This is my personal collection as at August 2018.

1842 Gibraltar, Sailor’s 1d red concessionary rate (Maltese Cross cancel) entire to Port Glasgow, Scotland, posted at Deptford.

from James Risk seaman

on board HMS Malabar

{Gibraltar

{Officer ..

Mr John Livingston

Banker Fore Street

Port Glasgow Scotland

The address panel headed, ‘From James Risk, Seaman on board HMS Malabar, Gibraltar’ with a space for the Commanding Officers signature. This was clearly intended to be  sent at the sailor’s concessionary rate of 1d and franked by a GB 1d red, but apparently carried to London and posted at Deptford, where the stamp was cancelled by a Maltese Cross.

Transcribed as written without any punctuation.

Gibraltar, March 18th 1842

Dear Cusin I this day take my pen to inform you that I am well, thank be God for it has, and hope it will find you and the rest of oure remaining friends in the same Dear Cusin, you have revealed sad tidings to me that has hurt my feelings very much, but Gods will must be done in all things which I hope she has gone to a better place. Dear Cusin, I have no news to send you at this time we are still laying at the Rock and no appearance of us leaving and canot yet leave as yet who then we are going to sail fore Malta or Lisbon as there is some talk about it Dear Cusin I am almost tired of laying here as there is no liberty given nor no money Paid I have not to my brother and he has returned an answer to Plymouth he is well but knows nothing of what has happened concerning your mothers death But if you should be so good as to good as to mention me also when you rite to James give him my love and I hope he is well also my love to John and Mary White and their little family and hoping that Jack has not forgot old times and he freshen up with  a few lines which will please me very much and I long to have all the news I can but must conclude at this time and remain youre,

Affectionate Cusin, James Risk

Adhesive:               GB 1841 1d red  cancelled with a Maltese Cross

Handstamps:        DEPTFORD SINGLE LINE

                                 Single circle transit mark AP 4 42

                                 Port Glasgow arrival mark. AP 6 42