporary basis. They besieged Louisbourg, then the strongest coastal fortification in North America and captured it on June 16th after a six-week siege. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)

Est. $2,000-3,000

1751 (Feb. 12) Annapolis Royal N.S. to Boston Mass. Datelined folded letter to Thomas Hancock carried privately by ship, sender was merchants Daniel and George Dyson promising prompt payment after "many disappointments" to Hancock, the famous Boston merchant whose nephew was founding father John Hancock, Very Fine, ex-Steinhart, Rathbun.
Estimate; $2,000 - 3,000.

THE SECOND EARLIEST LETTER IN PRIVATE HANDS FROM THE BRITISH PART OF NOVA SCOTIA.

This letter was datelined "Annapolis Royal Feb. 12th 1750 / 1", the double year notations appearing before the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, moving the date eleven days ahead on September 2, 1752 (followed by Sep. 14, 1752, indicating the previous year in January to March of a subsequent year. If this letter had been written on the Gregorian calendar, the date would have read "Feb. 23, 1751". Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)

Est. $2,000-3,000

1752 (Nov. 14) Halifax, N.S. to London, England. Folded letter written by Col. Perguine T. Hopson, 2nd Governor of Nova Scotia at Halifax carried across the Atlantic by Admiralty Ship Torrington landing at Bristol, reverse with Bristol "B" postmark and manuscript "6" pence due rating, London "26/FE" Bishop mark backstamp; small edge tear, Very Fine, ex-MacDonald.
Estimate; $4,000 - 7,500.

AN IMPORTANT LETTER WRITTEN BY COL. PERGUINE T. HOPSON AS 2ND GOVERNOR OF NOVA SCOTIA AT HALIFAX.

The "Torrington" carried Cornwallis home. Hopson had commanded Louisbourg and handed it back to the French. He served for 15 months only as illness forced his return to England. He was best known for relatively fair treatment of Acadians and the settlement of Germans at Lunenburg. Hobson is perhaps best known for signing the Peace Treaty of 1752 with Mi'kmaq chief Jean-Baptiste Cope which is celebrated (along with other treaties) every year by Nova Scotians on Treaty Day. Est. $4,000-7,500 (Image)

Est. $4,000-7,500

1757 (Jul. 15) Halifax, N.S. via New York to London, England. Datelined folded letter carried as endorsed from New York by packet Harriott to Great Britain, manuscript "1N" shilling packet due rating, the letter was written by Captain James Campbell of the Squadron of Sir Charles Hardy, Governor of New York, he mentions "Admiral Holbourne with his Fleet and Transports are all arrived and we make a formidable appearance", some staining and fold splitting, Fine, Illustrated in Jephcott, Green and Young., ex-Maritimus.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

AN IMPORTANT LETTER WRITTEN BY CAPTAIN JAMES CAMPBELL DURING THE 1757 BRITISH EXPEDITION AGAINST LOUISBOURG, WHICH RESULTED IN THE 1858 FINAL BRITISH SIEGE AT LOUISBOURG.

A regular packet service to North America was established in October 1755. The first packet left Falmouth for New York on November 15th and from then on every 2nd Saturday of the month. The rate was 1 shilling and had to be prepaid from London. Mail between Halifax and New York was despatched as opportunity offered.

British preparations for the expedition against Louisbourg began March 18 to 27, with Loudon preparing 90 transport vessels in Boston, New York and Philadelphia with Sir Charles Hardy, Governor of New York commissioned as Rear-Admiral. They sailed via Sandy Hook to Halifax arriving June 30th without opposition. This letter was written while encamped at Halifax awaiting word from vessels sent to reconnoitre the harbor of Louisbourg. Holbourne's fleet arrived at Halifax on July 7th. As a result of the report, an attempt to attack Louisbourg was abandoned on August 4th 1757 as it was believed the French forces in Louisbourg were too strong. The following year, the British bombarded Louisbourg for two months and the city fell on July 27th 1758. 13,000 soldiers and the British Fleet under Admiral Boscawen had fought against the French. Est. $3,000-4,000 (Image)

Est. $3,000-4,000

1763 (Aug. 18) Groton Mass. to Annapolis Royal N.S. Datelined folded letter carried privately by ship, Oliver Prescott writes: "I should have wrote to you much oftener if I could have found a conveyance", some toning and significant edge splitting, Fine, ex-MacDonald.
Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000.

POSSIBLY THE EARLIEST CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COLONY IN PRIVATE HANDS.

Oliver Prescott (1731-1804) was a colonial-era physician, soldier and judge. The letter is addressed to Henry Evans who had led a group of 47 people from Massachusetts to settle on land in the Annapolis Valley that was vacant after the Acadians were expelled in 1755. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)

Est. $1,500-2,000

1772 (Apr. 3) Eglinton N.S. to Kellelaga, Scotland via Boston and New York. Folded letter with "Eglinton, April 3, 1772" dateline and instructions for directing a return letter to "the Windsor road 24 miles from Halifax", sent by private ship to Boston where faint magenta "BOSTON" straightline and Franklin mark struck, manuscript "To pay 10d" for mailing to New York, flap with "NEW / YORK" two-line handstamp, carried to London by New York-Falmouth packet, reverse with London "20/IY" Bishop mark and front with "IND. AND PACT./ POSTAGE" two-line handstamp and "1N10" rating, forwarded to Scotland with "In All 2N4" total due; edge wear and splits along folds reinforced with hinges, Very Fine, A rare Canadian routing through the United States to Scotland. ex-Steinhart, Siskin, Robertson.
Estimate; $7,500 - 10,000.

AN OUTSTANDING NOVA SCOTIA TO SCOTLAND CROSS-BORDER COVER THROUGH BOSTON AND NEW YORK WITH THE RARE "IND. AND PACT. POSTAGE" STRAIGHTLINE HANDSTAMP.

The letter was carried by private ship to Boston, entered the post to New York with the rating "To Pay 10d Stg" for 200-300 miles, carried to London by the Falmouth packet, London "IND. AND PACT. POSTAGE" handstamp and 1 shilling 10 pence rating for the combined British 1 shilling packet rate plus 10 pence American internal postage, forwarded to Scotland and re-rated 2 shillings 4 pence collect. One of Only a few recorded examples of this style "Ind. and Pact. Postage" handstamp and, most likely, the only cross border usage. Est. $7,500-10,000 (Image)

Est. $7,500-10,000

1787 (Aug. 15) London, England to Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Carried as ship letter by "Cap Murphy" to Halifax, reverse with "HALIFAX. N.S." boxed postmark and "OC 25" dating handstamp, front with matching rectangular "SHIP LRE" framed handstamp and manuscript "6" pence rating, probably carried by ship to Shelburne; inside docketing, Very Fine, ex-John E. Young, MacDonald, Clark.
Estimate; $1,000 - 1,500.

At Shelburne, the second Post Office in the Colony was opened on November 5th 1783. It served the largest community in British North America at the time, larger than Quebec and Montreal together. The boxed Halifax postmark was used 1786 to 1895, and the matching ship letter marking used 1788 to Mar. 20th 1820. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

1788 (Dec. 26th) Yarmouth, N.S. to North Yarmouth, Mass. Datelined folded letter originally enclosing a second letter carried privately, endorsed "pr favor of Captain Rufus Utley" at bottom right, some aging, Fine.
Estimate; $400 - 600. Est. $400-600 (Image)

Est. $400-600

1790 (May 11) Sydney N.B. to Orkney, North Britain. Datelined folded letter with "Halifax, N. Scotia, Jun 10 '90" split double circle, carried by Queen Charlotte from Halifax Jun. 16th to Falmouth arriving Jul. 2nd, flap with red London (7.6) Bishop mark and manuscript "1/-" rating on front, Edinburgh (7.6) cds transit backstamp with "1/7" 1s7d rating and finally "6" pence to Orkney Island for over 150 miles, accompanied by J. Gibson Map published in London 1792, Very Fine.
Estimate; $600 - 800.

New Brunswick was founded on August 1st 1784 to allow better administration of Loyalists that had settled there. We are not aware of any mail surviving in private hands from New Brunswick under Nova Scotia Legislation. Cape Breton became independent but was again incorporated into Nova Scotia in 1820.

A post office was opened in Sydney sometime in 1784. Thomas Uncle was made Postmaster General on June 22nd 1785. Until the re-annexation in 1820, mail was transported by coastal vessels in summer and by Indian courier in winter. A post office at Arichat operated from the early 1800s.

Halifax was added to the Falmouth packet route from September 1787. In the winter months (November to February) Halifax could not be used due to prevailing winds. Est. $600-800 (Image)

Est. $600-800

1795 (Mar. 18) British Occupied Detroit to Andover, Hants, England via Halifax. Folded letter datelined "Detroit March 18th 1795" and bearing four-line "HALIFAX/ SHIP LRE/ JUN 18/ 95" datestamp, carried by British packet Cateret to London, overinked Bishop mark on reverse and manuscript "1/1" rating crossed out and re-rated "1/5" to Andover; some internal splits along the folds, Very Fine, ex-Denton, John E. Young, Siskin, Dr. Robertson.
Estimate; $7,500 - 15,000.

A SPECTACULAR CROSS-BORDER USE FROM DETROIT, CARRIED BY INDIAN COURIER TO FORT NIAGARA, THEN TO ENGLAND VIA HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA.

This letter is from a British Army officer stationed at Detroit. The text references his destination as Fort Niagara "for the remainder of the year" and states that the letter "takes its conveyance with one of our tawny friends, an Indian who is going across the country but as he bears a tolerable good character, think it has a chance of reaching you". After reaching Fort Niagara, it traveled up the St. Lawrence River, entered Halifax as a ship letter and sailed by packet to England.

The Treaty of Paris, signed on September 3, 1783, ended the Revolutionary War and ceded territory that included Detroit to the United States. However, the British continued to control Detroit until 1796, after the Jay Treaty was signed. Est. $7,500-15,000 (Image)

Est. $7,500-15,000

1801 (Mar. 14) London, England to Tatamagouche, N.S. via Halifax. Datelined folded letter by private ship with "Ship Letter, Halifax" oval crown handstamp and matching "HALIFAX / MAY 16 801" backstamp with manuscript "2½" pence ship rating; some toning, Fine.
Estimate; $200 - 300. Est. $200-300 (Image)

Est. $200-300

1809 (May 18) Halifax N.S. to Rothsay, Isle of Bute, Scotland. Folded letter with "Halifax / May 24" two-line backstamp, carried by Packet Express from Halifax to Falmouth arriving Jun. 11th, reverse with Greenock (6.18) arrival three-line backstamp, manuscript "2/3" rating for 1s1d packet plus 1s2d inland postage, Very Fine, ex-Maritimus.
Estimate; $150 - 200. Est. $150-200 (Image)

Est. $150-200

1809 (Jul. 17) Halifax, Nova Scotia to Dursley, England. Folded letter with manuscript "1" pence rating and endorsed "His Majesty's Ship Eurydice Halifax July 16th 09" on reverse, countersigned "J.W. Bradshaw, Capt." on reverse, red London "Paid Aug 18 1908" cds and matching "Mis-sent To London" straightline, reverse with Aug. 18th receiver and manuscript "2" rating; some soiling and flap stain, Fine, ex-Steinhart.
Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000.

A RARE AND EARLY SEAMAN'S CONCESSION RATE COVER.

The letter is from a Royal Marine serving on the H.M.S. Eurydice while at Halifax. Apparently the letter was missent to London, and a red "Paid" cds applied to ensure delivery without additional postage. Oddly, there is a manuscript "2" on the reverse, which may or may not be a postage rating at 2d collect, the unpaid rated. The lengthy letter provides much insight into naval battles between British and French ships. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)

Est. $1,500-2,000

1811 (Jan. 21) Halifax, N.S. to Dublin, Ireland. Folded letter "Halifax / Jan 21" two-line backstamp and bold "POST / PAID" in circle handstamp, London red "Paid, 5 MA" tombstone and manuscript "2/4" due rating for 1s1d packet plus 1s3d to Ireland (2d for the Holyhead-Dublin packet), May 8th arrival backstamp; edge faults and wear, Fine.
Estimate; $150 - 300. Est. $150-300 (Image)

Est. $150-300

1812 (May) London, England to Quebec, Canada. Docketed folded cover carried as endorsed by Ralph Nicholson and probably taken by a privateer off Nova Scotia via New York with red "New-York 2 Aug" entry cds, held over until after the war and forwarded at pre-war rates showing "Ship" handstamp with "1oz" and "82" ratings for four-times the 20¢ rate plus 2¢ ship fee, reverse with "Montreal / 22 APR 15" two-line postmark and red "8N2" rating for 4s4d cy plus 4x Canada inland 11½d cy postage for 201-300 miles; small edge tear, Very Fine.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

A REMARKABLE WAR OF 1812 USE FROM GREAT BRITAIN VIA THE UNITED STATES TO CANADA.

Towards the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the United States declared war on the United Kingdom June 18th 1812 mostly due to the British interception of American vessels to France. Halifax was then an important military and naval base. The Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24th 1814 ending this war. Est. $3,000-4,000 (Image)

Est. $3,000-4,000

1812 (Sep. 2) Grantown on Spey, Scotland to Rawdon, Canada via Halifax. Datelined folded letter with Grantown origin backstamp, red Edinburgh "SE / 5 PAID 1812" oval datestamp and manuscript "Pd 2/8" rating for 1s3d packet rate plus 1s5d inland postage, reverse with "Halifax / Jan 25" backstamp, manuscript "4½" pence cy. due rating; some edge flaws light aging, Fine, ex-MacDonald.
Estimate; $600 - 800.

This letter was delayed due to the War of 1812. Est. $600-800 (Image)

Est. $600-800

1812 (Nov. 1) Edinburgh, Scotland to Quebec, Canada via Halifax. Datelined folded letter with red "Paid at Edin, Nov 1 1812" cds and red ms. "Pd. 4/10" 4s10d prepaid rating for double wright 2s8d inland postage plus 2s2d packet rate, carried by the Falmouth Packet Chicester to Bermuda, then by HMS Tartarus arriving in Halifax, reverse with Feb. 9th transit cds, Canada red "3N4" 3s4d cy. due rating, docketed as received Mar. 5th at left; trivial edge tear and couple stains, Very Fine.
Estimate; $750 - 1,500.

This letter was sent via the Falmouth packet to Bermuda as concerns about American privateer activity prevented sailings to New York or Halifax. Est. $750-1,500 (Image)

Est. $750-1,500

1813 (Feb. 6) Fort Erie, Canada to Edinburgh, Scotland via Halifax. Folded letter datelined "Fort Erie 6th January 1813" from Alexander Douglas carried privately to Montreal, manuscript forwarder's endorsement on reverse "Received at Montreal 7th Febry 1813 and Forwarded this day by the Pot for Halifax / Montreal 7 Febry 1813, James Dunlop", partial "Montreal / 8 Feb 1813" two-line backstamp and matching "Paid" handstamp with red manuscript "2N1" rating, "HALIFAX / MAR 9" two-line postmark, carried by Falmouth packet, red London (4.19) entry cds and manuscript "2/2" 2s2d packet rating crossed out and updated to "4/4" 4s4d due, Glasgow (4.18) framed transit, docketed as received April 19th; some edge wear and file fold, Very Fine.
Estimate; $1,500 - 2,000.

Letter from Alexander Douglas reads in part, "Several landings were made by the Americans on our shore & they have been driven as far back with disgrace. On 29th Nov. about one o'clock in the morning they landed opposite my buildings & a few miles below. On landing and during the day they burnt three very good houses. I had my stores & also a very convenient large barn & wherein I lost a considerable property & which has forced me to go back with my family a few miles in the country."

The War of 1812 caused the cessation of mail services from Upper Canada through the United States. Letters had to be sent via Halifax. Est. $1,500-2,000 (Image)

Est. $1,500-2,000

1813 (Sep. 29) Halifax, Nova Scotia to Kendal, England. Datelined folded letter written by John Corruthers, endorsed "p Schooner Mary, Capt. Snell", mailed privately by Capt., red "Liverpool, 2 NO 2" rimless cds and manuscript "8" pence due rating, Very Fine.
Estimate; $300 - 600.

John Carruthers was a Prisoner of War from Savannah, now working for an agent Mr. D selling prize property. Est. $300-600 (Image)

Est. $300-600

1814 (Nov. 5) London, England to St. John N.B. via Halifax. Datelined folded letter with London (11.5) backstamp and manuscript "2/2" 2s2d rating, carried by Packet Osborne to Halifax, manuscript "Packet 2N5" 2s5d cy. rating plus "9" pence cy. totalled to "3N19", pencil "3/2" 3s2d notation at top left, F.-V.F.
Estimate; $400 - 600. Est. $400-600 (Image)

Est. $400-600

1814 (Dec. 2) Eastport Me. to Halifax N.S. Datelined letter from John Young endorsed "by land", reverse with manuscript forwarder's endorsement "Yarmouth Jan: 17th 1815. forwarded this day by Post at the request of Capt. D. Harris of the Shallop Bee. I.N. Bond", entered mails with "YARMOUTH, N.S. / JAN 18 1815" two-line postmark and manuscript "11½" pence cy. rating plus "1" pence totalled to "1/½" for 1s½d cy. due; repaired faults, Fine.
Estimate; $2,500 - 3,500.

A RARE USE FROM OCCUPIED MAINE TO NOVA SCOTIA.

Letter from John Young with great war content reads in part, "I leave this for Castine to obtain permission to carry on my goods by land as the risk this port to Castine by see is beyond all calculation. The coast is invested by no less than 8 or 10 Privateers & even a Convoy will be a slight protection against their numbers."

Parts of Maine were reoccupied by the British re-establishing the Colony New Ireland. They occupied Eastport in July 1814, Castine was left in April 1815 and Eastport only in June 1818 after settling a border dispute. Est. $2,500-3,500 (Image)

Est. $2,500-3,500

1814 (Dec. 8) Bath, England to St. John, N.B. via Halifax. Datelined folded letter with "Bath 9 DE 1814" rimless datestamp and red manuscript "P. 2/1" 2s1d prepaid rating for 1s3d packet plus 10d inland rate, endorsed "By Decebr. Packet" at bottom left, carried by Packet Osborne to Halifax arriving Mar. 13th, Very Fine.
Estimate; $400 - 750.

"Osborne" was attacked twice en route by privateers. News of the peace of Ghent (Dec. 24th 1814) had not reached North America. Est. $400-750 (Image)

Est. $400-750