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Auction: 17025 - Bermuda, Crossroads of the Atlantic: A Postal History from 1617 to 1877 - The David Pitts Collection
Lot: 5

(x) Forerunner Period
There was no formal postal service to Bermuda prior to 1806
1795 (1 Sept.) entire letter from James and William Perot, uncle and father respectively of future Postmaster, William Perot, "p Capt. Merser" of the Brig Molly to Messrs. Duteth & Wachsmuth, Merchants at Philadelphia, no charge marks though with Philadelphia Bishopmark on reverse; an interesting item related to loss of mail to privateers. Photo

Note: During the period of the French Revolutionary Wars a considerable effort was made to suppress and disrupt French overseas trade. This included trade with the United States, and involved Royal Navy and British privateer activity on the Eastern Seaboard

"Molly" had been taken by the Bermuda privateer schooner "Thetis" on her return voyage from France and was returning to her home port less her cargo
See Bermuda Government Archives Duty Book and Prize Book, and Philadelphia General Advertiser, 9 and 11 September 1795

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Sold for
£950