September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
Dated July 10th 1814 from “Newlands,” Cornwallis’s estate, addressed to “Ld. Radstock,” probably William Waldegrave, 1st Baron Radstock. Radstock served as a royal navy officer from 1766, commanding a frigate during the American Revolution, and serving under Hood and Jervis in the French Revolutionary Wars, reaching Rear Admiral in 1794, Vice Admiral in 1795, and was third in command at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 1797. He served as Governor of New Foundland from 1797-1800, where he established a “Committee for the Relief of the Poor.” This letter seems to be a response to an appeal for support on some other “charitable occation.” Cornwallis begs off on soliciting others, “I am not in the way of talking with people upon such matters and I therefore prefer a donation I shall order my banker to pay ten pounds accordingly.” Cornwallis was a fellow navy officer of considerable fame, brother of Charles Cornwallis, known best in America for Yorktown, and fought the French off and on in numerous battles over forty years, from the Seven Year War, through the American Revolution and into the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, rising to Admiral of the Red and accumulating numerous honors including first Lord of the Admiralty, Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom, etc. The letter comes with a James Spence Authentication Full Letter of Authenticity. Former Dr. John K. Lattimer Collection. CONDITION: Very good. A unique communication between 2 very well known and well regarded British naval officers.
Item Dimensions: 10" x 10"