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Other continued...

Hong Kong & Treaty Ports, Opium War continued...
LotNo. Symbol CatNo. Lot Description
1744 image1859 (25 Oct) Cover from Clifton England to Lieutenant Geoffrey Mairis at the heights of Canton, China – after the Second Battle of Taku Forts The Second Battle of Taku Forts.was the most severe failed Anglo-French attempt to seize Taku Forts during the Second Opium War. The failure of the Second Battle of Taku Forts was a blow to both British and French prestige. Both governments were making all necessary military reinforcement and prepared to make another offensive to China again. This cover was sent to Lieutenant Geoffrey Mairis who was serving at the 2™ Battalion Brigade of Royal Marines Light Infantry which happened to station at Canton in the reinforcement period in early 1860. The Letter mentioned about the military reinforcement and related actions: “...... It is said that the French are about to send 18,000 men to China and our force for active operations will be 10,000 at least, and it is said only report that our government contemplates seizing Chusan and some other place kept secret ......” Route: Clifton, Britain to Canton, China via Marseilles Rate: 9d for ¼ oz regular rate from Great Britain to China Marking: 1x 1d, 1 x 2d and 1 x 6d QV stamps all cancelled by Clifton obliterator “959”, Clifton cds (25 OC 1859) , Hong Kong cds (15 Dec 1859)

1859年10月25日 英國Clifton寄往中國廣州高地的信封 致駐守廣州皇家海軍陸戰隊中尉 Geoffrey Mairis 的來信 —— 第二次大沽口戰役後的軍事重整時期 第二次大沽口之戰（1859年）是英法聯軍於第二次鴉片戰爭中嘗試奪取大沽炮台的一場重大失敗，對雙方國家聲望均造成打擊。此信正是在此失敗後不久寄出，反映當時英法政府已著手大規模軍事增援，準備對清朝展開下一輪攻勢。信封寄至駐守廣州的英國皇家海軍陸戰隊第二營中尉 Geoffrey Mairis，信中內容提及：「據說法軍將向中國派遣一萬八千人，我軍也將有至少一萬人投入行動；傳聞我國政府有意佔領舟山以及另一個保密地點……」 歷史意義：此信展現了英法聯軍在1859年挫敗後的戰略重組與對中國進一步進軍的準備，為研究第二次鴉片戰爭期間西方軍事部署與遠東郵政通訊提供重要史料依據。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1745 image1859 (25 Dec) Cover from Clifton to Lieutenant Geoffrey Mairis at Heights of Canton, China – before the outbreak of the Third Battle of Taku Forts The Second Battle of Taku Forts was perhaps the most severe failed Anglo-French attempt to seize Taku Forts during the Second Opium War. The failure of the Second Battle of Taku Forts was a blow to both British and French prestige. Between the end of 1859 and early 1860, the allied forces were making all necessary military reinforcements and prepared to fight to the north of China again. This cover was sent to Lieutenant Geoffrey Mairis who was serving at the 2” Battalion Brigade of Royal Marines Light Infantry which happened to station at Canton in the reinforcement period in early 1860. Route: Clifton, Britain to Canton, China via Marseilles Rate: 9d for % oz prepaid rate from Great Britain to China Marking: 1x 1d, 1x 2d and 1 x 6d QV stamps all cancelled by Clifton obliterator “959”, Clifton cds (25 Dec 1859) , Hong Kong cds (11 Feb 1860), manuscript “received at 12 Feb 1860”

1859年12月25日 英國Clifton寄往中國廣州高地信封 致駐守廣州皇家海軍陸戰隊中尉 Geoffrey Mairis —— 第三次大沽口戰役爆發前夕的軍郵信件。 1859年第二次大沽口之戰是英法聯軍於第二次鴉片戰爭中最嚴重的一次失敗嘗試，未能成功奪取大沽炮台，對兩國國際聲譽皆構成打擊。戰敗後，英法兩國積極調動軍力，從1859年底至1860年初展開大規模增援，準備再次北上進攻清朝。 本信於1859年聖誕節當日寄出，收件人為駐守廣州的英國皇家海軍陸戰隊輕步兵第二營中尉Geoffrey Mairis。當時該營正處於增援準備階段，等待進一步部署。該信反映了戰前前線軍官與英國本土之間的通信情況，以及即將爆發的軍事行動背景。 歷史意義：此信件發出時距第三次大沽口戰役（1860年8月）尚有約8個月，但已置身於聯軍重整與增兵的關鍵時期。作為戰爭前線軍官的往來書信，本品不僅為研究第二次鴉片戰爭與英軍戰前部署提供罕見實物依據，也為理解清英戰爭期間的軍郵流通與戰略佈局增添珍貴一頁。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1746 image1860 (8 Mar) Brest, France to French Frigate le Laplace at Hong Kong Cover sent from Brest, France to Captain Kerjegu served at the French frigate le Laplace which stationed at Hong Kong. Corvette 4 vapeur Laplace is a French 10-gun steam-powered frigate with 400-horse, commanded by Monsieur J. de Kerjegu. Corvette Laplace actively served in China seas from 1858 to early 1860 during the Second Opium War. From April 1860, corvette Laplace left for Cochin China to support the siege of Saigon at Vietnam. In Spring 1860, Allied forces including French navy headed north to gather at Shanghai after their military reinforcement was done for the third attack to Taku Forts. On 21 April, Anglo-French navies seized Chusan Island. It is believed that, since French frigate le Laplace had participated in that northward military action, this cover had not delivered to Hong Kong (22 April) but instead to Chusan Island via Shanghai, for which the arrival was thence deferred to 29 April or thereafter. Route: Brest, France to Hong Kong, China via Marseilles and Suez Rate: French officer rate with French Empire 40 centimes cancelled by “511” lozenges Marking: BREST cds (8 MARS 60), LYON A MARSEILLES cds (10 MARS 60)

1860年3月8日 法國布雷斯特（Brest）寄往香港 — 法國軍艦「Le Laplace」信封 寄至法軍「Le Laplace」蒸汽護衛艦指揮官 Kerjegu 上校。本海軍郵件於1860年3月8日由法國布雷斯特寄出，收件人為法國海軍上校 J. de Kerjegu，時任蒸汽護衛艦「Le Laplace」艦長。該艦為400馬力、10門火炮之法國軍艦，自1858年起在中國沿海活躍執行軍事與護航任務，為第二次鴉片戰爭中的重要戰力之一。 軍事歷史背景：1860年春，法英聯軍完成南方戰力補給後，自廣州、香港集結北上部署，準備第三次進攻大沽口炮台。4月21日聯軍佔領舟山（Chusan），進一步為登陸天津鋪路。「Le Laplace」原駐香港，但很可能於信件抵達（預計22日）前已參與北上行動，信件轉送至舟山或經由上海再送達，遞送時間延後至4月29日或之後。自4月起離開中國戰區，轉往南方支援法軍在越南西貢圍城行動（Cochinchina Expedition）。 郵政與軍事價值：收件艦長 Kerjegu 為法軍高級指揮官，對鴉片戰爭與印度支那行動皆有實際參與。涉及舟山佔領前後的軍事活動與艦隊調度，為研究第二次鴉片戰爭中法國海軍戰力部署提供重要佐證。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1747 image1860 (30 Mar) French Military CORPS EXP. CHINE BAU CENTRAL unpaid mail from HK to France (only valid in HK for 2 months around) In April 1860, the Allied Forces were preparing to head north to launch their third time of attack on Taku Forts. At the time, French troops already had been assembled in Hong Kong since February when the Bureau Central (CEC BAY CENTRAL) opened its base office there. At the end of April, the French military command left for Shanghai, and with the installation of the corps headquarter there, the Bureau Central moved to Shanghai in May 1860. It closed late in March 1862 well after the signing of the Convention of Pekin in Nov1860 to end the Second Opium War. CECBAU CENTRAL opened its military base office in Hong Kong for less than three months from 15 Feb 1860 to the end of April 1860, and hence extremely rare to have usage over this short period. Route: P&O Ganges to Galle, P&O Candia to Suez, P&O Panther to Marseilles Rate: 5 decimals for 7 % grams or % oz naval officer unpaid rate Markings: CEC B‘” CENTRAL cds (30 MARS 60), “5 (decimals)” handstamp rate, TOURS cds (11 MAI 60)

1860年3月30日 法國軍郵CORPS EXP. CHINE BAU CENTRAL 設於香港不到三個月 此信封於1860年3月30日經香港由法軍軍郵中央辦事處（Bureau Central / CECBAU CENTRAL）寄往法國，為未付郵資信件。該軍郵辦公室當時隸屬於法國中國遠征軍（CORPS EXPÉDITIONNAIRE DE CHINE），設於香港不到三個月。 軍事與郵政歷史背景：1860年春季，英法聯軍在香港集結，準備第三次北上攻打大沽口炮台。法軍自1860年2月中旬起進駐香港，在中環開設軍郵總局 CECBAU CENTRAL，作為南方集結與指揮中心。隨著指揮部於4月底移師上海，CECBAU CENTRAL亦於5月遷往上海，並持續運作至1862年3月結束，遠遠超過戰爭結束（1860年11月簽署《北京條約》）。然而，香港設局時間極短（僅1860年2月15日至4月底），因此此信件屬於該階段所存最罕見實寄品之一。 本品為法軍軍郵中央戰地局在港極短期間內的實際郵件使用例證，對研究法軍郵政制度與鴉片戰爭通信體系具重要文獻價值。作為聯軍第三次北伐啟動前夕的郵政見證，其郵戳與寄遞時機皆具高軍事史與郵政史意義。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1748 image1860 (4 Jul) French Expeditionary Force incoming envelope from France to French Expedition War Ship “Le Duperré ” via CEC BAU A field office in HK 4 July 1860 – Incoming French Military Mail to Le Duperré, via Corps Expéditionnaire de Chine “BAU A” Hong Kong Rare incoming military envelope sent to Monsieur Alexandre Massin, naval surgeon aboard the French expeditionary warship Le Duperré, care of CEC BAU A field office in Hong Kong during the Second Opium War. • Postage underpaid in France; taxed 30 centimes upon arrival in Hong Kong with red boxed “Affranchissement / Insuffisant” and “30c” due handstamp, consistent with the officer class unpaid rate (50c) less 20c prepaid (In the middle of the cover, it was stamped double-ring “CORPS EXP. CHINE / BAU A” overstruck by a rhomboid cancellation “CECA” adjacent to “30c” rate mark., signaling that the penalty rate was paid at arrival by recipient when arrived). • Struck with scarce “CORPS EXP. CHINE / BAU A” double-circle and rhomboid “CECA” cancellation—only in use in Hong Kong for 7 months (May–Nov 1860). • Le Duperré saw combat at Peiho (Taku Forts) and later served as a hospital ship by December 1860. This is one of very few known incoming covers routed via the short-lived CEC BAU A Hong Kong field post office, with war-time military tax handling. It reflects both the logistical complexity of Franco-British operations in China and the critical role of field post during the final offensive phase of the Second Opium War.

1860年7月4日 自法國巴黎寄至法國遠征艦「Le Duperré」之郵封 使用「CORPS EXP. CHINE / BAU A」與「CECA」軍郵標記，罕見來函用例 本信件寄至駐紮香港的法國遠征軍戰艦「Le Duperré」（1860年參與北方軍事行動，年底轉為醫療艦），由巴黎寄出，收件人為軍醫官Alexandre Massin先生，屬軍官等級。由於只付費20c，但應付為50c軍官郵資，因此抵達時收取30c罰金，蓋有紅色框格「Affranchissement Insuffisant」及「30c」欠資戳。信封中央加蓋**「CORPS EXP. CHINE / BAU A」雙圈戳**，旁蓋菱形「CECA」銷戳，說明本信為戰地郵局BAU A（駐港）收件，並由收件人支付罰資。 • BAU A戰地郵局在港僅設置7個月（1860年5月至11月），此時期的來函郵件極為稀少。 • 此件為極罕見的不足資處理來信（欠資30c由收件人補付），實屬軍郵中少見用例。 • 「Le Duperré」與**第二次鴉片戰爭（1860北伐與佔領北京）**軍事行動息息相關，彰顯法軍參與亞洲戰事之戰地郵政運作。 此信封不僅展現當時法軍與清廷戰爭中的後勤與郵政鏈接，亦是短暫駐港戰地郵局運作的直接實物見證，為軍郵與鴉片戰爭歷史研究的珍稀標本。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1749 image1860 (24 Sep) cover to Captain Canel of Voltigeurs 1st Battalion, 102me Infantry Ligne, Corp Expedition de Chine The cover was sent from Nantes, France to Monsieur Canel, Captain of the 1st Field Battalion of 102 Regiment Infantry of French Expeditionary Force in China. The French 102 Regiment Infantry has participated in the important Third Battle of Taku Forts and Battle of Palikao 八里橋之戰in Aug – Sept 1860, which determined direct penetration to Beijing. At the time of sending this cover, it was right about the time of the Battle of Palikao (21 Sept 1860) and the Imperial forces were defeated by the Anglo-French expeditions, forcing the Imperial Government to sign the Convention of Peking when the cover arrived in China in Nov 1860. Route: Nantes, France to Voltigeurs 1 Battalion 102me Infantry Ligne / Corp Exp. Chine via Marseilles Rate: France Napoleon 20c x 2 canceled by lozange chiffre Marking: Nantes cds (24 Sept 1860), Lyon A Marseilles cds (26 Sept 1860), boxed “PD” in red color

1860年9月24日 法國南特寄往中國法軍遠征隊第102步兵團之信封 寄至中國參與八里橋戰役及攻入北京的法軍主力部隊軍官 Canel 上尉。此信於1860年9月24日由法國南特（Nantes）寄出，收件人為Canel 上尉，隸屬於法國遠征軍第102步兵團第一野戰營（Voltigeurs）。該部隊為第二次鴉片戰爭期間法軍核心作戰單位，參與了1860年8月的第三次大沽口戰役與9月21日的八里橋戰役（Battle of Palikao），兩役皆為聯軍攻佔北京的關鍵戰事。 此信寄出時正值八里橋戰役爆發之際，當信件於11月抵達中國時，清廷已於聯軍壓境下簽署《北京條約》，結束第二次鴉片戰爭。歷史與郵政意義在於（1）此件郵品與第二次鴉片戰爭最關鍵戰役時點同步，直接對應聯軍取勝與清廷議和之重要歷史節點。（2）寄往駐中法軍的實戰部隊軍官（Canel上尉），反映戰時郵政網絡與法軍戰地通訊真實情境。（3）為研究法軍在華軍事部署、作戰節奏與戰地郵件運作的稀有郵品。本封信寄達正值中法英三方重新劃定外交與通商條件之歷史時刻，具高度象徵意義。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1750 image1860 (9 Oct) an important letter sent from Clifton, Bristol, England to Lieutenant Geoffrey at the Expeditionary Force in North China An important letter dated shortly after July 1860, written during the final phase of the Second Opium War. falls at a critical moment in the final phase of the Second Opium War, just days before the climax of the entire campaign. The timing of the letter being dispatched closely precedes the Anglo-French occupation of Peking on 6 Oct., and the infamous burning of the Old Summer Palace on 18-19 October 1860. The letter references chaotic scenes around Peking and Tientsin, with civilians fleeing, peace uncertain, and trade suspended. It captures Allied views on Chinese internal instability — citing 10,000 troops tied down by rebellion — while highlighting logistical and command updates within the British expeditionary force. Mentions of Lord Elgin, Captain Lushington, and others place this within the decisive period just before the fall of Peking and the looting of the Summer Palace on 18-19 October 1860 ... the 29th May too late for the mail that month — the half of the 25th consequently the one but gets it to the investors. The letter content mentioned: “We are in daily expectation now of hearing from China of the expedition, having received your last of the 24 & 25 duly from Taku or Talién Whan Bay on the 5th last ……That the peace also uncertain, and that trade is suspended. The people there are very discontented; that they have but only 9000 against us and 10,000 against the Rebels who are cutting up the Empire. I also expect Lord Elgin will be able to anticipate the address of your actual dispatch of speech — if your actual detachment is split up to 3 companies, Col. L. ought to allow your portion of this to your position & salary …… Captain Lushington is promoted by General Rosecrans, and Walton is put up for promotion ……

1860年9月24日 法國南特寄往中國法軍遠征隊第102步兵團之信封 寄至中國參與八里橋戰役及攻入北京的法軍主力部隊軍官 Canel 上尉。此信於1860年9月24日由法國南特（Nantes）寄出，收件人為Canel 上尉，隸屬於法國遠征軍第102步兵團第一野戰營（Voltigeurs）。該部隊為第二次鴉片戰爭期間法軍核心作戰單位，參與了1860年8月的第三次大沽口戰役與9月21日的八里橋戰役（Battle of Palikao），兩役皆為聯軍攻佔北京的關鍵戰事。 此信寄出時正值八里橋戰役爆發之際，當信件於11月抵達中國時，清廷已於聯軍壓境下簽署《北京條約》，結束第二次鴉片戰爭。歷史與郵政意義在於（1）此件郵品與第二次鴉片戰爭最關鍵戰役時點同步，直接對應聯軍取勝與清廷議和之重要歷史節點。（2）寄往駐中法軍的實戰部隊軍官（Canel上尉），反映戰時郵政網絡與法軍戰地通訊真實情境。（3）為研究法軍在華軍事部署、作戰節奏與戰地郵件運作的稀有郵品。本封信寄達正值中法英三方重新劃定外交與通商條件之歷史時刻，具高度象徵意義。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1751 image1860 (22 Oct) Camp. Hoosecoos, North of China The hand-writing of the letter is a little blurred but contains significant information. The Convention of Peking (Beijing) was signed on 24th October 1860, by Lord Elgin and Prince Gong on behalf of the Qing court. This letter, dated just before the formal signing, mentions: • The Treaty has been signed, • Lord Elgin’s public entry into the city (likely the formal procession on 23rd Oct • British and French forces encamped ~30 miles outside Peking (possibly near Tongzhou or other forward positions), • A scheduled withdrawal 10 days later, once terms were secured. The letter has the following narratives: “ …… you will be glad to hear that the Treaty (i.e.The Treaty of Peking) has been signed at Pekin that Lord Elgin is to make his public entry into that city tomorrow (the 23rd inst.) – and that two armies, arriving with 4 or 5 other officers, are now encamped within about 30 miles from Pekin – as the army is to leave Pekin on each road again in about 10 days …… This cover together with 2 letter sheets were sent from Camp Hoosecoos, North of China to Farnboro-Stati England; on the back side of the cover stamped with London and Farnboro arrival c.d.s. dated 1 JA and 2 JA 61. Camp Hoosecoos is believed to be somewhere near Beitang (北塘).

本信件寫於1860年10月22日，北中國 Hoosecoos 軍營（今推定位於北塘（Beitang）附近），正值第二次鴉片戰爭進入最終階段、《北京條約》簽署前兩日。信件內容雖筆跡稍顯模糊，卻蘊含極具歷史價值的關鍵信息，見證英法聯軍於攻佔北京後的外交安排與軍事撤軍計劃。信中提及： • 條約（即**《北京條約》**）已於北京簽署； • **額爾金勳爵（Lord Elgin）**將於次日（10月23日）正式進入北京； • 英法聯軍主力部隊現駐紮於距北京約30英里處（靠近通州或其他戰略據點）； • 部隊預計將於10日內依各路路線自北京撤離，完成協議後的階段性行動。 信件原文寫道：「……你會高興地知道條約（即《北京條約》）已於北京簽署，額爾金勳爵明天（即本月23日）將正式進入該城 —— 現有兩軍與四五名軍官駐紮於距北京約30英里之處 —— 軍隊預計在約10日內分路離開北京……」 該郵件由Camp Hoosecoos（北塘附近）寄往英格蘭 Farnboro-Stati，附有兩張信箋，信封背面蓋有倫敦與 Farnboro 到達日戳（1861年1月1日與1月2日），為極具史料價值的外交戰爭書信。Hoosecoos 軍營可能為英軍於華北作戰期間所設臨時指揮營地，鄰近海防重鎮北塘，為攻占天津與進軍北京後期的補給與指揮前線之一。 本信全面展現英法聯軍於北京陷落後、正式條約簽訂前夕的軍事部署、外交動態與撤軍安排，是研究第二次鴉片戰爭結局、特別是《北京條約》締結實況的重要一手文獻。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1752 image1860 (29 Oct) Cover to French General de Brigade Collineau at China – after the Battle of Palikao E. Collineau served as a general brigade of the second infantry in China. During the Second Opium War, General Collineau actively participated in some important battles such as the Third Battle of Taku Forts and in particular, the Battle of Palikao (or the Battle of Baliqao). In the Battle of Palikao, General Collineau’s infantry played a very important role to rapidly take the bridge of Palikao, opening up the road to facilitate the allied force to reach the capital of Peking eventually. The cover was sent to General Collineau in late Oct 1860 when was about one month after the Battle of Palikao. At the time, he was still staying at the places near Peking city to support the allied force for the negotiation of Conventions with Imperial Government. Route: Brantome to China via Paris and Suez those commanded by E.Collineau Rate: France 40c officer concession rate to China Marking: French Empire 40c canceled by “502” petite chiffres, Brantome cds (29 Oct 1860), Paris cds (29 Oct 1860)

八里橋戰役（Battle of Palikao）勝利後，駐北京郊外協助條約談判的法軍高階指揮官來信。此信於1860年10月29日寄往中國，收件人為法軍陸軍准將 Collineau，時值八里橋戰役結束約一個月。Collineau 將軍任職於第二步兵旅，於第二次鴉片戰爭中積極參與多場關鍵戰役，包括第三次大沽口戰役與決定性戰役—八里橋戰役（1860年9月21日）。 在八里橋戰役中，Collineau 指揮的法軍部隊成功突襲並控制橋樑，為聯軍進軍北京鋪平道路，戰術上具有開城先鋒的戰略地位。信件寄達之際，Collineau 將軍駐紮於北京城郊，參與協助聯軍指揮部與清政府之間的談判過程，最終促成《北京條約》的簽署。 歷史與郵政意義在於此件郵品寄給第二次鴉片戰爭中的法軍主力將領，地位特殊，極具軍郵歷史價值。時間節點正值清廷戰敗談判期間，Collineau 駐北京郊外，協助執行軍事與外交過渡任務。與八里橋戰役後續行動與條約簽署密切相關，見證法軍軍事勝利後的戰地駐守與政治壓力運作。為第二次鴉片戰爭末段階段中，少見寄往中國之法軍將官實寄封，具高度歷史意義。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1753 image1861 (5 Jan) Shanghai, on board the Empress Eugénie This letter, dated 5 January 1861 aboard the French naval vessel HMS Empress Eugénie in Shanghai, provides a rare and candid naval perspective on the final phase of the Second Opium War. The writer contrasts the dramatic land campaigns of General Montauban and General Grant, including the capture and infamous destruction of the YuanMingYuan圓明園 (Old Summer Palace) and the atrocities committed against Chinese prisoners, with the less sensational but strategically vital role of the French Navy. He proudly highlights the navy’s contribution to the landing operations, the assault on Takou Forts大沽砲台, and the capture of Tientsin, where 600 French marines matched the army in combat effectiveness. This letter captures the internal rivalry between branches of service and underscores the crucial yet often overlooked role of naval forces in securing Allied victories along China’s northern coast in 1860 — victories that directly led to the Convention of Peking and the war’s conclusion. The French letter translated into the following: “……my report pales in comparison with that of (General) Montauban, our manner of seeing is as different as day from night. I tell you that the feats of war of the army seem to have much greater effect than those of the navy, but all is not finished; what admiration of the onlookers feel when they read the accounts of the two battles fought by General Montauban and General grant before going to Pekin, then the capture, the pillage and the burning of the Imperial Palace of Yuen-Ming-Yuen, the tortures and murders of prisoners, we don’t have in the navy all these dramatic tableaus to offer the public, we simply operated a landing on a winding coast bristling with difficulties, we contributed powerfully to the taking of the fort of Takoa大沽, we along took Tien-Tsin our 600 marines of the landing force rivalled with advantage the soldiers……”

本信件寫於1861年1月5日，地點為法國海軍「Empress Eugénie（女皇尤金妮號）」艦上，停泊於上海，提供極為罕見且坦率的法軍海軍對第二次鴉片戰爭末期的觀察與心聲。信件撰寫者坦言，儘管陸軍將領**孟托邦將軍（General Montauban）與格蘭特將軍（General Grant）在北京戰役與圓明園焚毀行動中獲得極高關注與戰功讚譽，但他仍自豪於海軍在大沽砲台（Taku Forts）與天津（Tientsin）**作戰中的實質貢獻。 信中對比道：「……我的報告比起孟托邦將軍的顯得黯淡無光，我們對戰爭的理解就像白天與黑夜般不同。陸軍的戰績在公眾眼中似乎比海軍更具戲劇性——尤其是兩場進攻北京前的戰役、圓明園的掠奪與焚毀、甚至俘虜的酷刑與處決——海軍無法呈現這些戲劇畫面；我們只是完成了困難地形下的登陸作戰，協助攻陷了大沽砲台，我們600名海軍陸戰隊還單獨攻佔了天津，其表現絲毫不遜於陸軍……」 此信顯示法軍海軍對其角色定位的矛盾與驕傲，坦承其作戰貢獻在外交與媒體層面常被掩蓋，但其實際戰術成效卻至關重要。海軍在華北海岸的登陸、砲擊與後勤運輸，是確保聯軍自南向北推進並最終迫使清廷簽署**《北京條約》**（Convention of Peking, 1860）的關鍵因素之一。此信既是一次跨軍種角度的戰爭檢視，亦為研究法國在華軍事行動、聯軍內部關係與戰後自我認知的重要原始資料，具有突出的史料與郵史價值。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1754 image1861 (30 Jul) An autograph signed by French General Montauban addressed to Chamberlain An autograph signed by French General Montauban on 30 July 1861 addressed to Chamberlain of French Imperatrice for an announced visit. In 1859, Montauban was appointed as the Charles Cousin-Montauban, Comte de Palikao Commander of French expedition to China in the midst of Second Opium War. In Sept 1860, Montauban led French troops of the allied army to defeat Qing army at Palikao during the famous Battle of Palikao八里橋戰役. The allied forces entered Peking thereafter and the looting of Summer Palace火燒圓明園.

書信的文獻價值： 此為法國將軍 Charles Cousin-Montauban（帕里卡奧伯爵）於1861年7月30日親筆簽署之書信，致信對象為法國皇后侍從官（Chamberlain），內容涉及皇室接待安排，為戰後外交與軍事高階人物間之往來信函。 歷史人物：1859年Montauban 被任命為法軍遠征中國的指揮官，率軍參與第二次鴉片戰爭。1860年9月21日，於著名的八里橋戰役（Battle of Palikao）中指揮法軍對清軍發起決定性突擊，取得勝利，該役成為聯軍入侵北京的關鍵一戰，最終導致清廷簽署《北京條約》結束戰事，戰後 Montauban亦因此被尊封為八里橋伯爵（Comte de Palikao）。 文獻歷史價值：此信寫於戰爭結束約半年後，Montauban 已為法軍戰功赫赫的象徵人物，少見直接與八里橋戰役勝利將領有關之原始史料，具高度收藏與展示價值。(Image 1) (All Images)


CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1755 image1862 (2 Jun) Letter from HMS Imperieuse at the late Taiping Rebellion This letter, dated 2 June 1862 and written from HMS Imperieuse near Shanghai, captures a vivid British naval perspective during the final stages of the Taiping Rebellion. The letter references the growing activity of rebel forces under the command of “(Rebellion King) Chung Wang” (忠王李秀成), who were closing in on the outskirts of Shanghai. The British force note the destruction caused by the rebels in the countryside and the flow of villagers seeking refuge. Provisions were becoming scarce, and summer heat made military expeditions increasingly difficult. The letter also discusses the anticipated arrival of HMS Euryalus in August and expresses doubt about whether Admiral Hope would remain in command. This letter provides rare first-hand documentation of British observations of the Taiping threat near Shanghai in mid-1862. The letter vividly captures the prevailing military confrontation and society issues: “... The numbers of the rebels seems to increase and under the command of their fighting King ‘Chung Wang’ (i.e. referred to忠王 – 李秀成). They are closing in round the settlement, there is no fear of their taking or burning it while we keep the number of men we have here but they are laying waste the country round and driving the villagers in for refuge. Provisions are now very dear and I suppose will get more so and it is by no means pleasant having to spend all our summer here. The weather keeps still tolerably cool but it is already getting too hot for expeditions against the rebels. The ‘(H.M.S.) Euryalus’ [a fourth-rate wooden-hulled screw frigate of the Royal Navy, with a 400-horsepower carried 35 guns, 16 carronades] ought to reach Hong Kong end of July and arrive here in August, then the question is will Admiral Hope remain out any longer or not, if he does we shall no doubt stay as his flag ship however this is doubtful whether he’ll remain or not. ...” Summary of Context:

Ex Goldsmith Collection 1862年6月2日 自英國軍艦 HMS Imperieuse 發出之書信記錄太平天國後期戰事，忠王李秀成軍隊逼近上海，糧荒與軍事困境交織下的英軍前線觀察 此信由駐紮於上海近海的英國皇家軍艦 HMS Imperieuse（皇家無畏號）官兵於1862年6月2日所撰，內容詳細記錄太平天國忠王李秀成部隊於華東地區的軍事活動，為研究中英關係與西方干預太平天國的重要實物文獻。 書信精要摘錄：「……叛軍人數似乎在增加，由其‘戰王’忠王（即李秀成）統帥，已接近租界一帶，雖說目前我們兵力足以守住此地，但周邊鄉村已被其焚毀，百姓逃入租界避難。糧食價格昂貴，預料將更加短缺，氣候漸熱，不利於展開軍事行動……（HMS）Euryalus預計七月底抵達香港，八月到此，但海軍上將霍普是否會繼續留任尚不可知……」 歷史價值重點： 1. 第一手英軍前線觀察紀錄：信中直指李秀成軍隊圍繞上海，形成壓力包圍圈，亦提及鄉村被毀與民間避難潮。 2. 英軍評估戰局與資源困境：反映軍方對於糧食短缺、氣候惡化與兵力調動的實際考量。 3. 海軍部署與指揮轉移紀錄：提及HMS Euryalus（400馬力、載35門火炮）之調度計畫，及海軍上將James Hope可能離任與否的軍政動態。 4. 此信正處於1862年忠王對上海最強包圍期間，為研究太平軍與西方勢力互動、外國艦隊駐防情況、軍事干預限度等重要史料。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1756 image1860 (October to November) a group of 3 covers of French military mails in the Second Opium War period sent from Shanghai to France. All three covers were cancelled by CORPS EXP. CHINE BAU CENTRAL c.d.s. on their front sides of the covers. One cover dated 20 Nov had an inverted month of NOV, and other two are dated 3 OCT and 5 NOV 1860 respectively. The back sides are cancelled with arrival c.d.s. in France. CORPS EXP. CHINE BAU CENTRAL (CECB CL) first stationed in Hong Kong for around 3 month from Feb to April 1860, and then the military base moved to Shanghai China for another 2 years around there.

1860年10月至11月 : 第二次鴉片戰爭期間由上海寄往法國的三件法軍軍郵信封 蓋有 “CORPS EXP. CHINE BAU CENTRAL” 軍郵日戳，反映戰時駐滬法軍郵政運作實例 本組郵品為三件由中國上海寄往法國的法軍軍郵信封，時間均為第二次鴉片戰爭後期（1860年秋）。三件信封正面均蓋有清晰的*“CORPS EXP. CHINE BAU CENTRAL”（法軍中國遠征軍中央戰地郵局）日戳，日期分別為：1860年10月3日，11月5日， 11月20日（20 NOV，惟“NOV”月份倒蓋），三件信封背面均蓋有法國當地的到達日戳（arrival c.d.s.）。 “CORPS EXP. CHINE BAU CENTRAL” 軍郵局（簡稱 CECBAU CENTRAL 或 CECB CL）最初設立於1860年2月至4月期間駐於香港，之後隨法軍北上，於1860年4 – 5月起遷駐上海，並在當地繼續運作約兩年。這三件信封正處於CECBAU CENTRAL 在上海初期運作階段，具體反映戰時軍郵機制與遠征軍通訊網絡實際應用情況。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5) (Image 6)

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Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1757 image1836 (16 Jul) Water Witch, off Cumsingmoon to Canton An internal Canton River mail. Letter written on 10 July 1836 on board the opium clipper Water Witch at Cumsingmoon, addressed to Canton. Mentions the dispatch of correspondence via the Herbert Taylor to England through Singapore, ongoing opium trade conditions, rising opium prices, and active smuggling by foreign vessels. Notes on American and Bombay ship arrivals and trade logistics, including outbound sailing of the Mermaid to Calcutta. Provides firsthand insight into the operations of opium traders off the Chinese coast in the pre-Opium War period.

1836年7月10日於「Water Witch」鴉片快船上、錨泊於「金星門」Cumsingmoon – 廣東河出口面向香港島 - 所書信函，寄往廣州。 信中提及透過「Herbert Taylor」號船經新加坡轉寄英國之郵件安排，並記錄當時鴉片貿易活動情況，包括鴉片價格上升、走私船活躍，以及美國與印度（如Bombay）來船之抵達情形。信中亦提及「Mermaid」號即將啟程返回加爾各答，透露此信件所處時間點正值廣東沿海鴉片貿易繁盛階段，具體反映中英開戰前夕外籍走私船活動頻繁之實況。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4)

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Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1758 image(1) Opium License Plaque – Tongzhi 11 (1872), Huizhou Prefecture, Jiangnan This is an official opium license plaque issued in 1872 (11th year of Emperor Tongzhi) by the local authorities of Huizhou Prefecture, Jiangnan. It authorized the named household to legally operate an opium business at a registered address. The text references typical Qing-era regulatory terms such as “registered household members,” “licensed opium traders,” and “penalties for violations,” indicating its function within the Qing government’s opium control system. The red square official seal confirms its legitimacy as a formal government-issued document. This license is a rare and valuable artifact reflecting the legal framework and administrative practices surrounding opium regulation in late Qing China. (2) 14th November 1870, the lot also attached a Melchers & Co’s market report. The Report states a series of opium price in 1870, including the quotes to Patna, Benares, Malwa opium chest., together with providing the inventory at Shanghae of opium at the time – stock of opium as of today: 800 chest Patna; 380 chests Benares; 500 chest Malwa. Both license and market reports have again verified the opium trade was part of the regular trade imported to China, and also opium was an authorised regular service at the society in 19th century, particularly after the Opium War periods.

(1) 清同治十一年（1872年）烟戶門牌 江南徽州府官署核發之合法煙牌文件 本件為清朝同治十一年（1872年）江南徽州府所頒發之「煙戶門牌」，明確顯示持牌戶已依規登記並被授權於特定門址內經營鴉片業務。內容載有「男女丁口逐一填寫」、「分烟戶民數冊」、「應憑烟牌」、「違例查禁」等關鍵字句，體現清代鴉片管控制度下之官方行政語彙。 該牌應懸掛於門首，供巡查官吏稽查辨識，並附紅色方形官印，顯示為由府署或縣署所核發之正式文件。此類烟牌為清代合法經營鴉片的官方許可證，除反映地方政府對煙戶登記制度的執行外，亦為研究清末禁烟與管制政策的重要實物史料。 (2) 1870年11月14日 梅爾策洋行（Melchers & Co.）市場報告附件 本報告記錄當時鴉片價格行情，包括 Patna、Benares、Malwa 等類型鴉片之報價，並列出上海現存庫存：Patna 800箱、Benares 380箱、Malwa 500箱。 此市場報告與煙牌同為重要史證，反映19世紀中葉鴉片貿易已成中國社會之合法常規商業活動，尤以鴉片戰爭後尤為明顯。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1759 image1840 (9 Nov) Macao to Somerset, England An important First Opium War letter dated 9 November 1840 from Macao to Somerset, England, written during the British occupation of Chusan . The letter reveals strategic insights into British expectations for a swift resolution of the conflict, though tempered by skepticism from China experts. Notably, it mentions the movement of a Chinese hostage and British logistical plans to transfer invalid soldiers from Chusan to Manila, offering rare documentation of the medical and diplomatic dimensions of early war operations. A valuable historical artifact shedding light on British military disposition, wartime morale, and Sino-British interactions during the initial stages of hostilities The letter has the following message: “... the Chinese are causing xxx about the English, and the officers of the Expedition entertain great hopes that matters in dispute will be speedily adjusted — those who know more of the Chinese however are very far from feeling any such confidence. the xxx from Chusan came down the other day and it is believed has gone over to Manila to arrange for the accommodation there of some xxx that are to be sent down from Chusan — “

1840年11月9日於第一次鴉片戰爭初期英軍佔領舟山後的軍事與醫療部署紀錄 此信件撰於第一次鴉片戰爭初期、英軍攻佔舟山（1840年7月首次佔領）後數月，由澳門寄往英國薩默塞特。內容揭示英方對於迅速解決中英爭端所抱持的樂觀態度，但書信作者亦指出熟悉中國情勢者多不持相同看法，反映當時英軍內部對戰局發展的不同預期。 信中提及一名來自舟山的軍醫官（surgeon）抵達澳門，據信即將前往馬尼拉安排接收從舟山送往後方的傷病官兵。此段內容對於理解當時英軍如何處理遠征軍之醫療與後勤支援系統，具高度史料價值。 原文節錄如下： 「……中國人對英人顯得更加不安，而遠征軍官員們對於爭端能迅速解決抱有極大希望——但那些更瞭解中國人性格的人卻完全沒有此種信心。舟山來的一名軍醫日前來到，據信他已前往馬尼拉安排那裡的接收設施，以安置一些即將自舟山送往後方的病弱官兵。」 此信充分體現了戰爭初期英軍的軍事部署、醫療安排與外交觀察，為研究鴉片戰爭中英軍行動提供寶貴的第一手資料。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1760 image1868 (24 Jan to 31 Jul) five letter sheets in total stating the opium trade situation in Shanghae, China 5 sheets issued in 1868 from Jardine Matheson Esq. dated 24 Jan., 31 Jan., 5 Feb., 17 July, 31 July. These letter sheets or market report mentioned about the active opium trades for the types of Malwa, Patua, Bengal. All these reflected the opium trade has affirmed the opium trade was a regular cross border businesses between China and England via India after the Second Opium War. Some merchants previously not so much involved in opium trade have included opium as part of their coverage import goods as well. Good to understand the historic opium trade development at the time.

1868年1月24日至7月31日：五封關於中國上海鴉片貿易情況的信函報告 此為由怡和洋行（Jardine Matheson Esq.）於1868年所發出的五封書信報告，分別日期為1月24日、1月31日、2月5日、7月17日及7月31日，均記錄了當時上海地區的鴉片貿易情況。 信中提及數種印度出口至中國的鴉片品類，包括馬爾瓦（Malwa）、帕圖亞（Patua）及孟加拉（Bengal）鴉片。從信件內容可見，鴉片交易在1868年依然極為活躍，並顯示自第二次鴉片戰爭（1856–1860）後，中印英三地之間的跨境鴉片貿易已然常態化，成為上海市場的重要經濟活動之一，一些原本並未積極參與鴉片貿易的商人，亦開始將鴉片納入其進口商品的範疇中，反映出鴉片不僅仍具高度經濟價值，亦已深入滲透至更廣泛的商業網絡之中。 歷史補充說明：至1868年，中國的鴉片問題已延續數十年，自1830年代東印度公司壟斷印度鴉片產出並走私至中國以來，經歷了兩次鴉片戰爭，最終導致清政府被迫簽訂一系列不平等條約，當中包括《天津條約》及《北京條約》，正式承認英國在華的通商權益，實際上亦變相承認了鴉片進口的合法性。 在戰後十年間，隨著通商口岸數量增加及海關制度西化，鴉片貿易不但持續擴展，且逐漸進入「半合法化」階段，尤其在上海、廣州等地，鴉片成為常見進口品之一。怡和洋行作為當時英資最大商行之一，對華鴉片貿易的推動可謂舉足輕重，亦在信函中持續反映對市場動態、價格變化與競爭情勢的密切觀察。 這五封信函可作為了解戰後十年內鴉片貿易運作的一手資料，也反映出鴉片在中英印三地貿易關係中的核心地位。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3) (Image 4) (Image 5) (Image 6) (Image 7) (Image 8) (Image 9) (Image 10) (Image 11)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1761 image1836 (1 Sep) Canton to Cumsingmoon, Edward Crooke Esq. to E.F. Veneables on board opium clipper Water Witch, river boat mail from Canton to Cumsingmoon. The letter content is about the difficult opium trade condition, in which the letter mentioned the following: “… I am afraid I shall not be able to do so the smugglers promise to buy it next voyage as they say. But they never have the money with them, so if you can sell it do so and I will not trouble you again. I don’t know how to get the moneydown here but perhaps you can do that for me…..” On the front side, Edward Crooke further reminded EF Veneables :”…to sell his chest opium and send the money down; target to sell his chest opium but could not – price minimal 700 ref ; Patna 780-85 @ 800 Malwa 750 or so Turkey 700 –– If I sell will advise ship immediately –– So note 5 Sept (for Bombay), sold his chest opium at 680 to Tenchong cash in a week or 10 days ––

1836年9月1日，廣州致金星門之信： Edward Crooke 致 E.F. Veneables，信中談及鴉片市場低迷，買家雖口頭承諾下次購買，實則無現金交易。他請對方代為售出其一箱鴉片，並設法將款項送達。金星門的角色：作為鴉片走私轉運港，Cumsingmoon此時成為英國船隊與中國買家間的重要交接點，提供鴉片交易的避風港。 信中提及當時不同產地鴉片的行情參考價格： Patna：780–800 銀元 Malwa：約 750 銀元 Turkey：約 700 銀元 期望售價至少為 700 銀元。 信末補述：他已於9月5日售出該箱鴉片予「Tenchong」，價格為每箱680銀元，預計一週至十天內收妥款項。 信件反映1830年代後期鴉片市場波動加劇，供需失衡導致價格回落，連700銀元的目標價也難以實現，折射出貿易環境惡化。買家如Tenchong多以賒帳交易，延遲付款一週以上，反映鴉片貿易日漸依賴私人信用與地方管道，增添風險。鴉片戰爭前夕的商業壓力現象：英商對市場失控的焦慮、資金回籠困難，逐步累積為後來英方對清政府壓力的藉口與導火線之一。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1762 imageLintin, 9 October 1829, a possibly earliest international mail from Lintin Island to the USA. On the front side, stamped with red handstamp “SHIP”, red arrival c.d.s. “BOSTON / MAR 12 (1830)”, and a rate mark “20 ½ (cents)” in magenta color. [20 ½ c = 18c ship rate + 2½c local postage delivery from Boston to Philadelphia.] This 1829 letter from Lintin Island, a strategic and notorious offshore location for trade activities with China at the mouth of the Canton River, offers rare documentation of early opium-era logistics prior to open conflict. It captures the pre-war quiet before the storm, when trade was still covert but expanding, with Lintin serving as a strategic offshore anchorage to bypass the Canton System. The letter mentioned “…. We dine with Capt. Phillips & shall soon after be under way for Whampoa which the ship lay 10 miles below Canton. You may imagine my anxiety to arrive as I must receive some letters from home…”

此信件寫於1829年10月9日，地點為中國珠江口外的伶仃島（Lintin Island）。書信內容提到作者剛抵達船隻，並將經由“Mentor”號船前往黃埔（Whampoa），其後將北上廣州。此外，作者亦提及曾與同行友人一同乘坐「中國舢舨」前往澳門登岸，途中曾觀察連堂附近地形，並與其他數艘外國軍艦共同停泊於距廣州10英里處水域。 連堂島位於珠江口外，是19世紀初期外籍商船進入中國前的重要外港停泊點與轉運中繼站。在清政府實行「一口通商」政策（僅允許外商透過廣州進行貿易）之下，外籍船隻通常需在連堂等待入港許可，並辦理補給、船員登岸或貨物中轉等事宜。該島因其地理位置鄰近廣州與澳門，成為早期國際貿易與航運的樞紐之一，對了解當時中國對外貿易體制運作具有高度史料價值。 此信可能係最早從伶仃島出去美國的國際郵件。(Image 1) (Image 2) (Image 3)

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CLOSED
Closing..Jul-26, 07:00 AM
1763 image1884 Canton (31 Mar) to USA, f.w. Hong Kong QV 10c, tied by Canton BPO Webb type B cds. Transit Hong Kong (1 Apr), San Francisco (26 Apr). Regarded as double rate with “2” at top left and levied postage due. Applied with US postage due mark of 20c. In combination with US 5c in strip of 4 on reverse. Arrived Philadelphia (3 May). Also an early example of Webb Canton BPO type B cds used as a canellation on adhesive after C1 obliterator was withdrawn.

1884.3.31 廣州寄美國，貼香港維多利亞女皇像10仙，銷廣州英局Webb B型日戳。4.1經香港，4.26經三藩市。郵局判為超重應收取雙倍郵資，故於左上角寫有“2′′，另鈐美國欠資20分指示戳。背貼美國欠資票5分橫四連。5.3抵費城。同時為停用C1殺手戳後，以廣州英局B型日戳直接銷票之早期例子。(Image 1) (Image 2)

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

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