Auction # 70 - The “Skywalk” Collection of Nova Scotia Stamps and Postal History

1757 (Jul. 15) Halifax, N.S. via New York to London, England. Datelined folded letter carried as endorsed from New York by packet Harriott to Great Britain, manuscript "1N" shilling packet due rating, the letter was written by Captain James Campbell of the Squadron of Sir Charles Hardy, Governor of New York, he mentions "Admiral Holbourne with his Fleet and Transports are all arrived and we make a formidable appearance", some staining and fold splitting, Fine, Illustrated in Jephcott, Green and Young., ex-Maritimus.
Estimate; $3,000 - 4,000.

AN IMPORTANT LETTER WRITTEN BY CAPTAIN JAMES CAMPBELL DURING THE 1757 BRITISH EXPEDITION AGAINST LOUISBOURG, WHICH RESULTED IN THE 1858 FINAL BRITISH SIEGE AT LOUISBOURG.

A regular packet service to North America was established in October 1755. The first packet left Falmouth for New York on November 15th and from then on every 2nd Saturday of the month. The rate was 1 shilling and had to be prepaid from London. Mail between Halifax and New York was despatched as opportunity offered.

British preparations for the expedition against Louisbourg began March 18 to 27, with Loudon preparing 90 transport vessels in Boston, New York and Philadelphia with Sir Charles Hardy, Governor of New York commissioned as Rear-Admiral. They sailed via Sandy Hook to Halifax arriving June 30th without opposition. This letter was written while encamped at Halifax awaiting word from vessels sent to reconnoitre the harbor of Louisbourg. Holbourne's fleet arrived at Halifax on July 7th. As a result of the report, an attempt to attack Louisbourg was abandoned on August 4th 1757 as it was believed the French forces in Louisbourg were too strong. The following year, the British bombarded Louisbourg for two months and the city fell on July 27th 1758. 13,000 soldiers and the British Fleet under Admiral Boscawen had fought against the French.