Description:

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington
various, ca. 1841-1852
Duke of Wellington Archive, 4 Pcs, Including Autographed Letter & Guest List, Ca. 1841-1852
Archive

An interesting archive of documents either in the hand of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) or related to him, ca. 1841-1852. Various places. The lot includes a 2pp autograph letter; a 1p autograph manuscript; a partly printed document related to Wellington's funeral; and a 2pp military-related manuscript. Condition is overall very good but will be elaborated below. The largest piece measures 7.25" x 5.5."

The lot includes:

1. A 2pp autograph letter by Arthur Wellesley, addressed to an unknown correspondent. N.d. but [October 1841.]N.p. Inscribed on laid watermarked bifold paper. Expected wear including flattened folds, some well-creased. Minor ink bleed-through and some soiling to the blank outer leaf. Else near fine. 4.5" x 7.25."

This appears to be an employment contract between Wellesley and a man named John Herrott. If the former collector's attributed date of October 1841 is accurate, than this contract would have coincided with Wellesley's time as Leader of the House of Lords (September 1841 - June 1846.) Wellesley agrees to pay John Herrott in the amount of £500 for unspecified services to be paid half yearly from October 1st; £200 for additional services whenever required; and "dwelling expenses" when the services necessitated travel.

2. A 1p autograph manuscript in the hand of Arthur Wellesley, comprised of a list of guests who were visiting and guests who were dining that day with him. N.d. but attributed to be from ca. 1840-1850, coinciding with Wellesley's tenure as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army. N.p. but attributed to be Wellesley's favorite residence Walmer Castle, a 16th C. coastal fort in Kent where he served as the longtime Lord Warden. On watermarked laid paper, with several contemporaneous X-marks. Expected wear including folds, wrinkles, and a minor closed tear along the horizontal fold. A former collector's inscription and mounting traces can be found verso. Else very good. 4.5" x 7.25."

Among Wellington's guests can be seen the title belonging to his older brother, William Wellesley-Pole, 3rd Earl of Mornington, also known as Lord Maryborough, as "Lord Maryborough" on line 5.

3. A 1p partly manuscript and partly printed piece of ephemera related to the "Interment of the Remains of the Late Field Marshal The Duke of Wellington." Ca. November 16-17, 1852. [London, England.] The delivery form directs funeral officials to deliver "Mourning Fittings" to a member of the Rifle Regiment. The form is hinged at top to a larger cream-colored stock card. The form shows some scattered cancellation marks. Minor edge darkening of the card. The actual size of the form is 5.375" x 3.375" while the overall size of the card is 7.25" x 5.5."

Wellington died at Walmer Castle at age 83 on September 14, 1852. His remains were transported by railway to London where he was provided with a rare honor - a state funeral. Wellington was interred at St. Paul's Cathedral in London on November 18, 1852.

4. A 2pp manuscript document in an unidentified hand discussing the pay rates of a certain Colonel Wrightson and a certain Mr. Bulkeley when they were each appointed at Chelsea. On two slips of paper adhered together, unfolded measuring 6.625" x 3.625." Good.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: largest piece measures 7.25" x 5.5"
  • Medium: Archive

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