FRANCE – 1870 (17 Nov.) PAR BALLON MONTÉ – “Le Général Ulrich” night flight to Niort

Folded letter franked with 1870 20c Cérès, tied by Paris Rue Taitbout postmark dated 17 November 1870, addressed to Mlle Elisabeth de Polignac, Château de St Germain via Niort.

Carried by ballon monté “Le Général Ulrich”, which departed 18 November 1870 as the first night flight from Paris. The balloon landed at Luzarches in occupied territory; mail and passengers were safely recovered and forwarded. A fine and scarce example of early siege airmail to southwestern France.