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Date
1846
Description
1846 INDIA COVER FIRST ANGLO-SIKH WAR MUDKI, FEROZESHAH ARMY LETTER TO SCOTLAND A superb, deeply historical stampless soldier's concessionary letter mailed from the East India Company cantonment at Agra to Edinburgh, Scotland, in early 1846. This lot includes the whole cover wrapper with original manuscript letter, and a complete 2-page modern typewritten transcription of the contents. Philatelic Identification & Routing: Sender & Authorisation: The outer wrapper is endorsed "From Gunr John Hamilton 1st Coy 1st Battn Arty Agra, East Indies" and is countersigned by "G. R. Crawford, Lieut & Adjt / Commanding 1st Battalion Artillery" to authorize the military concessionary rate. Routing & Marks: The front panel bears a distinct, curved red "INDIA" handstamp. The reverse features a faint red Agra dispatch mark dated Jan 17, 1846, alongside clear red transit/arrival datestamps including a double-ring "MAR / H 12 N / 1846" and a circular "VM / 11 MR 11 / 1846". Address: Addressed to Mrs Margaret Hamilton, 5 South Richmond St, Edinburgh, Scotland. Historical Archival Content (First Anglo-Sikh War & The Potato Famine): The enclosed transcribed text (dated January 16, 1846) is a phenomenal primary source detailing several massive historical events of the 1840s: Battles of Mudki & Ferozeshah: Writing just weeks after the outbreak of the First Anglo-Sikh War, Hamilton discusses the "large army assembled on our North-Western Frontiers" and the bloody engagements that had just occurred. He notes the staggering casualties: "our loss in the two battles already fought - Ferozeshaar & Mudkee - is upwards of 3300, including offiers & men; among the former some of our best Generals". The Spoils of War ("Lifting"): Far from being relieved to be stationed away from the fighting, he bitterly complains about missing out on the plunder. He laments being kept back when "so much gold and jewellery, is to be had for the lifting", viewing it as a missed "golden opportunity again of making a fortune". The Gwalior Star: Hamilton mentions sending his brother an exact copy of the medal his brother Bob wears for the 1843 Gwalior campaign. He provides a superb physical description of the medal's manufacture: "The centre and little star is of silver, set in the larger star, which is of bronze, made from the guns that were taken in the battle". The Potato Famine: In a stark reminder of the global crises of the era, he references the catastrophic 1845/46 agricultural blight affecting the UK, stating: "We hear with regret of the failure of the potatoe crop, and the misery that will entail on our countrymen at home thereby". Condition Notes: The original folded wrapper exhibits standard transit wear, age-related toning, and a clear, intact red wax seal on the reverse. The original manuscript text is visible and intact. Sold with a full 2-page modern typewritten transcription. Sold exactly as photographed. Full Transcription of the Letter Text Agra; East Indies, 16th Jany 1846. My dear Mother, Another year has just slipped past, and here we are as happy, as healthy, & as well to do as ever we were before; with every prospect, at present, of the same blessings for many a year to come. How does it fare with yourself, & Andrew, and the lave? We hope you enjoy good health, and though your purse may not be full, we hope it may never be empty. We are happy to inform you that the 50 Rupees was duly paid in on the 1st Inst., for which you will receive 5 Pounds, about the beginning of March - being the first remittance we will make through Government, as the only channel left us. It is the sa fest, and we think, will come nearly as soon to hane as the other. As no receipt will be required in return we hope you will write us immediately on receiving it. On the 1st of March we will pay in the same amount, and continue it regular. You will most likely have heard, or read in the Papers, about the large army assembled on our North-Western Frontiers, & the battles that have already taken place with the Seikhs from Lahore - It is, and will be yet, the greatest war India has yet experienced, and there is not the least doubt of our success ultimately, though our loss in the two battles already fought - Ferozeshaar & Mudkee - is upwards of 3300, including offiers & men; among the former some of our best Generals. The war has scarcely begun yet - after our army crosses the Sutledge river where Lahore is, the fray, is is expected, will be long & bloody, & many a thousand more Europeans will fall. We are sorry we are excluded from seeing the fun; our Company remaining here, some hundreds of miles from the theatre of war. Is it not galling to be kept back when so much honour, and what is better, so much gold and jewellery, is to be had for the lifting, and perhaps never have such a golden opportunity again of making a fortune, or a wooden leg. If you have not already read anything about it make haste & do so - it is very interesting. We have 16th Jany 1846 - 2 We hear with regret of the failure of the potatoe crop, and the misery that will entail on our countrymen at home thereby. Would to Jove you could be transferred to this part of the world where provisions & luxuries are in abundance for the poorest & the richest - where hunger is never felt, except in extraordinary cases - & where we often grumble at the cooks for telling us "dinner is ready, Saib" when we are reading or asleep. We hope you and Andrew will not feel the effects of the bad times, but in any case, always keep up your hearts, knowing well what you have often told us - "there's nae ill but there may be a waur" - I was not long out of a job - about a fortnight after I left the Brigadier's family I got into another family in the same capacity - Teacher. There is only two children I have to teach. I am not yet told the salary, but it will likely be as handsome as the first, & is permanent if I like to keep it; so you see I continue to be a Dominie still. Yesterday we received Andrew's receipt from Officer, which shews that you are receiving our Remittances pretty regular; it is dated 14th November, I think. We will write you every month all the news, &c, and you may depend on the punctuality of the Remittance Quarterly. Please give Andrew one of the enclosed Stars. They are an exact copy of what Bob wears on his jacket - it was given for Gwalior, of which Bob has formerly told you. The centre and little star is of silver, set in the larger star, which is of bronze, made from the guns that were taken in the battle. I had a spare moment when I copied it, & thought they would interest you, being the size of the original. Now what more can I say, save to wish you all good things in this life;- "Increasing still - for ever still increasing Forever and forever - and forever" --- Convey our respects & kind remembrances, dear Mother, to all enquiring friends; & write us as soon as possible. Meanwhile believe us, dear Mother Your most affectionate Sons, R. & J. Hamilton. Direct to --- Corpl. John Jamieson, 1st Compy 1st Battn Artillery /Agra. Bengal East India
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Other recorded marks at Agra
22 marks22 other pre-1854 postal markings of Agra are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.
- Agra HG 1handstampBlack1823–1837
- Agra HG 2handstampRed1828
- Agra HG 3handstampBlack1835
- Agra HG 4handstampBlack1833–1837
- Agra HG 4AhandstampRed1837
- Agra HG 5handstampBlack1837–1850
+16 more at this office.View all Agra marks and postal history →
About this Agra pre stamp cover
COV-5710 is an Agra pre stamp cover of 1846 bearing the Agra HG 13 handstamp, struck in red, recorded in the census of Agra postal history, North Western Provinces. What is a pre stamp cover?
1846 INDIA COVER FIRST ANGLO-SIKH WAR MUDKI, FEROZESHAH ARMY LETTER TO SCOTLAND A superb, deeply historical stampless soldier's concessionary letter mailed from the East India Company cantonment at Agra to Edinburgh, Scotland, in early 1846. This lot includes the whole cover wrapper with original manuscript letter, and a complete 2-page modern typewritten transcription of the contents. Philatelic Identification & Routing: Sender & Authorisation: The outer wrapper is endorsed "From Gunr John Hamilton 1st Coy 1st Battn Arty Agra, East Indies" and is countersigned by "G. R. Crawford, Lieut & Adjt / Commanding 1st Battalion Artillery" to authorize the military concessionary rate. Routing & Marks: The front panel bears a distinct, curved red "INDIA" handstamp. The reverse features a faint red Agra dispatch mark dated Jan 17, 1846, alongside clear red transit/arrival datestamps including a double-ring "MAR / H 12 N / 1846" and a circular "VM / 11 MR 11 / 1846". Address: Addressed to Mrs Margaret Hamilton, 5 South Richmond St, Edinburgh, Scotland. Historical Archival Content (First Anglo-Sikh War & The Potato Famine): The enclosed transcribed text (dated January 16, 1846) is a phenomenal primary source detailing several massive historical events of the 1840s: Battles of Mudki & Ferozeshah: Writing just weeks after the outbreak of the First Anglo-Sikh War, Hamilton discusses the "large army assembled on our North-Western Frontiers" and the bloody engagements that had just occurred. He notes the staggering casualties: "our loss in the two battles already fought - Ferozeshaar & Mudkee - is upwards of 3300, including offiers & men; among the former some of our best Generals". The Spoils of War ("Lifting"): Far from being relieved to be stationed away from the fighting, he bitterly complains about missing out on the plunder. He laments being kept back when "so much gold and jewellery, is to be had for the lifting", viewing it as a missed "golden opportunity again of making a fortune". The Gwalior Star: Hamilton mentions sending his brother an exact copy of the medal his brother Bob wears for the 1843 Gwalior campaign. He provides a superb physical description of the medal's manufacture: "The centre and little star is of silver, set in the larger star, which is of bronze, made from the guns that were taken in the battle". The Potato Famine: In a stark reminder of the global crises of the era, he references the catastrophic 1845/46 agricultural blight affecting the UK, stating: "We hear with regret of the failure of the potatoe crop, and the misery that will entail on our countrymen at home thereby". Condition Notes: The original folded wrapper exhibits standard transit wear, age-related toning, and a clear, intact red wax seal on the reverse. The original manuscript text is visible and intact. Sold with a full 2-page modern typewritten transcription. Sold exactly as photographed. Full Transcription of the Letter Text Agra; East Indies, 16th Jany 1846. My dear Mother, Another year has just slipped past, and here we are as happy, as healthy, & as well to do as ever we were before; with every prospect, at present, of the same blessings for many a year to come. How does it fare with yourself, & Andrew, and the lave? We hope you enjoy good health, and though your purse may not be full, we hope it may never be empty. We are happy to inform you that the 50 Rupees was duly paid in on the 1st Inst., for which you will receive 5 Pounds, about the beginning of March - being the first remittance we will make through Government, as the only channel left us. It is the sa fest, and we think, will come nearly as soon to hane as the other. As no receipt will be required in return we hope you will write us immediately on receiving it. On the 1st of March we will pay in the same amount, and continue it regular. You will most likely have heard, or read in the Papers, about the large army assembled on our North-Western Frontiers, & the battles that have already taken place with the Seikhs from Lahore - It is, and will be yet, the greatest war India has yet experienced, and there is not the least doubt of our success ultimately, though our loss in the two battles already fought - Ferozeshaar & Mudkee - is upwards of 3300, including offiers & men; among the former some of our best Generals. The war has scarcely begun yet - after our army crosses the Sutledge river where Lahore is, the fray, is is expected, will be long & bloody, & many a thousand more Europeans will fall. We are sorry we are excluded from seeing the fun; our Company remaining here, some hundreds of miles from the theatre of war. Is it not galling to be kept back when so much honour, and what is better, so much gold and jewellery, is to be had for the lifting, and perhaps never have such a golden opportunity again of making a fortune, or a wooden leg. If you have not already read anything about it make haste & do so - it is very interesting. We have 16th Jany 1846 - 2 We hear with regret of the failure of the potatoe crop, and the misery that will entail on our countrymen at home thereby. Would to Jove you could be transferred to this part of the world where provisions & luxuries are in abundance for the poorest & the richest - where hunger is never felt, except in extraordinary cases - & where we often grumble at the cooks for telling us "dinner is ready, Saib" when we are reading or asleep. We hope you and Andrew will not feel the effects of the bad times, but in any case, always keep up your hearts, knowing well what you have often told us - "there's nae ill but there may be a waur" - I was not long out of a job - about a fortnight after I left the Brigadier's family I got into another family in the same capacity - Teacher. There is only two children I have to teach. I am not yet told the salary, but it will likely be as handsome as the first, & is permanent if I like to keep it; so you see I continue to be a Dominie still. Yesterday we received Andrew's receipt from Officer, which shews that you are receiving our Remittances pretty regular; it is dated 14th November, I think. We will write you every month all the news, &c, and you may depend on the punctuality of the Remittance Quarterly. Please give Andrew one of the enclosed Stars. They are an exact copy of what Bob wears on his jacket - it was given for Gwalior, of which Bob has formerly told you. The centre and little star is of silver, set in the larger star, which is of bronze, made from the guns that were taken in the battle. I had a spare moment when I copied it, & thought they would interest you, being the size of the original. Now what more can I say, save to wish you all good things in this life;- "Increasing still - for ever still increasing Forever and forever - and forever" --- Convey our respects & kind remembrances, dear Mother, to all enquiring friends; & write us as soon as possible. Meanwhile believe us, dear Mother Your most affectionate Sons, R. & J. Hamilton. Direct to --- Corpl. John Jamieson, 1st Compy 1st Battn Artillery /Agra. Bengal East India
Its recorded auction history runs through eBay lot 117466949661.
6 images of COV-5710 are recorded; the Agra HG 13 mark itself is recorded in use 1846–1850.
Questions about COV-5710
- What is COV-5710?
- COV-5710 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Agra, North Western Provinces of 1846, bearing the Agra HG 13 handstamp in red. 1846 INDIA COVER FIRST ANGLO-SIKH WAR MUDKI, FEROZESHAH ARMY LETTER TO SCOTLAND A superb, deeply historical stampless soldier's concessionary letter mailed from the East India Company cantonment at Agra to Edinburgh, Scotland, in early 1846. This lot includes the whole cover wrapper with original manuscript letter, and a complete 2-page modern typewritten transcription of the contents. Philatelic Identification & Routing: Sender & Authorisation: The outer wrapper is endorsed "From Gunr John Hamilton 1st Coy 1st Battn Arty Agra, East Indies" and is countersigned by "G. R. Crawford, Lieut & Adjt / Commanding 1st Battalion Artillery" to authorize the military concessionary rate. Routing & Marks: The front panel bears a distinct, curved red "INDIA" handstamp. The reverse features a faint red Agra dispatch mark dated Jan 17, 1846, alongside clear red transit/arrival datestamps including a double-ring "MAR / H 12 N / 1846" and a circular "VM / 11 MR 11 / 1846". Address: Addressed to Mrs Margaret Hamilton, 5 South Richmond St, Edinburgh, Scotland. Historical Archival Content (First Anglo-Sikh War & The Potato Famine): The enclosed transcribed text (dated January 16, 1846) is a phenomenal primary source detailing several massive historical events of the 1840s: Battles of Mudki & Ferozeshah: Writing just weeks after the outbreak of the First Anglo-Sikh War, Hamilton discusses the "large army assembled on our North-Western Frontiers" and the bloody engagements that had just occurred. He notes the staggering casualties: "our loss in the two battles already fought - Ferozeshaar & Mudkee - is upwards of 3300, including offiers & men; among the former some of our best Generals". The Spoils of War ("Lifting"): Far from being relieved to be stationed away from the fighting, he bitterly complains about missing out on the plunder. He laments being kept back when "so much gold and jewellery, is to be had for the lifting", viewing it as a missed "golden opportunity again of making a fortune". The Gwalior Star: Hamilton mentions sending his brother an exact copy of the medal his brother Bob wears for the 1843 Gwalior campaign. He provides a superb physical description of the medal's manufacture: "The centre and little star is of silver, set in the larger star, which is of bronze, made from the guns that were taken in the battle". The Potato Famine: In a stark reminder of the global crises of the era, he references the catastrophic 1845/46 agricultural blight affecting the UK, stating: "We hear with regret of the failure of the potatoe crop, and the misery that will entail on our countrymen at home thereby". Condition Notes: The original folded wrapper exhibits standard transit wear, age-related toning, and a clear, intact red wax seal on the reverse. The original manuscript text is visible and intact. Sold with a full 2-page modern typewritten transcription. Sold exactly as photographed. Full Transcription of the Letter Text Agra; East Indies, 16th Jany 1846. My dear Mother, Another year has just slipped past, and here we are as happy, as healthy, & as well to do as ever we were before; with every prospect, at present, of the same blessings for many a year to come. How does it fare with yourself, & Andrew, and the lave? We hope you enjoy good health, and though your purse may not be full, we hope it may never be empty. We are happy to inform you that the 50 Rupees was duly paid in on the 1st Inst., for which you will receive 5 Pounds, about the beginning of March - being the first remittance we will make through Government, as the only channel left us. It is the sa fest, and we think, will come nearly as soon to hane as the other. As no receipt will be required in return we hope you will write us immediately on receiving it. On the 1st of March we will pay in the same amount, and continue it regular. You will most likely have heard, or read in the Papers, about the large army assembled on our North-Western Frontiers, & the battles that have already taken place with the Seikhs from Lahore - It is, and will be yet, the greatest war India has yet experienced, and there is not the least doubt of our success ultimately, though our loss in the two battles already fought - Ferozeshaar & Mudkee - is upwards of 3300, including offiers & men; among the former some of our best Generals. The war has scarcely begun yet - after our army crosses the Sutledge river where Lahore is, the fray, is is expected, will be long & bloody, & many a thousand more Europeans will fall. We are sorry we are excluded from seeing the fun; our Company remaining here, some hundreds of miles from the theatre of war. Is it not galling to be kept back when so much honour, and what is better, so much gold and jewellery, is to be had for the lifting, and perhaps never have such a golden opportunity again of making a fortune, or a wooden leg. If you have not already read anything about it make haste & do so - it is very interesting. We have 16th Jany 1846 - 2 We hear with regret of the failure of the potatoe crop, and the misery that will entail on our countrymen at home thereby. Would to Jove you could be transferred to this part of the world where provisions & luxuries are in abundance for the poorest & the richest - where hunger is never felt, except in extraordinary cases - & where we often grumble at the cooks for telling us "dinner is ready, Saib" when we are reading or asleep. We hope you and Andrew will not feel the effects of the bad times, but in any case, always keep up your hearts, knowing well what you have often told us - "there's nae ill but there may be a waur" - I was not long out of a job - about a fortnight after I left the Brigadier's family I got into another family in the same capacity - Teacher. There is only two children I have to teach. I am not yet told the salary, but it will likely be as handsome as the first, & is permanent if I like to keep it; so you see I continue to be a Dominie still. Yesterday we received Andrew's receipt from Officer, which shews that you are receiving our Remittances pretty regular; it is dated 14th November, I think. We will write you every month all the news, &c, and you may depend on the punctuality of the Remittance Quarterly. Please give Andrew one of the enclosed Stars. They are an exact copy of what Bob wears on his jacket - it was given for Gwalior, of which Bob has formerly told you. The centre and little star is of silver, set in the larger star, which is of bronze, made from the guns that were taken in the battle. I had a spare moment when I copied it, & thought they would interest you, being the size of the original. Now what more can I say, save to wish you all good things in this life;- "Increasing still - for ever still increasing Forever and forever - and forever" --- Convey our respects & kind remembrances, dear Mother, to all enquiring friends; & write us as soon as possible. Meanwhile believe us, dear Mother Your most affectionate Sons, R. & J. Hamilton. Direct to --- Corpl. John Jamieson, 1st Compy 1st Battn Artillery /Agra. Bengal East India
- How scarce is the Agra HG 13 mark on this cover?
- The census grades Agra HG 13 as common, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1846–1850.
- What is the provenance of COV-5710?
- Its recorded auction history runs through eBay lot 117466949661.
- When was COV-5710 posted?
- COV-5710 is dated 1846, within the recorded period of use of Agra HG 13 (1846–1850).
About this record
This 1846 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Agra HG 13 handstamp of the North Western Provinces, a mark graded “Common” in this census — one of 5 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with eBay, lot 117466949661.