Dutch West Indies 1758 (Oct 15): Entire letter written in St. Eustache or Sint Eustatius, an island in the Carribean belonging to the Netherlands Antilles, sent to Marseille with one-line HOLLANDE entry mark. In the 18th century, St. Eustatius' geographical placement in the middle of Danish, British, French and Spanish territories, its large harbourage and status from 1756 as a free port with no customs duties made it a major point for transhipment of goods, and a focus for trade in contraband. A very early and interesting entire. (Image 1) (Image)