210 Middle East Journal. A manuscript journal kept by Francis Gell (1825-1911), during 1838-39, a total of approx. 106 pp., written in pen and pencil, with occ. sketches, giving a colourful account of this thirteen-year-old naval adventures, some dampstaining throughout, the text still fully legible even where stained, ownership signatures to endpapers, contemp. qtr. roan, some soiling and wear, 8vo A remarkably well-written journal for one so young. The journal begins on board HMS Cruizer on the 13th April, he describes day to day events and their itinerary, visiting Tenerife, Santa Cruz and Simon’s Town, his first real battle comes in the form of capturing the Port of Aden, but first dealing with the heavily fortified island of Sirah, beginning 18th January 1839. He later claims to be the first man to leap ashore at Aden. The following month on the 13th February they sailed from Aden ‘In company with HMS Volage. Arrived at Macalla, a town on the South Coast of Arabia. It is a much larger place than Aden there being, beside the town, which is built of white chinam, etc., a town inhabited by the slaves, larger, though not such a well built place as the town Macalla itself, but better populated. From there they sailed for Bombay. On 16th April they sighted Muscat [now in Oman]. Here he gives good desriptive local colour in his account. The journal is accompanied by an unpublished Phd.(?) type bound typescript titled ‘The Wrestless Tide’: The Life of Francis Gell, 1825-1911’, by G. W. Allen, 1984-88. This 160 page book quotes extensively from the journal and is included with the lot. (2) £1000-1500
209* Mary (of Teck, 1867-1953, Queen of George V). A group of four Christmas cards, signed, ‘Mary R.’, 1928, 1934, 1935, and 1950, three with orig. envelopes addressed to Lady Gillman, together with other Queen Mary signed items sent to Lady Gillman including a signed photo postcard dated 1924, a real photo postcard signed and dated 1918 with a new year signed message to verso, two brief thank you letters, signed, a card signed, plus four other cut or specimen signatures, plus approx. thirteen letters on behalf of Mary ofTeck, plus related Christmas cards and letters including autographs of Helena Victoria (1870-1948), Marie Louise (1872-1956), Mary (1897-1965), etc., plus a shoebox of family correspondence relating to Lady Gillman (a carton)
£300-500
Lot 210
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