1877 UNION LINE MAIL: Envelope from Port Elizabeth to London, endorsed "per R.M.S. African", franked 6x Hope Seated 1d's (one defective) cancelled Numeral 2 with proving cdsMR 30 alongside. Cape Town cds AP 2 and in red the London arrival AP 30. On reverse embossing UNION STEAM SHIP COMPANY LIMITED. Some crumpling left side. A wonderfully attractive large multiple franking. See additional image below.
The African sailed from Cape Town Tuesday April 3rd arriving in Plymouth April 30th, a voyage of 27 days. After 1881 she was confined to the coastal service, sold in 1885 and totally wrecked after running aground February 15th 1887.
