Lot 211
1857 (April 13): Entire letter from Hong Kong to the 'Le Comte Cavour', Minister of Foreign Affairs in Turin (and later a leading figure in the movement to Italian Unification), endorsed inside 'pr. Steamer Madras via Marseilles' and on front panel 'via Alexandria and Trieste', struck on despatch with Crown PAID AT HONG KONG in red with double arc 'Hong Kong' cds in black (April 14) on reverse. Blue ink '9/9' (kreuzers by land and sea) deleted at left, struck with 'D. A. a. L.' (Diretto Austriaco Austriache Lire) in red above. Fascinating letter: 'I shall have much pleasure in accepting the offer of Consul at Canton...you will be aware that relations with the Govt. at Canton are suspended owing to the measure of hostilities that have been forced on the Representatives of Her Britsih Majesty's Government...the British Admiral still retains his position on the river at Canton, he has punished aggresive measures...an adequate force would enable him to strike a decisive blow'. A fine and most unusual usage prepaid to Sardinia.
