Arrival of James Grant Forbes, Planter, JAMAICA postal history (and ST. LUCIA historical interest) 1786 entire headed "Jamaica 12th November 1786" from newly arrived James Grant Forbes to his father Lieut. General James Grant in London rated 1/- with "IAMAICA" and JANUARY/M/22 experimental Bishop mark on lower flap.
Major General James Grant was born at Ballindoch, Banffshire in 1720. By 1757 he was a major fighting in the French & Indian Wars and captured at Fort Duquesne. Fought at the Siege of Havana, made Governor of East Florida. Served in the American War of Independence, was General William Howe's primary planning officer, led a division at the Battle of Long Island. In 1778 he led an expeditionary force to capture the French island of St. Lucia with its surrender at the Battle of La Vigie. Died 1806. £200
JAMAICA postal history 1859 mourning cover front to Thomas Perrier, London with GB QV 6d pmk'd "A01" (SG.Z5) with KINGSTON-JAMAICA A/SP 10 59 and LONDON PAID OC 3 59 cds alongside. £120