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Other continued...

Hong Kong & Treaty Ports, Opium War continued...
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
1724 cover image1841 (27 Feb) Macao – A Silverlock correspondence from Macao The Treaty of Chuenpi Convention failed to sign off in January 1841. In February 1841, H.M.S. Nemesis came under fire in the North Wangtong Island, prompted the British commanders to order another blockade of the Pearl River and resumed combat operations against the Chinese. The British captured the remaining Bogue forts on 26 February during the Battle of the Bogue and the Battle of First Bar on 27 February. This letter contains several important Circulars illustrating the above Battles and events. A very important account of events around Chuenpi Convention. (1) Circular to Her Britannic Majesty’s Subjects • The Imperial Minister and High Commissioner having failed the conclude the Treaty of Peace lately agreed upon with Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary within the allotted period, hostilities were resumed yesterday afternoon. • A Chinese force employed under cover of a masked and strong field work in blocking up a channel of the river at the back of Anunghoy was dislodged and the obstruction effectually cleared away, the guns in battery and deposit, amounting to about eighty of various calibre, rendered unserviceable, and the whole of the military material destroyed. • This extensive service was accomplished without loss in two hours by Captain Herbert of H.M.S. Calliope, having under his command the steam vessel Nemesis, and the pinnaces of H.M.S. Calliope, Samarang, Heratio, and Alligator. The extent of the enemy’s loss has not been ascertained / signed / Charles Elliot. On board H.M.S. Calliope of South Wongtong 24 February 1841 (2) Circular from Charles Elliot, Feb 26, 1841 [referred to “The Battle of the Bogue”] • Notice to H.M. Subjects: The Batteries at the Bocca Tigres have this day fallen to Her Majesty’s Arms – Several hundred prisoners have been captured, the enemy in flight in all directions, and no loss sustained up to this hour on our own side. Signed, Charles Elliot H.M.P. H.M.S. Calliope at anchor off North Wangtong, February 26, 1841 – 3 p.m. (3) H.M.S. Wellegley at anchor off North Wantong, Feb 26, 1841 [“The Battle of the Bogue”] • The Batteries at the Bocca Tigris having this day fallen to Her Majesty’s arrival, notice is hereby given that all British and foreign merchant vessels are permitted to repair to that point, and that they will be allowed to proceed higher as soon as it is as curtained that the River is clear of obstruction. • Signed, I.I. Gordon Bremer / Commander in Chief.

澳門，1841年2月27日——蕭發樂通信 1841年1月，《穿鼻草約》未能如期簽署。1841年2月，英國戰艦「復仇女神號」在北旺島遭襲，促使英軍指揮官下令再次封鎖珠江，並重啟對清軍的作戰行動。英軍於2月26日的「虎門之戰」中攻佔剩餘的虎門砲台，並於2月27日取得「第一次沙角之戰」勝利。本信件包含數份重要通告，詳述上述戰役與事件，為《穿鼻草約》周邊情勢的重要紀錄。 (1) 致大英帝國臣民通告書 • 清廷欽差大臣未能在約定期限內與女王陛下全權代表簽署和平條約，敵對行動已於昨日下午恢復。 • 清軍在鞏固城後方河道構築的堅固野戰工事已被摧毀，約八十門不同口徑的火炮遭破壞，所有軍用物資均被銷毀。 • 此重大軍事行動由「卡利歐佩號」艦長赫伯特指揮，率「復仇女神號」蒸汽艦及「卡利歐佩號」、「薩瑪朗號」、「赫拉提奧號」、「鰐魚號」所屬艦載艇，在兩小時內完成且無傷亡。敵軍損失尚無法估算。/簽署/查理·義律 1841年2月24日於南旺島附近「卡利歐佩號」艦上 (2) 查理·義律通告（1841年2月26日）[關於「虎門之戰」] • 告大英帝國臣民：虎門砲台今日已歸女王陛下軍隊掌控——俘獲敵軍數百人，殘敵四散潰逃，我方迄今無傷亡。 簽署：查理·義律 女王陛下全權代表 1841年2月26日下午3時於北旺島附近「卡利歐佩號」艦上 (3) 「威靈頓號」艦通告（1841年2月26日）[「虎門之戰」] • 虎門砲台既已陷落，現准許所有英國及外國商船駛往該處，待確認河道暢通無阻後可繼續上行。 簽署：伯麥 總司令 1841年2月26日於北旺島附近「威靈頓號」艦上(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1725 cover imageEastern Expedition Letter (arrival in England on 15 February 1841), marked with “LIVERPOOL SHIP LETTER” handstamp, with unpaid rate “1/4” manuscript. This Eastern Expedition letter was believed to dispatched from Chusan based on the fact that (1) this is an Eastern Expedition mail where it was in China seas in July 1840, and (2) the mail mentioned the writer was in H.M.S. Wellesey which was sent north to Tinghai and Chusan area at that time. Lee Scamp Far East Mail Ship Itineraries – Page 24, Note 17 mentioned the following: “The collection formed by Mr Sussex included the earliest known newspaper wrapper from China. The copy of the “CP” (China Post) which it enclosed was dated 1.8.40. The (steamer) “Kitty”, which left for Singapore and Calcutta on 4.8, was the next ship which the “CP” listed as having departed China for India. Since the “LT” (London Times) of 8.12 reported the arrival of news from China to 4.8, including from Chusan to 18.7, it is clear that mail was carried by the “Kitty”……”. Based on the above, this Eastern Expedition mail might be sent from Chusan on 18 July, and then via HK in a closed bag mail to England. Good opium war mail having “Eastern Expedition” mark the letter.

東方遠征郵件（1841年2月15日抵達英格蘭） 此信件蓋有”LIVERPOOL SHIP LETTER”手蓋戳記，並以手寫註明未付郵資”1/4”。根據以下證據，此東方遠征郵件被認為是從舟山發出：(1)作為1840年7月於中國海域的東方遠征郵件；(2)信中提及作者當時所在的H.M.S. Wellesley號正北上定海及舟山地區。 Lee Scamp《遠東郵船航線》第24頁註釋17記載：”薩塞克斯先生收藏中包含已知最早的中國新聞紙封套。內附的《中國郵報》(CP)日期為1840年8月1日。蒸汽船’Kitty’號於8月4日啟程前往新加坡與加爾各答，是《中國郵報》所列下一班離華赴印船隻。由於《倫敦時報》(LT)12月8日報導了截至8月4日的中國消息（含舟山至7月18日的訊息），顯然郵件是由’Kitty’號載運......”。據此推斷，此東方遠征郵件可能於7月18日從舟山發出，經香港以密封郵袋轉運至英格蘭。 此為帶有”東方遠征”標記的優質鴉片戰爭郵件。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1726 image1841 (22 Mar) China Expedition Mail on board H.M.S Alligator, An entire letter marked “China Expedition” written by Robert Mckenzie on board H.M.S. Alligator to his wife in Portsmouth; marked “China Expedition” and rated “8” in black ink. On the flap with “SHIP LETTER” cachet and Portsmouth arrival c.d.s (OC 9 1841). This letter was sent by a Boatswain, which is a warrant officer in Royal Navy and responsible for rigging, anchors, sails, maintenance of deck equipment. H.M.S. Alligator was a 28-gun sixth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy that took part in the early stages of the First Opium War. In 1839, it was stationed near Canton to protect British interests as tensions escalated. In 1840, it joined the British expeditionary force and played a supporting role in operations along the Chinese coast, including the capture of Chusan in July, where it assisted with troop landings and logistics. Before recalled back, H.M.S. Alligator was finally present in British fleet movements toward the Peiho River and Taku area in 1841.

中國遠征郵件，寄自英國戰艦“鰐魚”號 (H.M.S. Alligator)，1841年3月22日 這是一封完整的信件，由羅伯特·麥肯齊在H.M.S. Alligator 上寫給他在樸茨茅斯的妻子，信上標記為「中國遠征」，並用黑色墨水標記「8」。信封蓋有「船信」戳記及樸茨茅斯抵達日戳（1841年10月9日）。這封信是由一位名為「Boatswain」（相當於英國皇家海軍的軍官，專責桅杆、錨、帆及甲板設備維護）的人員寄出的。 H.M.S. Alligator 是皇家海軍的一艘28門六級巡防艦，參加了第一次鴉片戰爭的早期階段。1839年，它被駐紮在廣州附近，以保護英國利益，因為當時局勢日益緊張。1840年，它加入了英國遠征軍的行列，並在中國海岸的行動中扮演支援角色，包括7月在定海的攻占行動，協助部隊登陸及物流。在被召回之前，H.M.S Alligator 最後參加了1841年英國艦隊向白河和大沽地區的行動。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1727 image1841 (2 May) Macao – Silverlock correspondence This is an excellent full of detailed account of state of affair in Canton and Macao before the outbreak of the Second Battle of Canton. The letter has the narratives of how the writer saw the landing and accumulation of Chinese troops in terms of Northern countrymen and Tartars coming from outside Canton province. The letter has the following state of situations: • You will be anxious to know how we are situated in Canton. At present, everything is perfectly quiet and peaceful; but although I was one of the first to arrive here, and feel less timidity than some of my neighbours, I must confess I don’t think it will long remain so. For I cannot suppose trade will go on, nor our residence here be considered perfectly safe, when our forces are on their way to Peking, or perhaps making some demonstration on the coast…… • It will seem very extraordinary to the people at home when they hear that within a week after the English forces held possession of Canton, the trade with foreigners was going on as usual. After the publication of Commodore Bremer’s notice permitting ships to proceed to Whampoa and Capt. Elliot’s proclamation of a Truce and the reopening of the trade at Canton …… • Sir Gordon Bremer with another naval officer came alongside, and questioned the Captain whether he had any written permission from the Plenipotentiary to proceed to Whampoa …… • The general impression as to the state of affairs here is that it cannot long continue in quietude. The Chinese authorities have requested Captain (George) Elliot to give up the forts—this he cannot do—and fearing they might be guilty of some rash act (i.e. be concerned on the Chinese who might suddenly take violent or provocative action), the sloops of war have been ordered to move near the factories. The steamer Nemesis also made her appearance yesterday. All the merchants are realizing property and getting off their teams as fast as possible, under the idea that trade will soon be interrupted. • The number of soldiers now in Canton and the neighbourhood is considerable; their tents are pitched on the hills north of the city, which we can see from our back window. Some fresh troops landed yesterday at the Western Gate. I was on the river when they passed—about 50 boats loaded, number of men 3,000. All north countrymen, some Tartars. Ex Percival David

蕭發樂通信，澳門，1841年5月2日 這是一封詳細描述廣州和澳門在第二次廣州戰役爆發前局勢的卓越信件。信中敘述了作者對北部人士和韃靼人從廣東省外進入，登陸和聚集的觀察。 信件內容如下： • 你一定很想知道我們在廣州的處境。目前一切都非常安靜和平，但儘管我是最早到達這裡的人之一，感到比我的一些鄰居少一點害怕，我必須承認，我不認為這種狀況會持續太久。因為我不能假定當我們的部隊正在前往北京的路上，或可能在海岸進行某些示威時，貿易還能進行，或者我們在這裡的居住能被認為是完全安全的…… • 當國內的人們聽到英軍佔領廣州不到一周，外國貿易就如常進行時，他們會覺得非常不尋常。在布雷默准將發布允許船舶前往黃埔的通知以及艾略特上校發布的停戰協議和重開廣州貿易的公告之後…… • 戈登·布雷默爵士和另一位海軍官員靠近，詢問艦長是否有全權代表給予的前往黃埔的書面許可…… • 關於這裡的局勢，有一種普遍的印象，即它不能長期保持平靜。中國當局已請求（喬治）艾略特艦長交出炮台——這是他不能做到的——並擔心他們可能會犯下一些魯莽行為（即涉及可能會突然採取暴力或挑釁行動的中國人），因此，戰艦已被命令移至工廠附近。蒸汽船Nemesis昨天也出現了。所有商人都在套現資金，盡快撤離他們的團隊，認為貿易很快就會中斷。 • 現在廣州及其周邊的士兵數量相當可觀；他們的帳篷搭在城市北面的山丘上，我們從後窗可以看到。一些新部隊昨天在西門登陸。我在河上時他們經過——大約50艘船，載有3,000人。都是北方人，有些是韃靼人。 [來源：珀西瓦爾·大維德爵士珍藏](Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1728 image1841 (12 Nov) Macao – Silverlock correspondence letter sheet After the Second Battle of Chusan and the Battle of Chinhai The letter gives a full account of British strengthening its military positions: “…… The capture of Amoy has been followed by the Island of Chusan, again by Chinghae which is the Bogue of Ningpo, as the forts here are of Canton River, and lastly by the City of Ningpo itself taken without firing a shot, the troops having all fled in a panic …… The opinion is, the Plenipotentiary will remain at Chusan or Amoy with the greater part of the force, and the Admiral’s return to this neighbourhood with the small craft. The Canton government is busy repairing the old defences and erecting new ones in the part of the river between this and Whampoa …… hundreds of workmen are employed in building war junks …… the general opinion is that hostilities will be renewed, and if the city be not taken, a blockade will be put on the port and maintained till the whole affair is settled. If nothing be done the Trade will go on quietly as it does now …… the local government is too anxious to maintain peace in the province ……” Ex Percival David Collection

1841年11月12日，澳門。蕭發樂通信 – 第二次舟山之戰與鎮海之戰的後續 ……廈門的佔領之後是舟山島，再接著是鎮海，這裡是寧波的虎門，就如同這裡的堡壘是廣州河的堡壘一樣，最後是寧波城，未發一槍就被佔領，部隊全都在恐慌中逃離……認為全權大使將留在舟山或廈門與大部分部隊一同，而海軍上將則帶著小型船隻返回此地附近。廣州政府忙於修復舊防禦設施並在此至黃埔之間的河段豎立新的防禦……數百名工人被雇用來建造戰船……普遍看法是會重新爆發敵對行動，如果城市未被佔領，將會對港口實施封鎖，並維持直到整個事情解決。如果沒有行動，貿易將像現在這樣平靜地進行……地方政府太渴望在省內維持和平……」 [來源：珀西瓦爾·大維德爵士珍藏](Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1729 image25 March and 31 March 1842, Macao A commercial oriented letter drafted at the period of the Battle of Ningpo. The letter mentioned only one line that “…..hope the China War may turn out better. I am now at a loss to put anything interesting…..”.

澳門信件，1842年3月25日與31日撰寫 此信寫於寧波戰役期間，內容以商業為主。信中僅簡短提及：「……望中國戰事能有轉機。此刻實難寫出有趣之事……」(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1730 image1842 (31 Aug) Macao to London A letter from Macao to London at the height of First Opium War. The letter mentioned a lot of normalising commercial activities despite the war time in China. Towards the end of the letter, it clearly mentioned as follows: “ ……We have a report down here that (British) force have taken Nanking. They took Ningpo some time since…… ”. A good letter written at the time of concluding the Nanking Treaty.

澳門，1842年8月31日 這是一封於第一次鴉片戰爭高峰期間從澳門寄往倫敦的信件。信中提及許多戰時中國仍持續的商業活動。信件末尾明確寫道：「……我們此處獲悉（英軍）已攻佔南京。寧波亦於稍早陷落……」此信寫於《南京條約》簽訂之際，具有重要歷史意義。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5) (Image 6)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1731 image1842 (23 Oct) A Good Historic Dispatch from Hong Kong to Ireland On Board H.M.S. Agincourt: Witness to the Aftermath of the Treaty of Nanking Penned by Captain Henry Bruce aboard H.M.S. Agincourt, anchored in the newly acquired British colony of Hong Kong, this remarkable letter offers a firsthand account of the final chapters of the First Opium War (1839–1842)—a conflict that reshaped Sino-British relations and cemented Hong Kong’s fate as a Crown Colony. A Commander’s Perspective: Captain Bruce was no ordinary officer—he commanded one of the two flagship vessels present in Hong Kong during the historic signing of the Treaty of Nanking (29 August 1842), which formally ended the war. His letter, written just two months later, captures the immediate postwar transition: the withdrawal of British forces, the logistical challenges of occupation, and the human toll of tropical disease on European troops. Postal Significance: A Rare Wartime Ship Letter • This dispatch was not sent via official naval channels but entrusted to a private vessel, later entering the British postal system at Devonport. Its markings tell a story. • A striking red “DEVONPORT / SHIP LETTER” handstamp, confirming its maritime routing. A manuscript “8(p)” rate mark, indicating an unpaid ½-oz letter (8 pence due upon delivery)—unusual for military correspondence, which typically enjoyed franking privileges. This suggests either urgency or an informal dispatch method. A Glimpse into the Post-War Exodus; Bruce’s words paint a vivid picture of the British withdrawal: “We have now been here rather more than a month… The (HMS) Modeste arrived yesterday from Sir William Parker at Chusan and goes home… Sir Henry Pottinger [Hong Kong’s first Governor] wishes to return but awaits Whitehall’s permission… The (HMS) Blenheim departs for England soon. Our crews are dreadfully sickly—the men suffer but do not die; the soldiers fare worse, perishing in great numbers. The troopship Belleisle arrives shortly with Lord Saltoun and the 26th & 98th Regiments…” A Lucrative Final Duty for Captain H. Bruce In a telling postscript to the war, Bruce reveals his unexpected role: escorting 5 million silver dollars (the first installment of China’s $21 million indemnity under the Treaty) back to England—and receiving a percentage for his troubles. A stark reminder of how Britain’s victory was as much economic as it was military. Why This Letter Matters” • Rarity: Few wartime letters from high-ranking officers detail the Treaty’s immediate aftermath. • Postal Hybridity: Its mix of private carriage and postal processing reflects the ad-hoc systems of early colonial Hong Kong. • Human Cost: Bruce’s notes on disease underscore why the British later dubbed Hong Kong the “white man’s grave.” • A relic of empire, this dispatch bridges naval history, postal evolution, and the grim realities of colonial expansion.

1842年10月23日——一封從香港寄往愛爾蘭的重要歷史信函 阿金庫爾號戰艦上的見證：南京條約簽訂後的餘波 這封非凡的信件由亨利·布魯斯艦長在停泊於新獲得的英國殖民地香港的皇家戰艦「阿金庫爾號」上撰寫，提供了第一次鴉片戰爭（1839-1842年）最後階段的第一手記述——這場戰爭重塑了中英關係，並奠定了香港作為英國殖民地的命運。 指揮官布魯斯艦長絕非普通軍官——在1842年8月29日標誌性的《南京條約》簽署期間，他指揮了駐香港的兩艘旗艦之一，該條約正式結束了這場戰爭。他在兩個月後寫下的這封信，捕捉了戰後的過渡時期：英國軍隊的撤離、佔領期間的後勤挑戰，以及熱帶疾病對歐洲軍隊造成的人員損失。 郵政意義：一封罕見的戰時船郵信函 • 這封信件並非通過官方海軍渠道寄送，而是委託給私人船隻，後來在德文波特進入英國郵政系統。其郵戳標記訴說著一個故事。 • 紅色「DEVONPORT / SHIP LETTER」手蓋郵戳，證實了其海上郵路。手寫的「8(p)」郵資標記，表明這是一封未付費的半盎司信件（需支付8便士郵資）——這在通常享有免郵特權的軍事通信中實屬罕見，暗示了寄件的緊迫性或非正式性。 戰後撤離的縮影：布魯斯的生動描述 「我們在此駐紮已逾月餘...（HMS）謙遜號昨日載著駐舟山的威廉·帕克爵士抵達並將返英...香港首任總督璞鼎查爵士渴望回國，但仍在等待白廳的許可...（HMS）布倫海姆號即將啟程返回英國。我們的船員健康狀況極差——士兵們飽受折磨但尚能倖存；陸軍士兵的情況更糟，死亡人數眾多。運兵船貝萊島號即將載著索爾頓勳爵及第26和第98步兵團抵達...」 布魯斯艦長的額外任務 在這場戰爭的尾聲，布魯斯透露了他意外獲得的任務：護送500萬銀元（根據條約中國賠款2,100萬美元的首期款項）返回英國——並因此獲得一定比例的酬勞。這鮮明地提醒著人們，英國的勝利不僅是軍事上的，更是經濟上的。 這封信件為何重要： • 稀有性：鮮有高級軍官的戰時信件能如此詳細地記錄條約簽訂後的直接影響。 • 郵政混合性：其私人運送與郵政處理的結合，反映了早期殖民時期香港的臨時郵政系統。 • 人力代價：布魯斯關於疾病的記錄，解釋了為何香港後來被英國人稱為「白人的墳墓」。 • 作為帝國時代的遺物，這封信件串聯了海軍歷史、郵政演變和殖民擴張的嚴酷現實。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5)

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Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1732 cover image1842 (12 Nov) Eastern Expedition Letter at the First Opium War Written in Hong Kong, November 12th, 1842 to a Lieutenant of the 40th Regiment Infantry stationed in Calcutta, India, with a boxed stamp of “CALCUTTA SHIP LETTER / 12 November 1842 / Bearing 15 Annas”; manuscript “2” at the back. The Eastern Expedition military mail was basically rare.

第一次鴉片戰爭東征軍事郵件 此信於1842年11月12日從香港寄出，收件人為駐印度加爾各答的第40步兵團中尉，信封加蓋 「CALCUTTA SHIP LETTER / 1842年11月12日 / 郵資15安那」方框戳，背面手寫「2」字樣。此類東征軍事郵件極為罕見。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5)

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Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1733 image1844 (29 Aug) Chusan, China to Ceylon via Hong Kong • This is believed to be the earliest civil mail from Chusan Island, China for overseas mail through Hong Kong post office system. • This mail is also the earliest in use of red colour large crown PAID AT HONG-KONG (first type) together with a very fine type-7 dispatch backstamp HONG-KONG double arc c.d.s. in black dated (SE 23 / 1844). • This was probably the earliest inter-port rate used in China to Hong Kong. This Chusan mail carried an inter-port rate of “4” manuscript rate, which stands for 4d charged from Chusan to Hong Kong. Chusan was officially returned from British administration to China in 1842 but some British connection has been maintained since then. Another early Chusan mail sent overseas is referred to Spink Sale January 2022, lot 105 which was dated 25 Dec 1844, four month later than this letter. But that entire letter had only the dispatch backstamp type-7 HK double arc c.d.s. without the use of the rare large crown PAID AT HONG-KONG.

1844年8月29日中國舟山經香港寄出錫蘭 • 此件被認為是舟山最早經由香港民用郵政系統寄往海外之郵件 • 本件同時為最早使用紅色大型皇冠圖「PAID AT HONG-KONG」首型戳（配合極清晰之7型黑色雙弧線香港中轉戳「HONG-KONG / SE 23 / 1844」）之實例 • 此郵資可能為中國境內寄往香港最早採用之埠際郵費。該舟山郵件手寫註明「4」字郵資，代表舟山至香港段收取4便士資費。舟山雖於1842年自英國管治正式歸還中國，然此後仍維持若干英國聯繫 另一件較早舟山海外郵件可參見Spink 2022年1月拍賣第105號拍品（1844年12月25日寄出，較本件遲四個月），然該件僅帶7型香港雙弧線中轉戳，未加蓋此珍罕之大型皇冠「PAID AT HONG-KONG」戳記。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4)

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Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1734 imageThe Report of East India Committee The East India Committee was a parliamentary or quasi-parliamentary body that emerged out of the Board of Control and East India Company (“EIC”) oversight system after the Regulating Acts (1773–1833). It typically consisted of British MPs, EIC & related merchants, and officials with vested interests in British activities in Asia, particularly in India and China. This EIC oversight committee still maintained influence over foreign and colonial affairs. While the Committee’s condemnation of the Treaty of Nanking and the Opium War may seem paradoxical, the Committee sought to differentiate legitimate commerce from piratical or contraband trade (opium). They feared China’s resentment might harm long-term access to markets. In addition, from the perspective of “institutional rivalries”, this was also a rebuke of the Cabinet (Foreign Office under Lord Palmerston), blaming it for irresponsible war-making. Many EIC affiliates wanted to distance themselves from the war’s illegality.This Report from East India Committee is a valuable history documentation, illustrating a divide within Britain—between imperial realpolitik (Cabinet/Government) and reformist moralism (merchants, Parliamentarians, reform societies). The EIC Committee considered the war morally indefensible and legally fraudulent, despite being a product of British national interest. Merchants wanted long-term commercial relationships in the context of China trade, not a war that could jeopardize stability.This Report is indeed quite insightful and realistic particularly when we look at it by mirroring from today’s chaotic geopolitical environment. More so, the Report was signed by the Earl of Elgin in 1857. The Earl of Elgin was the High Commissioner and Plenipotentiary in China and the Far East to assist in the process of opening up China and Japan to Western trade. In 1860, during the Second Opium War in China, he ordered the destruction of the Old Summer Palace in Beijing. Recorded Signature of The Earl of Elgin, The High Commissioner and Plenipotentiary in China in the Second Opium War

《東印度公司評估英國就第一次鴉片戰爭對中國採取軍事行動的重要報告》 英國東印度公司內部機密文獻（The British East India Company Confidential Report） 清咸豐七年（1857）原稿，額爾金伯爵（The Earl of Elgin）金色鴨毛筆親筆簽名本 尺寸：20.1 × 13.2 cm 本拍品為東印度公司就第一次鴉片戰爭期間英國對華採取軍事行動的高度機密內部評論報告，極為罕見。報告反映當時英國政商界對發動戰爭的重大分歧，特別指出東印度公司強烈反對因鴉片貿易而犧牲與中國正常通商關係的長遠利益，具重要史料價值。英國東印度公司（British East India Company，簡稱 EIC）為一特許公司，由英格蘭女王伊莉莎白一世於 1600 年 12 月 31 日頒授皇家特許狀成立。作為當時英國政商界的重要支柱，東印度公司不僅掌握對印度的貿易壟斷權兩個世紀之久，亦逐步演變為實際主宰印度的統治者，至 1858 年前尚具備行政與軍事指揮職能。 此文獻於清咸豐七年（1857）由東印度公司正式轉呈駐華高級專員額爾金伯爵（The Earl of Elgin，1811–1863），並由其本人以金色鴨毛筆親筆簽名。額爾金伯爵其後於第二次鴉片戰爭（1860）中擔任英法聯軍首領，下令焚毀圓明園，歷史定位極具爭議。此簽名文件為研究英中關係、帝國政策與鴉片戰爭外交博弈的重要實物資料，首次出現於香港拍賣市場，保存良好，殊為珍貴。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1735 image1853 (24 Feb) Shanghai to New York, USA – Taiping Rebellion Episode The content of the letter refers to the early state of the Taiping Rebellion in February 1853, right before the time when the rebels took over Nanking as the Heavenly Capital 天京: “… but this season, the movement has been prevented or delayed by fears as to the result of the rebellion …. The impression is gaining ground among the Chinese that the rebels will not risk an attempt upon Nanking 南京, which is strongly garrisoned with some of the best troops of Empire. They (the rebels) are however in possession of Chongsha 長沙 and Honkow 漢口 ….” Route: Shanghai to New York, USA via Marseilles routed British packet Rate: 65 cents for ¼ oz unpaid rate composed of 34c to British Post Office, 10c to French Post Office, 16c for Transatlantic charge, 5c to US inland charge Marking: 65 handstamp rate in black; 60 manuscript rate; 2(s)/6(d) manuscript rate (for charge to British PO); Hong Kong transit cds (10 Mar 1853); London transit cds (28 Apr 1853)

Ex Drucker Family Collection (Robert A. Siegel Auction, 2/2003) 1853 年 2 月 24 日上海寄至紐約的信函 – 太平天國起義 內容涉及太平天國起義初期與清軍的戰爭及攻克南京（易名天京）前的情況 1852 年 8 月（咸豐二年七月）太平天國攻打長沙，同年 12 月攻下漢陽一帶。1853 年 2 月爆發了「巢湖之戰」，太平軍擊潰清軍。1853 年 3 月爆發「江寧之戰」，太平軍攻克南京，易名天京，清軍兩江總督陣亡。信函所提及的正是上述一段太平天國在其起義初期重要戰事爭奪湖南一帶為其盤據屯兵要點的實紀。 Drucker家族舊藏（2003/2 Siegel）(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3)

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Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1736 image1856 (11 Oct) the earliest outgoing circular sent from Canton postal office following the Arrow Incident on 8 Oct 1856 (i.e. the outbreak of Second Opium War) This remarkable postal circular, dated 11 October 1856, was dispatched from Canton (Guangzhou) just three days after the infamous Arrow Incident on 8 October 1856—an event that catalyzed the Second Opium War between Britain and the Qing Empire. More than a routine piece of mail, this cover captures the immediate aftermath of war’s outbreak. As tensions ignited over the boarding of the British-registered Arrow by Qing officials—under accusations of piracy and smuggling—Britain seized upon the incident to reassert demands for greater trade rights and diplomatic privileges in China [i.e. Arrow Incident]. Within days, naval actions were being contemplated, and this letter likely traveled under an atmosphere charged with urgency and uncertainty. Route: Canton, China to Lyons, France via Marseilles per steamer Malta Rate: prepaid rate 1s, local rate 20f charged at arrival Marking: Small crown “PAID AT HONG KONG”, Indes V. Marseilles cds (29 Nov 1856); and on the backside – HONG-KONG double arc d.s. (14 Oct 1856), manuscript rate of “1/-” in red, local handstamp of “20(f)” in black

1856年10月11日 廣州寄出 — 第二次鴉片戰爭爆發後最早寄出的印刷品郵件 信函寄出時間距「亞羅號事件」僅三日，極具歷史紀念價值，本品為一封1856年10月11日自廣州寄往法國里昂的郵件，於10月14日抵達香港，是目前所知第二次鴉片戰爭爆發後廣州郵政局寄出的最早信函。信件寄出時間距10月8日「亞羅號事件」僅三日，反映當時局勢驟變，戰爭一觸即發。本件郵品寄出時正值中英關係劇變之際，是目前所知最早反映第二次鴉片戰爭爆發時局勢的實寄郵品，極具史料價值與郵政紀錄意義。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4)

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Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1737 image1857 (25 Nov) Mentone to HMS Camilla, somewhere around Fou Chow Fou, China Cover from Mentone, Europe sent to Albert Markham Esq. on board H.M.S. Camilla at Fou Chow Fou, China. On the front side, stamped with a handstamp in red “P.P.”, Mentone dispatch c.d.s., Hong Kong transit c.d.s. (15 Jan 1857). A blue straight line was crossed along the front side of the cover but no affect to the importance of the cover. The period between November 1857 and January 1858 marked the turning point of the Second Opium War, highlighted by the Allied capture of Canton in December 1857 and the establishment of foreign military occupation. British naval forces, including HMS Camilla, expanded operations along treaty port regions such as Fuzhou and Amoy, enforcing imperial demands and laying the groundwork for the Treaty of Tientsin in mid-1858.

本封信件寄自1857年11月25日歐洲孟頓（Mentone），收件人為駐於中國福州附近「皇家海軍卡蜜拉號軍艦（HMS Camilla）」上的Albert Markham 先生，信封正面帶有紅色**“P.P.” 運費付訖戳記**、Mentone 發信日戳，並於背面蓋有1858年1月15日香港中轉日戳。信封正面另有一條藍色直線略過信面，但不影響其郵史重要性。 此信件寄達時間正值第二次鴉片戰爭之戰略轉捩點時期（1857年11月至1858年1月），亦即英法聯軍於1857年12月攻陷廣州，並建立外國軍事佔領政權之時。此期間，英軍艦隊（包括HMS Camilla）迅速向東推進，活躍於福州（Fou Chow Fou）、**廈門（Amoy）**等條約港，對清廷施壓、執行軍事封鎖與外交要求，為隔年中英簽署《天津條約》奠定條件。 此信除具郵政與軍艦駐地轉運路線的標誌性意義外，亦為研究英軍於華東條約港部署行動、海軍郵件往來與第二次鴉片戰爭海軍支援行動的重要一手實物。(Image 1) (All Images)


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1738 image1858 (4 Jan) Military Cover to HMS Niger Envelope sent to Captain Arthur Auckland Cochrane who was on boarded HMS Niger, at Hong Kong naval station off China. The time was at the height of the first phase of Second Opium War when the Anglo-French troops won the Battle of Canton to take down the Canton City on 5 Jan 1858 and the capture of Viceroy of Liangguang兩廣總督葉名琛, leading to the subsequent signing of Treaty of Tientsin in June 1858 to open up 11 more Chinese ports to Western trade. Admiral Arthur Auckland Cochrane, KCB was a Royal Navy officer who joined the Royal Navy in 1839. Promoted to Captain in 1854, he was thereafter in command of HMS Niger in which he took part in the destruction of Chinese fleet in Oct 1856. HMS Niger, launched in 1846, was a screw sloop with 14 guns of 32-pdr and 1 heavy gun of 68-pdr. HMS Niger actively engaged in various battles of the Second Opium War. At the time of dispatching this letter, HMS Niger was carrying out the operation of firing Canton City towards the end of the Second Battle of Canton. Route: P&O from Southampton via Suez, Aden, Galle to arrive Hong Kong on 28 Feb 1858 Rate: 9d rate from UK to Hong Kong naval station off China Marking: two 4-pence and one 1-penny stamps canceled by “50” obliterator

1858年1月4日英國信封寄至駐中國香港 HMS Niger軍艦 第二次鴉片戰爭廣州戰役高峰期寄至皇家海軍柯克倫上校的罕見戰時軍郵。本信於1858年1月4日寄往駐中國香港外海的英國皇家海軍HMS Niger，收件人為該艦艦長 Arthur Auckland Cochrane 上校。信件寄出時正值第二次鴉片戰爭第一階段的高潮期，即**廣州戰役（第二次廣州之戰）**結束前夕。 歷史背景與軍事重要性在於（1）僅隔日（1858年1月5日），英法聯軍成功攻佔廣州城，俘虜兩廣總督葉名琛（Ye Mingchen），為戰事轉折點。（2）該戰役促成同年6月簽署《天津條約》，開放11個新通商口岸，並擴大西方在華權益。 HMS Niger（1846年下水，裝備14門32磅炮與1門68磅重炮）由柯克倫上校指揮，自1856年起即參與多次作戰，包括1856年10月摧毀清軍艦隊。郵政與軍事雙重價值：此信寄出時，HMS Niger 正參與炮擊廣州的軍事行動，為英軍在華戰艦軍郵中極為罕見。實寄對象為戰區核心指揮官柯克倫上校，反映戰時前線與本土間的通訊與協調。此封軍郵與廣州陷落及葉名琛被俘事件直接關聯，為研究第二次鴉片戰爭提供一手佐證。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1739 image1858 (4 Jul) Camilla at Canton to London This letter was sent just one week after the signing of the Treaty of Tientsin (天津條約) jointly by Britain, France, the U.S., and Russia together with the Qing Empire. It confirmed that British naval forces remained garrisoned at Canton even after the Treaty of Tientsin. This letter ties to the HMS Camilla, and was part of the Royal Navy fleet in Asia during the Second Opium War. That mention adds a naval presence to the Canton operations, suggesting both land and ship-based actions — typical of the Opium War campaigns. It also mentioned “Canton Fort” and stationing at Canton; this clearly refers to British forces stationed near or inside Fortifications around Canton (Guangzhou) after the bombardments and partial occupation following the Canton Campaign of 1857–1858 (a major part of the Second Opium War operations). The front side of the cover showed 1d concession rate for ½ oz. The penny stamp cancelled on arrival in England. On reverse London c.d.s. dated 8 Sept., and Plymouth 9 Sept. Rank and ship indicated on the letter which was countersigned by the Commanding Officer. The letter content had the following: “…… Dear Brother, we are laying at Canton Fort and expect to lay there for a long time yet. We landed 3 hundred of blue jackets about a month ago and marched 50 miles across the mountains in the heat of the sun and a lot of men belonging to this ship fell with the sun, but none of us more fell. But I felt very tired myself but was all right …… The cines (referred to Chinese) have killed 3 marines today and we are again to land tomorrow again …. (a steamer) arrived two days ago and I received the box you sent me, but I did not see Walter; yet for he at Hong Kong, and I am at Canton. But I hope I shall see him soon. Please to excuse me for I have in a hurry for the mail again now. I will send more particulars next time……”

With Peter Holcombe Certificate issued in December 1992 此信件寫於1858年7月4日，駐紮廣州的英國皇家海軍「卡蜜拉號」（HMS 簽署後僅一週，充分反映出即使在條約簽訂後，英軍仍繼續駐守廣州要塞一帶，維持軍事壓力與地面控制。信中提到英軍藍衣水兵300人曾登陸並翻越山區長途行軍，亦有提及中方反擊造成海軍陸戰隊傷亡，顯示雙方交戰尚未完全停歇。本信清楚揭示海軍在廣州戰役後期的駐防角色與實際行動，反映海陸聯合作戰的典型鴉片戰爭軍事模式。郵封正面使用1便士海軍人員優惠郵資（½盎司），英國抵達後銷票，背面帶倫敦與普利茅斯日期戳，信內亦有署明寄件人軍階與艦名，並經長官批簽。對研究戰後軍事佔領、海軍行動與戰地郵件制度具有高度史料價值。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5) (Image 6) (Image 7)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1740 image1859 (10 Feb) Camp Fy-yoong, China This compelling series of letters, dated 10–12 February 1858, offers a rare and vivid firsthand account of British military operations in the immediate aftermath of the capture of Canton during the Second Opium War. Written by a British officer or medical staff member, the letters describe a field expedition to Camp Fy-yoong, a rural forward position north of Canton, where the writer details the countryside, local civilian curiosity, and the discipline and health of the Allied forces. Most notably, the correspondence refers to a planned naval expedition by gunboats, involving the deployment of 600 Royal Marines approximately 200 miles away, potentially targeting a key location inland or coastal within Guangdong or adjacent provinces. The writer clearly distinguishes that no Indian native troops (sepoys) are expected to participate, implying a British-only force under General command, possibly accompanied by Lord Elgin. These insights capture not only the day-to-day operations of the occupation but also the British strategy of controlled escalation and deliberate diplomatic-military coordination in southern China — setting the stage for the broader enforcement of imperial demands leading up to the Treaty of Tientsin later that year. The letter sheets have the following description: “…… The force we have with us at the present occupation consists of 300 Royal Marines, 100 artillery, 50 sappers, 350 of the 65th with our band, and about 120 Chinese bearing about 500 elephants’ loads of stores. Mr. Parkes, one of the Allied Commissioners, accompanies the General. The men & their rifles everywhere they are Christian people in this district. We marched 15 miles yesterday from Wunchow, and came 5 miles here to Canton. Tomorrow, I think also the Prince’s Company and a party of the Artillery Company move out. Another expedition is talked of — but it will be principally a naval force sent in gunboats – about 200 miles to the ancient capital of this province, 600 marines are to go – the General and probably Lord Elgin – I suppose no native troops will be sent (no native troops refer to Indian troops) ……” Camp Fy-yoong was very likely a temporary British military encampment north or northeast of Canton (Guangzhou); Near a village or rural outpost called something like Tai Yeung / Taiyang / 大洋 (British phonetics using non-standardized romanization), located ~12–15 miles inland; Used during the British inland march in early 1858, just after the fall of Canton.

1859年2月10日，中國 Fy-yoong 軍營 — 第二次鴉片戰爭期間英軍佔領廣州後的戰地來信 此信描述駐軍行動與英軍即將展開的海軍遠征部署，並反映外交與軍事協同行動的現場觀察。寫於1859年2月10日至12日之間的戰地書信，由一名隨軍英國軍官或軍醫所撰，記錄英法聯軍佔領廣州後，在城北前哨「Fy-yoong 軍營」（位於現今廣東偏郊）的駐防與行軍行動。信中描述當地民眾對聯軍官兵頗具好奇；聯軍部隊紀律良好、身體健康；當時駐紮兵力包括：300名皇家海軍陸戰隊、100名炮兵、50名工兵、第65本地步兵團（Native Infantry）350人、另有120名中國人搬運約500批物資（象馱）；英方聯軍專員巴夏禮（Mr. Parkes）隨軍將領同行； 提及另一支即將出發之海軍遠征隊伍，將由多艘炮艇組成，計劃遠赴約200英里外的地點（可能為廣東或鄰近省份的重要據點）；約600名皇家海軍陸戰隊將參與此行動，由總司令與外交使節額爾金勳爵（Lord Elgin）率領；明確指出「不會派遣印度本地兵（native troops）」參與此次行動，顯示此為純英軍行動，具高度政治與軍事象徵性。 此信歷史背景與重要性反映的是第二次鴉片戰爭中，英國在成功攻佔廣州後，於1859年初進一步擴展行動計劃的真實現場觀察： • 當時正值《天津條約》尚未完成兌現的緊張階段，英法聯軍在南方保持高度戒備，同時亦準備向內陸或海岸進一步推進，以迫使清廷履約； • 此來信揭示了英軍以外交與軍事協調並進（軍隊由 Lord Elgin 等文官參與）、同時刻意排除印度兵團以免引起地方緊張與誤解的作戰原則； • 此亦為太平天國與英軍南方軍事部署重疊期，顯示英軍對內部穩定與華南通商控制雙重考量； • 實為研究英軍華南部署、與清廷外交壓力、以及前線軍事行動日常與結構配置的珍貴一手材料。 此書信不僅記錄第二次鴉片戰爭戰後佔領區的軍事活動與外交準備階段，亦提供對英國在華南策略性「節制進逼」戰略的第一手觀察，極具文獻價值與展覽潛力。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5) (Image 6)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1741 image1859 (11 Apr) Canton to Aberdeen – a very important letter depicting the military and political matters at the height of the Second Opium War in 1859 This is a remarkable letter dated 11 April 1859 from British-occupied Canton (Second Opium War period), referencing General Sir Charles van Straubenzee’s departure, the delayed arrival of Lord Elgin, and the continued military presence pending treaty enforcement. The writer notes Sir John Bowring (Governor of Hong Kong 4/1854 – 9/1859), his final appearances before his return to England, anticipated troop medals, and transitions in senior medical command. Rich firsthand detail on British military administration, diplomacy, and cantonment life during the fragile ceasefire following the Treaty of Tientsin. This letter vividly captures the transitional period of April 1859, when diplomatic uncertainty (due to Lord Elgin’s delay), the fragility of peace, and personnel shifts (e.g., Sir John Bowring’s illness and farewell) marked the tense lull between military campaigns. The writer’s presence at military and social functions also highlights the intertwined lives of civilian and military figures during British occupation. “……General (Charles) Straubenzee has taken leave of us at Canton & gone to Hong Kong – having left this a few days ago with Lady Straubenzee & all his baggage. But his Staff Officers are still here and the Miltd [military detachment] remain at Hong Kong until his successor arrives – and then take … runs up there per steamer occasionally. The new Plenipotentiary (Lord Elgin) has not yet arrived, and until he comes nothing can be decided about any of the troops leaving China. Mr. Porter still acts at Stanley and has not sufficient men to take care of now. He is desirous of obtaining leave to pay a visit to Shanghai, to arrange, I believe, his late mother’s affairs — a sorrowful duty. Sir John Bowring, Governor of Hong Kong, was here last week. He remains several days. He has had a severe attack of illness and goes home soon. He was in church on Sunday next to address the regiment of the 70th Regiment, and dined at their mess afterwards with the General and a large party …… I am glad to hear a report just now by the mail that a medal is to be granted for the recent military operations in this country. Whether the 65th (Regiment) will be entitled to it or not, I cannot yet say. I hope we may be removed home some months before the treaty was expired. I have done some good service……”

此信件寫於1859年4月11日，地點為英軍佔領下的廣州，內容細緻記錄了第二次鴉片戰爭中一段外交未決、軍事過渡、指揮更替的關鍵時期。信中提及**英軍總司令查爾斯·范·斯特勞本齊將軍（Sir Charles van Straubenzee）**離開廣州前往香港，並帶同夫人與行李一併離營；而其副官與駐軍仍留守等待繼任指揮官到任。與此同時，**新任欽差大臣額爾金勳爵（Lord Elgin）**尚未抵華，導致駐軍是否撤離仍無定論，凸顯《天津條約》簽訂後實施上的不確定性。 信中還詳述香港總督寶寧爵士（Sir John Bowring）重病在身，並將離任返英的消息，記錄他於教堂主持軍禮並參與第70步兵團軍官晚宴的最後公開活動，見證軍政人員間密切的社交與軍事生活交織。此外，信中亦提到近期英軍行動將可能頒授勳章，並表達希望在條約失效前得以退役返鄉的願望，流露出駐軍士兵對戰事結束的期待與疲憊。 本信可謂一手記錄第二次鴉片戰爭中條約未落實前、和平脆弱維持期間的權力過渡與軍事部署，具高度軍事與外交史價值，是研究英軍佔領廣州時期最生動的見證之一。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5) (Image 6) (Image 7)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1742 image1859 (27 May) Cover from Britain to British Navy HMS Camilla/Retribution at China Seas 27 May 1859, cover from Curzon-St, Britain to naval officer Albert Markham at China station who was originally on HMS Camilla, then probably change to onboarding HMS Retribution, matching with pencil mark of [HMS] Retribution. From March 1858, HMS Camilla stationed in Canton River until Feb 1859 when she sailed to Hong Kong. Markham changed to serve HMS Retribution at the time. Markham eventually rose to the rank of admiral at navy force. HMS Camilla was a 16-gun sloop launched in 1847. In Feb 1857 shortly after the outbreak of the Second Opium War, HMS Camilla was sent to China Station staying at various key treaty ports including Canton, Amoy, Foochow, Shanghai and Hong Kong to support British naval military actions until mid 1860. Thereafter, she was assigned to Japan but was lost in a typhoon in 1861. HMS Retribution, 10-gun frigate, East India Station (Shanghai), was involved with the Tai-Ping Rebels up the Yang-tse-kiang River. Route: From Curzon-St via London and Marseilles to naval warships of HMS Retribution which was stationed at China seas at the time. Rate: QV 1 penny, 2 pence and 6 pence each, canceled by London cds (27 MY 59) Marking: Curzon-St despatch cds, London transit cds (27 MY 59)

1859年5月27日 英國信封寄往駐中國艦隊 — HMS Camilla / Retribution 寄至皇家海軍軍官 Albert Markham，正值第二次鴉片戰爭中期艦隊調動關鍵時段。本封信於1859年5月27日自英國 Curzon-St. 寄出，收件人為皇家海軍軍官 Albert Hastings Markham，信件原寄至HMS Camilla，信封上後來以鉛筆加註「(HMS) Retribution」，顯示Markham或已轉調至HMS Retribution，符合1859年初Camilla返港後的人事調動。 軍事背景與艦隊部署：(1) HMS Camilla 1847年下水之16門火炮戰艦，自1857年起即駐守中國水域，支援第二次鴉片戰爭中的軍事行動，足跡遍及廣州、廈門、福州、上海與香港。1860年後調往日本，並於1861年在颱風中失事沉沒。(2) HMS Retribution 10門火炮的蒸汽動力軍艦，隸屬於東印度艦隊（駐上海），參與太平天國內戰期間沿長江上游巡防與干預行動。 歷史意義：此信為寄往英國皇家海軍駐中國艦隊軍官的實寄封，反映戰爭時期海軍人員調動與艦隊部署實況。軍官 Markham 日後晉升為英國皇家海軍上將，其在鴉片戰爭與東亞地區的經歷意義重大。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1743 image1859 (7 Jun) England to 65th Regiment N.I. at Canton, China A cover of Surgeon Alexander Gibbon correspondence sent to its stationed 65th Regiment Native Infantry. The cover was attached with UK stamp 4p x2 and 1p x1 cancelled byt Aberdeen c.d.s. dated June 7, 1859. On the front side, it marked the receiving manuscript on 24 July (1859). This cover, dated 7 June 1859 and addressed to Surgeon Alexander Gibbon of the 65th Regiment of Native Infantry (N.I.) stationed at Canton, captures a critical period between the failed Second Battle of Taku Forts (25–26 June 1859) and the subsequent intensification of Anglo-French military preparations. The 65th Regiment N.I., likely part of the British Indian Army’s reinforcement contingent, was deployed to Southern China as part of the ongoing effort to maintain control over treaty ports and secure strategic positions following earlier successes in Canton. The manuscript arrival mark of 24 July 1859 places this letter’s delivery just weeks after the Allied defeat at Taku, a moment when British command was reorganizing and reinforcing its presence in the region. This correspondence thus reflects the critical military positioning and transcontinental communications that underpinned Britain’s shifting strategy in the lead-up to the decisive 1860 northern campaign.

1859年6月7日 英國寄往中國廣州 — 軍醫 Alexander Gibbon 致第65本地步兵團（65th Regiment N.I.）之信封 郵票貼有4便士2枚與1便士1枚，蓋有英國亞伯丁（Aberdeen）日戳，信封正面手寫收件時間為1859年7月24日。 此封郵件寄至駐中國廣州的第65本地步兵團（65th Regiment of Native Infantry）。寄出時間為1859年6月7日，信件抵達時間為1859年7月24日，正值第二次鴉片戰爭第二次大沽口戰役（1859年6月25日至26日）失敗前後的軍事關鍵期。 第65本地步兵團隸屬於英屬印度陸軍體系，極有可能作為英軍駐守華南地區的增援部隊，協助控制包括廣州在內的通商口岸。此信的寄達時間距離聯軍在北方大沽口的失敗僅約一個月，當時英軍正處於重新部署與戰略重整的過渡期。 此件郵品除具備戰地郵件實寄的文物價值外，亦體現英國與其殖民地部隊之間在鴉片戰爭期間前線通訊、後勤與軍事動員的實際操作情況，為研究第二次鴉片戰爭戰事演變及駐華英軍結構提供佐證。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM

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