Lot #99 1847 lengthy cross-written entire letter headed "Melbourne 7th April 1847" & signed "Thomas Lowe", to London endorsed "From No 1998 Corporal Thomas Lowe 58th Regt" & countersigned by Captain Murray (?) at lower-left, rated "1" in red for a soldier's or sailor's letter, light 'SHIP LETTER/[crown]/AP 10/1847/MELBOURNE' d/s in red on the flap, London arrival b/s in red across the flap & rated "2" for an incoming soldier's letter, overall soiling. A very significant item, being one of only three Im

Description:

1847 lengthy cross-written entire letter headed "Melbourne 7th April 1847" & signed "Thomas Lowe", to London endorsed "From No 1998 Corporal Thomas Lowe 58th Regt" & countersigned by Captain Murray (?) at lower-left, rated "1" in red for a soldier's or sailor's letter, light 'SHIP LETTER/[crown]/AP 10/1847/MELBOURNE' d/s in red on the flap, London arrival b/s in red across the flap & rated "2" for an incoming soldier's letter, overall soiling. A very significant item, being one of only three Imperial soldiers' letters recorded from Victoria, and the only one from the Port Phillip District period. BPA Certificate (1991).

The writer states "...I have come from New Zealand after a long Fatigue...there is about 400 of our Regiment in New Zealand yet...[Melbourne] is called the Best Place in the Colony the People are all Emigrants and very friendly...there are 100 of us here...I expect soon to be made a Sergeant as there is a great many Killed and Wounded..."