Letter from Sailor D. Lamont, S. Steward, on board HMS “Aboukir” on (29) September 1870 to Stoke, Devonport, England. Commanding Officer confirmed soldiers letter rate with signature, franked with 1d plate 122 cancelled with horizontal type 1b ‘C51’ St. Thomas. From St. Thomas with RMSPC steamer 'SHANNON' 29 august arriving Plymouth 12 September and backstamped 'DEVENPORT CO / SP13 / 70'. Sailors letters at favoured 1d rate from St. Thomas are scarce.