Beschreibung:

cover 1896 (21 Mar.) envelope mailed from Umtali (despatch c.d.s. on face) to London 3 days before the outbreak of the Matabele Rebellion. This envelope was in the mail carried by stagecoach from Gwelo to Shangani and Bulawayo. The coach was attacked by rebels near Shangani and they were held off until the mules collapsed. The mail and the coach were abandoned until a few days later, when a mail rider saw the mail spread over the road. It was not until some 6 weeks later that the mail, including this envelope with the adhesive(s) washed off and mud all over the back, was retrieved. The post office at Bulawayo endorsed the cover in red ink "Recovered from mail stolen by the Rebels at Shangani. Contents missing" and forwarded a somewhat soiled cover to London. A magnificent exhibition item. Photo