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Intriguing marks on Free cover.

Posted: Fri Nov 22, 2019 12:19 pm
by earsathome
Hello all,
We have a part letter posted in Tavistock and addressed to

Mrs Frances at Sir Masseh Lopes Bart.
No. 3 Arlington Street
St. James London.

It has a crowned circle FREE mark dated 16 MY 16 1825.
Endorsed at the top with 'Tavistock May fourteen 1825' and at bottom left
Free Mafseh Lopes.
The reverse bears a mileage mark 'Tavistock 209' in blue ink.

Masseh was MP for Tavistock at the time and therefore entitled to use the free frank system.
The letter is incomplete, as it begins on a second page, but this is the transcription as far as we can make it.

I should think (provided he is kept strictly) a good servant but most sadly prone to give his attentions to all young women, only think of Miss Bindon & pursuing Anne at the same time – made a great stir at first, him taking tea in the nursery, so that I am sure 'twill never be repeated, what will your demure Anne say to this, some even say he is married.
My uncle dines and sleeps here tomorrow. I hear 'entre nous' (French for between ourselves) he says I spoil the children by having them home when ill & that I spoil Mr Luney too by allowing him to share our company at table & taking him out with us.
Now the latter part of the charge is quite false, the only time he ever dined out (except with you & Mr Harristone) was at the Johnson's, a family party, & I have never dined anywhere with you at the same house.
Now, I am always sorry to conclude when I have begun, but I must set off for the present. Remember me most kindly to my Aunt & Ralph & believe me dear Susan, yours as ever …illegible name)
Ross will write tomorrow.

The intriguing marks are shown on the top left of the reverse and we initially thought they may be instructional marks but there is nothing similar in all the reference books we have.

They could possibly be marks to record the amount of items received by the addressee as limits applied and therefore records had to be kept.
Does anyone have any ideas or examples of similar marks.?
Any information gratefully received.
Regards.
Ron and Eunice.