1871 Ballon Monte Paris Siege Gazette of 9 January that also has a lengthy message to ALEXANDRIE, EGYPT. A vertical pair of 20c correctly pays the 40c rate, the stamps cancelled by a ‘1’ in dotted stars. A further 1c stamp has been used on the back to seal the letter. A PARIS 10 JANV 71 dispatch datestamp is on the front of the letter, on the back is TOULON 16 JANV 71 transit c.d.s. This departed on the Ballon ‘LE KEPLER’ that left Paris on January 11th. It was the 56th balloon flight out of Paris during the Franco – Prussian War. A very scarce destination. Behr certificate.