Lot 273
Amherst, Jeffery, 1st Baron Amherst (1717-1797) Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in America during the French and Indian War; first British Governor General in the territories that eventually became Canada. Autograph letter signed ("Amherst"), 2 pages, 8¾ x 7¼ in., St. James's Square, no date (c. 1744-46). To Lord Dover, expressing uneasiness about problems between army members. In part: "Cornet Rainsford was with me yesterday and told me what had happened, which you will rationally think gave me great uneasiness, and I expressed to him more than once in the strongest manner I could how much it is to be wished to avoid every thing that can create ill Blood and Jealousy between the Corps…." He writes that he advised Cornet Rainsford not to do anything without talking to his uncle, General Rainsford, and to follow his advice, then continues, "I don't see how I can do any thing further…he seems fully determined…."
Due to the influence of his uncle, General Charles Rainsford (died 1778), after whom he was named, Charles Rainsford (1728-1809) was appointed second cornet in General Bland's 3rd dragoons in March 1744 and was active in the Flanders theatre of the War of the Austrian Succession. He had already been promoted by the time he returned to England to help put down the Jacobite uprising (1745-46), so this letter was probably written between 1744-46.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
R.M. Smythe, June 6, 1996, lot 308.
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| Realized $500 |
