Lot no. 8104

1859 (Jan 5): Stampless cover prepaid 33 cents, mailed from New York endorsed 'via Southampton per Overland Mail', addressed to Revd. J.V.N. Talmage in Amoy, China. Struck on despatch with 'NEW-YORK / Br. PKT' datestamp in red, carried via Cunard Steamer 'Asia' with 'London / Paid' cds on front (Jan 17) in red. Reverse with HONG KONG double arc datestamp (March 19) in black. A scarce prepaid usage. Signed Holcombe. The addressee, Reverend John Van Nest Talmage (1819-1892), worked at the Dutch Reformed Church Mission in Amoy from 1847 onwards. When he arrived in Amoy there were no Christian Churches, Hospitals or Schools and, apparently, just three Christian converts. On his departure for the USA in 1889 there were 17 Churches and over 2'000 Christian converts.