Lot 1004
GB 1818 Napoleonic War pre-stamp cover to Aberdeen




Important Great Britain, Including the Steve McGill Grand Prix collection of Machins | S26002
Auction: 11 February 2026 10:30 GMT
Description
1813 Napoleonic War pre-stamp entire letter, written by Brigadier General Sir Andrew Leith Hay (ADC) to his uncle Major General James Leith (Commander of the Wellington 5th Division). Addressed to his father, General Hay in Aberdeen, showing ‘Ship Lre Plymouth Dock' handstamp in red (Robertson Type S2) and rated at 1/- plus an additional ’½' for road toll tax. Written two days after the surrender of San Sebastian (11th Sept 1813) the letter contains a fascinating eyewitness account of the siege. ‘’Thus has ended the siege which has cost the 5th division many men - they have conducted all the works against the town and have upwards of 3000 killed and wounded during their operations - the town is completely destroyed not above 20 houses remain unburned or battered down'. Archival folds and related wear, still a wonderful and rare cover detailing one of the bloodiest sieges of the Peninsula War.




