2-791-386 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Boulogne - Embarkation of the Indian Mail, 1844. Postal service between Britain and India: 'On reaching Boulogne [on the north coast of France], the "abstract" India Mail express, bearing on its envelope the significant words, "Très pressé" [urgent] is placed on board a steamer - or, in extreme cases, a sailing smack - and forwarded, with all possible speed, to Folkestone'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.