Malta / military interest

1871 entire letter in mourning cover sent PENRITH to MALTA.

Franked at the double rate of 8d with SG109 6d violet PLATE 9 + 2 x SG43 1d red PLATE 131.

Roughly opened at the back.

Sent to Captain Francis Markham, aide de camp, and later lieutenant colonel.

Four page letter full of charming detail about family life at Morland House, the Markham family residence. Almost certainly from his wife (and cousin) Maria.

The Markham family was an illustrious one. Francis’ was a distant cousin of explorer Admiral Albert Hastings Markham, and of Sir Clement Markham, who introduced quinine to India, and designed the flag of New Zealand.

1871 mourning entire PENRITH to MALTA. SG109 6d PL 9 + 2 x SG43 1d Pl 131