Lot
282 
1734 (Jul. 26) Lancaster, England to Philadelphia Pa., Quaker datelined folded letter to William Backhouse from his wife endorsed "This to be forwarded by Thomas Jackson in Cornhill, London", bold "Lancaster" straightline and partial Sep. bishop mark, entered mails with "Bos Shp. 7 dw. 16 gr." postmark and rating to Philadelphia; accompanied by a slightly earlier William Backhouse letter to his wife at Lancaster datelined "Philadelphia 4th 6th Mo. 1734" and carried privately to England, manuscript markings and London "30/SE" Bishop postmark; some edge wear, F.-V.F. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
AN INTERESTING PAIR OF LETTERS TO AND FROM PHILADELPHIA QUAKER MISSIONARY WILLIAM BACKHOUSE, ONE HAVING A RARE AND EARLY EXAMPLE OF THE "BOS" SHIP MARKING KNOWN USED 1734-35.
The Quaker Backhouse family was powerful and wealthy with many interests. These included the Stockton and Darlington Railway, horticulture and botany and banking.