2-791-465 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Indian Mail signals, at Folkestone, 1844. Postal service between Britain and India: 'In approaching this port [Folkestone, from Boulogne,] the vessel hoists a signal of the "Mail"...to give notice to the harbour-master and the railroad authorities, to have all things in readiness to speed it on its flight to the metropolis; but if the coast be made during the night, a red light under her bows and a white light at the mast-head are the only signals given. The answer to these signals, from the pierhead, is made by a double white light, as shown in our engraving. The passage by steam vessels has varied from 2 hours and 40 minutes to 14 hours ; and by sailing vessels, from 3 hours and 55 minutes to 48 hours'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.