GB 1847 Entire regarding Spoils of War. Return address....Details below (AM1572)

Historical Context: Deccan Prize Money

The Claim: The top endorsement explicitly reads "Isaac Bishop / for Deccan Prize / Money (3rd payment)".

Military Origin: The Deccan Prize Money relates to the spoils of war captured during the Pindarree and 

Mahratta War (1817–1818) by the Deccan Army under General Sir Thomas Hislop. Distribution of the booty was plagued by decades of legal disputes and administrative delays, leading to staggered distributions spanning into the late 1840s—perfectly aligning with the 3rd payment phase noted here.

Origin Mark: Circular datestamp for WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE (Gloucestershire).

Destination & Handstamp: Sent to London, featuring a crisp red circular PAID handstamp dated 27 AU 1847 (27th August 1847).

Prepayment Indicator: The prominent red manuscript stroke across the center confirms that postage was fully prepaid in cash at the dispatching office ( standard practice under the Uniform Penny Post system introduced in 1840 for letters paid by cash rather than stamps).

 

Transcription:

Kingswood Aug.t 24th. 1847

Sir

In my late [father's] letter I repeat my Application for

the Deccan Prize money due to my deceased Nephew

Thos. Bishop Private in the 1st Company European Reg.t

 I have Inclosed one letter. My Sister his

Mother who received 2 payments. after the death of the

inclosed

 And will Oblig. Yours. Humble Serv.t

Isaac Bishop

 Address

Isaac Bishop, to be left at the Glazier Arms Wottonunder edge Glos'ter Shire

 Notes on the Content:

Military Unit: Thomas Bishop served as a Private in the 1st Company European Regiment (East India Company).

The Claim: Isaac Bishop is acting as claimant following the death of Thomas's mother (Isaac's sister), who had previously collected the 1st and 2nd installments of the Deccan Prize Money.

Return Address: Isaac requests replies be directed care of the Glaziers Arms in Wotton-under-Edge, a historic local pub located on Ludgate Hill that traded through the 19th century.