** SEVEN YEARS WAR - EYE-WITNESS NEWS OF THE BRITISH CAPTURE...

Hammer

£380

** SEVEN YEARS WAR - EYE-WITNESS NEWS OF THE BRITISH CAPTURE OF FRENCH BELLE ISLE; 22 April 1761 EL (some stains and wear but complete; wax seal not contemporary) from Lieut. [later Sir; see wikipedia] "B[enjamin]. Caldwell", a British Naval officer on "[H.M.S.] Achilles off Belle Isle" with a brief urgent message about the British capture of that significant French island in the Bay of Biscay near the French coast; addressed to Dublin charged "4" and then "In [all] 10" with a fine "WEY/MOUTH" and v. fine London "4/MA" Bishop Mark on the flap. The brief letter states that; "I have this moment heard that there is a ship going to England [which took this letter], and have only time to say that I am well. and the troops safe ashore... P.S. Capt. Barrington [commander of the Achilles] has just got orders to go, but is to return immediately." Remarkable first news of a rare successful pre-1800 attack on France by the British forces, and an Important letter giving news of the fall of Belle Isle written there on the very day it was captured.Cross Reference: FRANCE, MILITARY