Lot 8103
1859 (Aug 3): Prepaid cover struck on despatch with LA GROSSE / WIS. datestamp in green, two strikes of framed PAID and circular '24' (cents) markings and '3' cents credit to US, mailed to 'H.M.S. Cammilla' care of the Admiralty in London. Carried on the North German Lloyd steamer 'Weser' with London arrival in red on front (Aug 19). Readdressed by the Admiralty to Hong Kong with London duplex (Aug 20) on reverse and Hong Kong cds in blue (Oct 9) thence forwarded again with both ´Hong Kong´and 'Cammilla' crossed out and the 'Retribution' replacing the ship's name and 'Trincomalee' as the new destination with an apparent charge of 9d. due to pay. A most unusual cover.
Note: The addressee was fortunate, the 'Cammilla' sank with all hands off Japan a year later.
