Lot 251
Wellesley, Arthur, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) Anglo-Irish soldier and statesman; one of the leading military and political figures of the 19th century; best known for defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815). Autograph letter signed ("Wellington"), 2¼ pages, 7¼ x 4¾ in., Oct. 22, 1831. Edge splits at three folds. To an unidentified recipient, "I have received your Letter of the 20th. There is no Ammunition…at Walmer Castle…I should think that those at Walmer might be left where they are….Indeed it would be better to leave them than to afford ground for a belief that there is any Alarm. I don't doubt that wherever there is disaffection or the people are for any Reason out of temper I shall feel the Effects thereof. But I can take care of myself; and I hope that this Note will reach you in time to prevent the adoption of any unnecessary Measure of precaution at Walmer Castle."
Wellington became prime minister in 1828, and the highlight of his term was Catholic Emancipation, which granted many civil rights to Catholics in the United Kingdom which had formerly been withheld. His resistance of constitutional reform, however, caused his government to fall in 1830 (he would serve again briefly in 1834). Riots swept the country, and ten days before he wrote this letter, his home at Apsley House was targeted by a mob of demonstrators (as it had been in April), leaving his windows smashed. Walmer Castle was the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a ceremonial title held by the Duke of Wellington from 1829-52.
Estimated Value $300 - 400.
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| Realized $432 |
