GB 1857 Cover - Rio to London (Plymouth Ship Letter)

1857 Incoming Maritime Mail. Very fine entire sent from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil addressed to London and endorsed "S.S.S. Celt" in manuscript at lower left. Bearing a wonderful handstruck "8d" in black with a green Plymouth Ship Letter (type S9, A Robertson) cds on reverse for AP.18.1857 and a London arrival datestamp for AP.20.1857. Built with the intention of replacing the "Union" on the coal trade she was on completion, requisitioned for use during the Crimean War. On 24th December 1856 she sailed from Southampton bound for Rio de Janeiro but was forced to return to Cowes Roads with engine trouble. She set out again on 31st December but had to return to Southampton on 3rd January 1857 when she sprang a leak and the voyage was consequently cancelled. Upon repairs she finally completed a handful of round trips to South America before she was reallocated in October 1857 to voyages to the Cape, South Africa. - P212013135