Midnapore HG 2

13 October 1813

1813: H.G.2: This cover which only came to light in 1959, is interesting from two different points. Firstly, because it bears the previously unrecorded receipt stamp "MIDNAPORE/Post Office", similar in design to the BURDWAN and MYMUNSING stamp". Secondly, the letter also has the faint traces of the framed ship letter receipt stamp of CALCUTTA "Ind.Ptge/Ship Do" which was formerly believed to be in use later during 1820-21, but this letter is dated 1813. Since discovering this cover, another has been found with the "MIDNAPORE / POST OFFICE" mark dated 1828. Further the "Inld Ptge / Ship Do" mark, a CALCUTTA ship letter receipt stamp is now known to have been used over two separate periods viz. 1808-15 & 1820-21, example may be seen in CALCUTTA ship letter receipt stamps sec.Note: The letter was forwarded from CALCUTTA to CUTTACK via MIDNAPORE by Dr. Hare, who acted as a Forwarding Agent at that time. He was a prominent man in Calcutta, being both a medical practitioner and philanthropist, one of the main business street in Calcutta was named after his memory. The contents of the letter, "living with all the fine people in power and now going out with the Governor [Lord Minto]"

13 March 1818

1818 (13 Mar.) entire letter from Mindapore to Calcutta, sent free, showing "midnapore/post office" circular h.s. in black (HG 2) with "Free" inserted in manuscript, Calcutta arrival below (15 Mar.); Scarce.

3 June 1818

Midnapore: 1818 (3 June) entire letter to London and redirected, "pr. Almorah" via Calcutta showing a good strike of the very scarce oval framed "MIDNAPORE/POST OFFICE" with date and rate (8 as) in manuscript (HG 2), also various route and rate markings including unusual boxed "SHIP LETTER" (London?). Full of character.

27 May 1823

India, Midnapore, 1823, "MIDNAPORE/POST OFFICE" Oval Handstamp (Giles 2). Clear strike with manuscript "1823 Post Paid 6 as, 27 May" date and rate added on back of folded cover to London, England, sender's directive "Perseverance" (ship), faintly struck framed "LIVERPOOL/INDIA SHIP Lr" handstamp (Robertson In. 1), two Calcutta (May 31) transit and London (Nov. 21) arrival datestamps, cover with small piece on front panel missing (possible fumigation reasons), Fine and scarce marking

15 January 1828

1828 Midnapore – Dunkeld entire letter, with Midnapore Giles 2 "MIDNAPORE/POST OFFICE" despatch handstamp, date "1828/13 Jany." & rate "Post Paid 6A" (6A single letter inland postage to Calcutta) applied in manuscript. Later, Calcutta SD8b "CALCUTTA/18../GENERAL POST OFFICE" & date "Januy./1828/15" transit marks applied, sent to the UK via Cape route, entered the UK through Portsmouth port & there "INDIA LETTER/PORTSMOUTH" transit mark applied & sent to London. "1/" (8d Portsmouth–London single letter inland rate + 4d India incoming sea rate) bearing postage applied; later at London it was obliterated & updated to "1/7" (14½d Portsmouth–Dunkeld single letter inland postage + 4d India incoming sea postage + ½d Scottish wheel tax) bearing postage in manuscript. "½d" tax mark & "D/9 JU 9/1828" transit mark applied, finally delivered at Dunkeld & "JUNE/A 11 A/1828" receipt mark applied. Bearing postage of 1s 7d was collected from the recipient.