Lot 4434
De Quincey, Thomas (1785-1859) English author, made famous by Confessions of an English Opium Eater. Autograph Letter Signed, 42 Lothian Place, Aug. 23, 1857, 4 pp, octavo. To an unnamed doctor, regarding the Sepoy Rebellion in Indian. In part: "You will have read…in your own feelings of deadly anxiety, -- (sometimes of horror) -- what must naturally have been my restless anticipations of evil tidings fm. India ever since the fatal 10th and 11th of May became known with us. I…look with more hope upon Rourkee…since, whilst other leaders can salute the children of Hell with a succession of messages from revolvers, Col. Smith can…transmit his love remembrances in the weightier form of cannon-shot. Still I am anxious inexpressibly…." He includes the news of the deaths of Sir Henry Lawrence and Gen. Bernard from cholera, the first presumably at Lucknow and the second before Delhi. Some age wear, else very good.
The capture of Delhi on May 10 and 11 by the 3rd Light Cavalry was a great blow to the British Empire. The Sepoy rebellion began when the British Army introduced an Enfield rifle with cartridges sealed by grease; the cartridges had to be bitten open before loading. The sepoys, who composed 96% of the army, were mostly high caste Hindus; they feared the grease was fat from a sacred cow; the Moslems feared that it was pork. Rebellion broke out and atrocities were committed on both sides. The outraged British public avidly followed the news.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
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| Realized $891 |
