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1860 (Feb 14) Embossed valentine envelope to "Miss Margaret Jones, Trewalter Clangorse, Breconshire" with a 1d red tied by superb "TALGARTH" double arc c.d.s, a further strike on the reverse, an attractive embossed Kershaw & Sons card "Loves Consummation" enclosed (a central enclosed message probably missing). A fine envelope and an unusual cancellation, probably only used on local mail. (Cover + card). Photo on Page 74. £140-160
| Warwickshire
(Also See Lots 57, 191, 347) | |
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Birmingham. 1810-50 "Missent to Birmingham" handstamps comprising three line handstamp on 1810 free entire letter, double oval handstamp in red on 1839 free front and unframed circular handstamp on 1850 entire, and an 1844 cover bearing two 1d reds with "MISSENT TO" applied alongside a Birmingham datestamp, all fine. (BM 164, 170, 173, 174). (4). £100-120
| Yorkshire
(Also See Lots 223/4, 238/40, 259, 386) | |
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1834-40 Entire letters to Penistone, all showing an additional 2d charged by the Barnsley Postmaster, all written up on pages. An interesting study of the Barnsley to Penistone local Postmaster's Post, which is known to have operated from the 1820s until the 1840s. (10). £150-180
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Hull. c.1748-1900 Entire letters, entires and covers with 1748-80 "HULL" straight line handstamps (five with first type YK1523, also YK1528, 1532, 1534); 1832 "TOO LATE"; 1842 red "1d" U.P.P handstamps (2, one redirected back to Hull charged 1d, then increased to 2d); spoon datestamps (6, one bearing a 2d blue), etc., generally very fine strikes, written up on pages. (17). £180-220
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Hull - Uniform 1d Post/1d Black. 1840-43 Entire letters, the first bearing a 1d black MG plate 1B, four margins, tied by red Maltese Cross; the second paid in cash with red "1d", both with Hull datestamps on the front. A fine 1d black entire. (2). £100-120
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Hull/Doncaster - Skeleton Datestamps. 1842 Entire letters prepaid in cash, one from Doncaster to Barton on Humber with superb "DONCASTER / SP 3 / 1842" traveller c.d.s and a Hull backstamp; the other from Beverley to Settle backstamped by "HULL / DE 27 / 1842 / +" traveller c.d.s in green, this entire with a couple of file folds, otherwise fine. (2). £90-110
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Hull - Christmas Advance Posting Scheme. 1903 Picture postcard sent within Hull, bearing KEVII 1/2d tied by red oval "POSTED IN ADVANCE / H.U. / 1903 / FOR DELIVERY ON XMAS DAY". 1903 was the only year Hull participated in this scheme where mail could be posted in advance for delivery on Christmas day. A fine strike of this scarce cancel. Photo on Page 74 £180-220
| NAPOLEONIC WARS and FRENCH REVOLUTION POSTAL HISTORY, AUTOGRAPHS & LETTERS | |
Featuring Admiral Nelson and Napoleon Bonaparte Letters. | |
Nelson Signed Letters and Documents | |
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Postage on Mail from Lord Nelson. 1802 (Oct 21) Letter written and signed by Rev. William Nelson at Hilborough, apparently to the local Postmaster, regarding postage charged on a letter received from his brother Lord Nelson - "Sir, I have inclosed you a cover of a letter charged Two-pence altho' franked by my brother. I should be very much obliged to you to inform me whether it is a legal charge - that is whether a letter franked by a Member of either House of Parliament & put into the Two-Penny Post, intending to pass through the General Post, is liable to that charge'. You will please to direct your answer to The Revd Dr. Nelson, Hilborough, near Brandon, Norfolk. I am, Sir, your most obedt. Humble Servt, Wm Nelson". At this time Nelson was living at Merton with both Sir William and Lady Emma Hamilton. William Nelson had served as Chaplain on H.M.S "Boreas" in 1784-86; in 1805 he succeeded his brother as Second Baron Nelson and was created first Earl Nelson later that year. An interesting postal related letter concerning Nelson, no address panel. £200-250
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Antigua. 1786 (Sep 13) Entire letter written entirely in Nelson's own hand and posted from Antigua to St. Kitts - "St. Johns Antigua, Sep. 13th 1786, My Dear Adye, Pray excuse the liberty I take in inclosing a letter for Mr Herbert under cover to you but I know if it is not inclosed to some friend at St. Kitts it will lay there till doomsday. How is Mrs Adye and yourself both well I hope. This island is very healthy but I find Herbert has been very ill. News we have none, a ship arrived last night from England but nothing new - except the new navigation act which I hear is a tight one & makes us seize everything by virtue of our commissions. Compl. To the Georges & believe me, yours most sincerely Horatio Nelson". The address panel written in Nelson's hand to "Abraham Charles Adye Esq., Basseterre, St. Christophers", posted with scarce "ANTIGUA" handstamp type PD5, no postal rate shown, recipients filing endorsement "Horatio Nelson 13th Sept. 1786" at left. The Navigation Acts referred to laid down the commercial shipping laws which the navy had to enforce, including the prohibition on trade with the newly formed United States of America. At this time Nelson was Captain of H.M.S "Boreas" operating from the Nevis Roads; in the period 1784-87 the "Boreas" seized five American ships for irregular trading. A little splitting at folds and 2cm tear at base of address panel, some internal strengthening with "hinge" type paper resulting in minor stains, otherwise fine and an exceptional Nelson letter posted within the Leeward Islands, illustrated on pages 4 and 5 of "Antigua, The Stamps and Postal History" by Charles Freeland and John Jordan. Not in the published letters of Lord Nelson by N.H. Nicolas. Photo on Pages 78 & 79. £5,000-6,000
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Battle of the Nile. 1798 (Aug 10) Entire letter written entirely in Nelson's own hand, simply headed "Friday morn." (but known to date from Aug. 10 1798), "My Dear Darby, as you are ready and several of the Prizes it is my present intention that on Sunday morning at day light the ships & their charges which are ready, should proceed down the Medn. without waiting for the others under your command, you will therefore have your men ready to send to Spartiate tomorrow, Ever yours faithy Horatio Nelson. I send Capt. Capel with this who will tell you what ships will be ready &c.", the address panel also written in Nelson's hand "On His Majestys Service, To Capt. Darby, H.M. Ship Bellerophon". The reverse bears the notes "Spartiate - Minotaur, Franklin - Theseus, Tenant - Defence, Aquilon - Majestic, Bellerophon", "Bread, log lines, Twine, Lieut. Hood" and "The Castle of Bekier to the N.ward of West carries you clear to the F.ward, you go on shore", all in Darby's handwriting. A rare letter written by Nelson from H.M.S "Vanguard" at the mouth of the Nile in the immediate aftermath of the Battle, in which both Nelson and Darby were wounded. "The Despatches and Letters of Lord Nelson" by N.H. Nicolas does not record this letter but records another letter written on this same day to St. Vincent in which Nelson writes of being sick, and announces his intention of sending a detachment of ships and prizes to the Mediterranean (which he tells Darby in this letter he intends to do on Sunday); a further published letter of 12th August to Sir James Sausmarez orders him to take these ships to the Mediterranean, and lists 12 ships (including the nine listed by Darby on this letter and the "Souverain" which Darby wrote down then crossed out). Darby's note on the "Castle of Bekier" refers to Bequiers Island (later renamed Nelson Island) which forms an extension of the Aboukir Promontory, enclosing the bay in which the battle was fought. Captain Capel, who delivered this letter, was responsible for taking the official Nile dispatch to the Admiralty. The "Spartiate", a French prize to which Darby is ordered to send a crew, was taken into service by the Royal Navy and fought on the British side at Trafalgar. An important Nelson letter from the papers of Captain (later Admiral) Darby, one of the famous "Band of Brothers", the Captains who secured for Nelson the unprecedented victory at Aboukir Bay on 1st August 1798 when ten French battleships of Napoleons Egyptian Expedition were captured and another destroyed (with just two others escaping to Malta). Photo on Page 79. £4,000-5,000
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Malta. 1800 (Mar 20) Letter written by Nelson's secretary John Scott, "Foudroyant Palermo, 20th March 1800, Sir I have received your letter relative to your supplying the squadron off Malta with Fresh Beef and signifying your intention to give it up on the 31st of this month, the prices which you have stated are in my opinion very reasonable, and should no person be got who will furnish supplies on cheaper terms, and you find you cannot afford to do it at the present price, I have no objections to allowing what Governor Ball and (the) other respectable inhabitants at Malta may consider a reasonable price, this you will communicate to Commodore Troubridge, I am sir your most obed. humble servant", signed in Nelson's hand "Bronte Nelson of the Nile", the word "the" in the final sentence also crossed out by Nelson. The address panel also written by Scott "On His Majestys Service, Mr Thomas Alldridge, Malta" with "Bronte Nelson" copy signature, wax impressed seal. The French invaded Malta in June 1798 but the Maltese soon revolted and by September the French were besieged within the bastion of Valletta; in October British and Portuguese ships began a blockade of the island, the ships including H.M.S "Alexander" (Captain Alexander Ball), "Culloden" (Commodore Thomas Troubridge) and "Vanguard" (Admiral Nelson). By November 1799 Nelson was overseeing the blockade from the Neapolitan Court at Palermo, were he was becoming infatuated with Lady Hamilton, wife of the British Ambassador. On March 31st 1800 a French relief force destined for Malta was defeated by the British Fleet led by Nelson in H.M.S "Foudroyant". Nelson then returned to Palermo where he was then having an open affair with Lady Hamilton; he sailed to Malta on April 23rd in H.M.S "Foudroyant" with Sir William and Lady Hamilton on board. The French finally surrendered Valletta on September 3rd 1800, Captain Ball being appointed the first Civil Commissioner of Malta in 1799, a post held until 1801. A rare item from Nelson during the blockade of Malta and his affair with Lady Hamilton, and possibly the earliest use of the "Bronte Nelson of the Nile" signature, only used by Nelson for a short time in 1800 following his creation as Duke of Bronte. Some edge staining, the written letter, address panel and autograph largely unaffected and fine, not in the published letters of Lord Nelson by N.H. Nicolas. Photo on Page 81. £3,500-4,000
| British Naval Forces in the Mediterranean & Atlantic | |
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Battle of the Glorious First of June. 1795 (Jan 7/19) Entire letters from Lt. Stephen Mitchell, Royal Marines at Plymouth Dock, both to Charles Cox at the Marine Office in London, handstamped "PLYMOUTH / DOCK" and a London arrival c.d.s, charged 6d. Both letters concern payment of his claim for money for his part in the Battle on 1st June in which he was wounded; an army officer slightly wounded in the action got four times as much money as Mitchell. The second letter includes a copy of his wound certificate from the Physician to the Fleet - "Lieutenant Stephen Mitchell of the Marines was wounded on board His Majesty Ship Royal Sovereign in the action with the French Fleet by a Swivel Ball which entered in a slanting direction and divided the whole muscles of the left arm from the shoulder to the elbow by which means the bone was laid bare, and parts around the joints lacerated, such that the lameness of the arm is likely to be permanent". (2). £200-240
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1798 (Aug 11) Entire letter from Lieutenant John Hoskins to Charles Cox in London, headed from "Hell Ship Lion, Naples Bay", with London Foreign Branch c.d.s, charged 1/8. Hoskins writes "You will I dare say have heard previous to the receipt of this of the Lion having captured, while on her way to join Adm. Nelson, the Spanish frigate the Santa Dorotea of 42 Guns - she sails hence tomorrow for the fleet off Cadiz - you will therefore take the steps necessary in order to obtain my part of her value". £100-120
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Sir William Hoste. 1808 (Jan 18) Entire letter written and signed by Hoste, written off Cowes with a further note the following day "still at anchor in Yarmouth Roads and no prospect of a fair wind", to his father in Norfolk, with Lymington mileage mark. Hoste writes "I left Spithead this morning and am now running to Yarmouth roads ..... we have a large convoy of near sixty sail and two sloops of war and Amphion". Captain Hoste sailed to the Adriatic in "Amphion" in 1808, where he captured over 200 French or Venetian vessels. £120-150
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1809 (Sep 15) Entire letter from John Spence headed "Lively at Sea" with a postscript written at Dungeness nine days later, posted from Deal to Scotland. Spence had written to the Transport Office regarding promotion and is expecting to receive prize money. £80-100
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Malta. 1800 (Feb 27) Entire letter from John Kerr headed "H.M.S La B. Citoyenne off Malta", "I am exceedingly happy to tell you of our late success on the 18 Feby in capturing La Genereux French 74 which our little squadron consisting of Foudroyant (Ad. Nelson), Northumberland, Alexander & this ship had the good fortune to fall in with on the Sicilian shore. She is quite full of troops, stores &c for the relief of the French Garrison in Valetta, two corvettes & a store ship attempted but were unable by the vigilance of our squadron, the store ship was taken but I am sorry to observe the corvettes escaped. I have wrote Mr Cook to receive my share when due which I believe will be pretty considerable as she is to be valuable", addressed to England with partial oval Portsmouth Ship Lre and a London c.d.s. An interesting letter from the British naval blockade of Malta (see lot 511), 2cm tear at upper edge and horizontal file fold, otherwise fine. "La Bonne Citoyen" was captured in 1796 and served as H.M.S "Bonne Citoyen" during the blockade of Malta and in Egypt in 1801, sharing prize money for the capture of at least seven ships (including £24,000 from the "Genereux") and the final surrender of Malta. £250-350
| British Naval Forces in the West Indies. | |
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1795 (April 11) Letter to "Captain Darby of His Majestys Ship Adamant, St. Eustatia", headed "Britannic Transport off St. Pierre Martinique", - "You will please to repair to this place with His Majestys Ships Adamant and Woolwich, leaving the Beaulieu and Nautilus at St. Kitts for the protection of that island, and direct the Veteran to resume her station off Basseterre Guadeloupe without a moments loss of time", signed by Ben Caldwell. The reverse endorsed "Vice Adm. Caldwell, letter of 11th April recd 14th in St. Eustatius Road from Mr Stanley". Admiral Benjamin Caldwell commanded the Leeward Islands station in 1794-95. £120-150
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1801 Letters from the Victualling Office in London both sent to Rear Admiral Duckworth at Martinique, acknowledging letters showing Duckworth had approved bills for £7,600 and £12,000 drawn upon the Navy Board and payable to their agent in Martinique and the Leeward Islands, Mr George Desborough. £7,600 was for the purchase of cocoa and flour and to defray contingent expenses; £12,000 included £2,000 to defray naval expenses at Antigua and £10,000 for French Beef, flour and contingencies at Martinique. (2). £150-180
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1805 (Jan 22) Letter headed "H.M.S Diana, Aruba", written by Thomas Maling to Admiral Sir John Duckworth, "I had the honor to write to you upon my arrival off Curacao, since then finding that my best schooner had been retaken by a boat from this island I though it my duty to come here in quest of her leaving the Suffisante to cruise off Curacao. My letter to Captain Murray will acquaint you with my proceedings here and should you approve of the island remaining in our hands it would be necessary to send twenty or thirty men of any colour or description to defend the entrance into the harbour, as to the interior the inhabitants are well disposed towards the English". An interesting letter, no address panel. £80-100
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1805 (June 4) Entire letter from John Forbes on "Canopus, Barbados" posted to his uncle in Scotland with oval "SHIP-LETTER / (crown) / PORTSMOUTH", London and Edinburgh datestamps, light staining apparently caused by disinfection, charged 1/8. The letter tells of their arrival in the West Indies, and includes "On the 28th ult. the French fleet quitted Martinique steering apparently for Trinidad, therefore they are by this judicious step of Lord Nelsons only 6 or 7 days ahead of us - Our fleet consists of 10 sail of the line which with the addition made this day of the Northumberland & Spartiate I have every reason to hope will be able to make a very formidable attack on the enemy. We take troops on board the line of battle ships I suppose to reinforce Trinidad. Our most authorative reports say that the enemy only consists of 17 sail of the line & seven frigates". £150-180
| Wellington Signed Letters | |
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1815 (June 25) Letter written and signed by Wellington from Cateau to the Austrian General Baron Vincent who was wounded at Waterloo, written in French just a week after the battle, the letter includes "I assure you that I have very much regretted your wound and I did all I could to see you the 19th when I was in Brussels but it was not possible. For my part your conference is hardly possible at present but I expect the King here tomorrow and perhaps M. de Talleyrand will come with him. We are blockading Quenoi and Valenciennes, the Prussians Landrex and Maubenge. The garrisons are all National Guards. I will send you a copy of my report on the battle for the Prince Schwartzenberg". A fine signed letter sent just after Waterloo, no address panel. £250-300
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1850 (Sep 14) Entire letter from Walmer Castle, written in the third person; the Duke will peruse the plans sent to him but cannot attend a public meeting due to his deafness, with the cover addressed in the Dukes handwriting to "C. Mackenzie Esq., London Tavern, London" bearing a 1d red cancelled at Uxbridge, reverse with the Dukes wax seal. Also 1852 (Nov 20) "Illustrated London News" containing a long report on the Dukes funeral. Ex Robson Lowe Collection. (3). £150-180
| Military Mail - British Forces in Europe | |
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1793 Entire letters to Captain William Lee in the 16th Light Dragoons, the first from Aylesbury to Thetford, returned to Aylesbury and then redirected to "Mons. Lee, Capit. dans le Regiment Q.L.F 16 de sa Majestie Britanique sous le Command du Duc de York devant Valenciennes, Flandres"; a second letter from Aylesbury similarly addressed to Flanders; the third letter from London to "Captain Lee with His Royal Highness the Duke of York, Valenciennes". The letters from Aylesbury both endorsed "Pt Pd to London 4d" and "4d J. Woodcock", one concerning an unpaid bill to a spur maker, the other from his father concerning the affair of Dunkirk and the campaign in Flanders. The London letter from a lady, Francis Mary Roberts, asking Lee to tell no-one about her foolishness and madness in going off with Lee, and asking for a loan of three guineas to pay debts, this last letter with edge faults, the other two very fine. Three uncommon ingoing covers during the 1793-95 Flanders campaign. (3). £300-350
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1794 (Dec 9) Part letter (first page removed) to London, evidently written in Flanders but posted at Harwich with a curved "HARWICH" handstamp, charged 4d. The letter includes "It was reported Lord Moira had again resigned his command .... I see no great likelihood of our getting into winter quarters .... we have had & continue to have our own share of the business. This said honor of commanding a brigade gives me no less to do than I formerly had, I have rode 30 & 40 miles every day for these 8 days past exclusive of other duties". £80-100
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1803 (Aug 16) Entire letter from Nimes to London with oval "Ship Lre / (crown) / GRAVESEND" and arrival datestamps, sent after the resumption of hostilities between France and England in May 1803. The French stopped direct mails to England in June though some mails were exchanged under a flag of truce in July, and some ship letter mails evidently continued to get through as shown by this letter. The letter includes "I have a strong hope that the occasion I now embrace offers greater certainly than usual to the fate of my letter .... every letter that was calculated to harass seems to have reached its destination. All those which were calculated to give you satisfaction have been suppressed. This is the more unaccountable as for some time there has been a strong notice stuck up at the Post Office assuring all the English that the letters go regularly". Very unusual. £150-180
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1809 (Jan 9) Entire letter from Henry Buckley in Cadiz, to his parents in Saddleworth with circular "FALMOUTH PKT LRE", charged 2/9. The letter includes "preparations for war is the only thing that is carrying on here, it has been discovered that the country was completely sold to the French by some traitors at the head of affairs some of which are not in confinement and I hope they will all be found out and put to death. There are no traitors amongst the lower class of people and were they properly led Bonaparte with all his force could not conquer Spain, nor do I yet believe that he can do it. He has again got possession of Madrid but how did he get it; he bought it; it is said the French marched in without any defence being made by the inhabitants which is accounted for in this way, the Governor sold it and did not give the people arms to defend themselves with ..... this comes by the Lion frigate and it is said Don Pedro Cerallos a Spanish messenger to the Court of London is going in her". £120-150
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1809 (Apr 15) Entire letter from George Cranstoun in Cadiz to his brother in Edinburgh, with "FALMOUTH / PACKET LETTER", charged 2/11. The letter includes "at this moment there is not the smallest dread of the French penetrating into this province. Cuesta would have completely defeated the enemy at Medellin had it not been for three regiments of cavalry which deserted their post at the conclusion of the battle and threw the whole army into confusion .... we are daily receiving glorious accounts from the north of Spain and we expect to hear of the complete surrender of Soult at Oporto ....". An interesting letter. £120-150
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1809 (Oct.) Part letter (first page missing) from Lt. J. Gordon of the 28th Regt., to his sister in Dublin, handstamped "FALMOUTH / PACKET LETTER", charged 2/8. Gordon writes "this town is in the province of Estramadura - the most advanced post of the infantry of the army. Head Quarters are at Badajos a frontier town in Spain. Lord Wellington is very unwell, reports of his going to England for the recovery of his health. Direct to Lieut Gordon, 2nd Bn, 28th Regt Army under Lord Wellington, Spain. The postage must be paid". £140-180
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1d Concession Rate. 1811 (Apr 14) Entire letter written from Galongas to Scotland prepaid at the soldiers 1d concession rate, the front signed by J. Ross, Lt. Col., the reverse endorsed "Sent by David Robertson soldier 1st Battn 52nd Regt Light Infantry", with red "FALMOUTH" handstamp and Edinburgh arrival datestamp. The letter includes "Our division was still in front and is now the furthest in Spain. 31 Days we followed them, we engaged them 5 times and beat them, the last time was on third April, they had 20,000 and we only 7000 including Portugals in our Division. I had a very narrow escape that day, our company and two men charged a howitzer and took it. The French Cavalry charged us in order to retake it again, we were extended in files and were obliged to retire to a wall 300 yards in rear for cover, I was amongst the last getting away, there was three of them after me but I got no hurt by them, I was much obliged to my heels for being nimble that day. They lost a very great number on their retreat ....". A scarce soldiers rate letter from Spain with good content, minor edge wear and splitting at left edge, otherwise fine. Photo on Page 95. £250-300
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1811 (May 14) Entire letter from General MacKinnon at Nova de Mar to his wife in Sidmouth with "LISBON / F" packet datestamp of Falmouth in green, a Sidmouth mileage mark applied upon redirection to Cheltenham. MacKinnon's letter includes "Tomorrow we start for Badajoz, a march of two hundred miles. I yesterday dined with Lord Wellington, he is for turning the French out of Spain ..... I shall tell you the conversation I had with Pakenham who has been constantly about Lord Wellingtons person in his official situation .... In 11 days we shall be at Campo Maier near Badajoz, that very place where I joined the Brigade in Dec. 1809". General MacKinnon was killed at Ciudad Rodrigo in January 1812. A little splitting at folds, otherwise fine. Photo on Page 95. £200-240
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1811 (June 15) Entire letter from Lisbon to Oporto with "LISBOA" and "40" handstamps, the contents including "our heavy artillery is all removed from before Badajoz & the siege of that place converted into a blockade. Lord Wellington has advanced to meet Soult who is stated to have 46 m Infantry and 6 m cavalry, & a very desperate battle is expected to take place in a few days. I trust the result will be favourable or the consequences may be fatal. We cannot afford to lose so many men but it seems there is no alternative. It is said that Almeida is blown up ..... our sick & wounded, about 7000 men are ordered to Lisbon. Part of the royal rope walk is to be converted into a hospital & of course the convents must receive them". £140-160
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Siege of Tarifa. 1812 (Apr 18) Entire letter to England written by Captain Mitchell, Royal Artillery, from Tarifa (south of Cadiz), posted in Portsmouth. The letter includes "We have just been ordered to hold ourselves in readiness to be relieved from Cadiz and to return to Gibraltar as it had been determined that the place should be dependent on Lord Wellington and therefore garrisoned by a detachment from his army. At first we were in hourly expectation of the troops to relieve us but find now that the General in Cadiz cannot spare them at present, and that two months or even six may perhaps elapse ere they arrive ..... we may encourage a hope that the siege of Cadiz will be raised. This event may once more call us into action and will probably cause our final removal". Both Tarifa and Cadiz were besieged by the French in 1812, the towns being supplied from the sea. Ex Willcocks Collection. £100-120
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1d Concession Rate. 1812 (Apr 27) Entire letter from Alburgria, Spain, sent at the 1d soldiers rate to Scotland with red "FALMOUTH" and Edinburgh datestamp, signed by Lt. Col. Manners, the reverse endorsed "From Wm Ross Sergeant 74th Regiment". The excellent contents, written over three large pages, provide a virtually non-stop account of the British advance towards Badajoz, battles fought, the killed and wounded, that have occurred since the fall of Ciudad Rodrigo, including the storming of Fort Picurina - "stormed by the covering party of the 3rd Division, our Regt. suffered much in killed and wounded on that night, the place is much stronger than was expected with a deep trench, the walls of the fort in most places 30 foot in height .... in the place was 500 men, about 300 prisoners, the rest was put to the bayonet". The subsequent attack on the citadel is described - "on the night of the 6th April ..... the 3rd Division was to scale the citadel which the enemy expects to keep three days after the town was carried, the 4th Light Division was to enter by the breach, the 3rd Division fell in ..... the attack was to be made at 10 o'clock at night, in our approach the enemy threw out fire balls, instantly on observing the army advancing opened all the guns they could bear on us. The Division rushed on and got under their guns but they greatly annoyed us with their musketry from the walls, the men employed in carrying the ladder not being able to keep up with the Regiment exposed us for a long time to the enemys fire, at last we gained our object in getting possession of the castle. The French soldiers stood by their guns until they were put to the bayonet ..... the killed & wounded on both sides was dreadful". Details of further attacks follow, and instructions on how to address a reply ensuring only 1d is paid to the Post Office. A scarce soldiers rate letter from Spain with exceptional content. Photo on Page 95. £300-350
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1812 (Aug 1) Entire letter from Edinburgh prepaid 2/9 to "Lieutenant General Sir William Erskine, Lisbon or elsewhere" with red "PAID / at / EDINR" c.d.s. At this time Erskine was commanding Hills cavalry advancing to Madrid; he subsequently covered his retreat when he had to retire to Andalusia. Erskine was then showing signs of insanity, and was finally ordered to leave the army; in May 1813 he died after throwing himself from a window in Lisbon. £100-120
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1813 (Oct 8) Entire letter from "Camp in front of Andaye in France" which includes "Our army has entered France. We attacked the position of the enemy on the River Bidasson yesterday morning, our infantry fought hard in the most gallant manner and forded the river in spite of the enemys entrenchments which was all carried on as I took up a position at this place", the reverse inscribed "John Michell, Captn Royal Artillery, Spain". Addressed to his wife in Portsmouth with green circular "FALMOUTH PACKT LRE", charged 2/2. £120-150
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1815 (Apr 4) Entire letter from London, prepaid 2/6 to "Marshal His Excellency Lord Beresford, Lisbon". Written after Napoleons return from exile the letter includes "we are on the eve of sending large reinforcements to the assistance of the allies. Bonaparte has I understand sent some declarations and offers to Ministers, that he almost paralysed them, but I believe the dye is cast and we shall try the fate of another campaign. I fancy that is the only remedy as there is little confidence to be put in anything Bonaparte professes". £120-140
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1815 (July 3) "Hampshire Telegraph and Sussex Chronicle, or Portsmouth and Chichester Advertiser" reporting the British victory at Waterloo and the second abdication of Napoleon. A historic edition of this newspaper. £80-100
| Napoleon Bonaparte Signed Letters & Documents | |
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c.1796 Unused notepaper for "Bonaparte General en Chef de l'Armee d'Italie" at "au Quartier General de Milan" with a fine large engraving of the seated figure of Liberty. Napoleon was Commander in Chief of the Army of Italy in 1796-97. £150-180
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1798 (Oct 15) Printed "Bonaparte, General en Chef" notepaper from his Headquarters in Cairo to finance administrator Citizen Soussielque, telling him to requisition agricultural produce from the villages of Mellere and Beyada which belong to Muhammed Bey Menfouth, when he arrives at Boulac, with a separate note in arabic apparently giving requisition instructions, the letter signed "Bonaparte". A fine Bonaparte signed letter written in Egypt. Photo on Page 86. £2,000-2,400
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1803 (May 6) Service document for Lieutenant Jacques Guillaume 1/2 Brigade of Line with "Bonaparte" signature written in a secretarial hand, also signed by Marshal Berthier as Minister of War and Hughes Maret as Secretary of State. £200-250
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1813 (Mar 17) Letter written from Trianon to Count Lauriston, "I am in receipt of your letter of 11 March. I do not understand what you say when you talk about taking a position of which the centre will be Brunswick and the right at Magdeberg. I understand nothing about that, I ordered you to pitch camp in front of Magdeberg, and not at Brunswick. For the rest, as formerly, you are going to be in direct communication with the Viceroy, and it is from the Viceroy that you must take your orders. I do not really know what orders you are giving to Hamburg, but you are making them lose their heads. Calm was re-established there when you warn them that people have got to be ready to evacuate the town; you make the remount depot leave there, and finally, instead of reassuring you give the alarm! I do not understand this conduct at all". Written the day after Prussia declared war on France, to Lauriston who commanded a Corps on the Elbe; he fought at Bauzen in May and Leipzig in October where he was taken prisoner. Lauriston became a Marquis in 1817 and Marshal in 1823. A fine and interesting letter written by Napoleon, signed "Nap". Photo on Page 88. £1,600-2,000
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1814 (Apr 6) Five line letter on "Imperial Eagle" watermarked paper, written in Paris to Count Mollian asking him to pay 1,500,000 francs for arms, signed "Nap". A rare Napoleon signature during the "100 days" after his return from exile, which ended with his defeat at Waterloo. Photo on Page 88. £1,400-1,600
| Bonaparte Family Letters and Documents | |
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Josephine, first wife of Napoleon, Empress of France. 1812 (Nov 16) Two page letter written on notepaper with a fine embossed border, from "Mal Maison" to the Duke of Parma, signed "Josephine". She thanks him for the interest in her son Eugene de Beauharnais, Viceroy in Italy, and the kindness of the Empress Marie Louise to her daughter-in-law. Eugene had written and the Emperor is happy. Napoleon and Josephine divorced in December 1809 but remained friends. A fine and scarce letter from Josephine, ex Robson Lowe Collection. Photo on Page 89. £1,400-1,600
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Vicomte Alexandre de Beauharnais, first husband of Josephine. c.1793 Undated note to the Military Committee suggesting the Minister of Foreign Affairs should request the Swiss Cantons to supply 200 muskets for the National Guard, signed "Alexandre Beauharnais". Beauharnais married Josephine in 1779 and they had two children, Eugene and Hortense. He was an ardent revolutionary who became President of the National Assembly and later Commander of the Rhine Army but resigned when unable to relieve Metz. He was guillotined in June 1794 after being accused of doing too little in the attempt to relieve Metz, and of being a "suspect" aristocrat; his wife Josephine was imprisoned for several months. £150-200
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Eugene Napoleon, son of Josephine and Alexandre de Beauharnais. 1806 (June 20) Letter written from Milan to the Minister of War, "I send you some plans and notes dictated by His Majesty. You will please have one copy made for retention at the Ministry, and you will please have another copy made and send it back to me with the originals", unusually signed "Eugene Napoleon" (instead of his usual signature "Prince Eugene"). Eugene served as Viceroy in Italy, and led armies in the campaigns in Italy, Russia and the defence of France. £200-250
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Joseph Bonaparte, elder brother of Napoleon. 1805 (Aug 24) Letter proposing Jean Moussot, a Sergeant-Major in the 1st Company of the 2nd Battalion, be promoted to Second Lieutenant, listing his army service including wounds received, eight signatures including "Joseph Bonaparte" as Colonel of the Regiment. Joseph Bonaparte was King of Naples 1806-08 and King of Spain 1808-13. £150-200
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Lucien Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon. 1800 (Feb 26) Letter on "Ministre de l'Interior" notepaper, sent to the Land Department at Carcassone ordering payment of 2000 francs to Citizen Corbigny, "agent extraordinaire charge de l'inspection des grandes routes", signed "Lucien Bonaparte". Lucien, Prince of Canino, was a disciple of Robespierre and supported Napoleon in 1790 when he overthrew the National Councils of France. Minor staining and a repaired tear but an uncommon autograph. £150-200
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Louis Bonaparte, younger brother of Napoleon. 1800 (June 10) Letter on printed notepaper of "Le Chef de Brigade de 5 Regiment de Dragons" written at Paris to General Lacvée, Councillor of State, recommending Citizen Bigaud (who had served Minister Berthier as a Lieutenant) be employed on the expedition to Ireland, signed "Louis Bonaparte", very fine. Louis served in Italy, Malta, Egypt and Holland, was promoted General and Constable of the Empire in 1804 and named King of Holland in 1806, but abdicated in 1810. He married Hortense de Beauharnais (daughter of Josephine from her first marriage). The 1796 expedition to Ireland ended in disaster with five ships lost in storms, six more captured by the British and the remainder returning to France having been unable to land. £250-300
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Joachim Murat (Napoleon), husband of Caroline Bonaparte. 1809 (March 2) Letter to the Secretary of the Council of State written from "Belvedere", "I would like you to make your way immediately to St. Lucia. Bring two or three of your secretaries with you. It is very important that you are sure of their trustworthiness", signed "Joachim Napoleon". Murat led armies in Italy, Egypt and Russia, he married Caroline in 1800 and became Marshal in 1804 and King of Naples in 1808 when he adopted the surname Bonaparte. In 1813 he abandoned Napoleon and made treaties with Austria and England, but again declared war against Austria in March 1815 after Napoleon's return from Elba. He was defeated in May 1815, and shot in October after trying to regain the Neapolitan throne. £150-200
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Caroline Bonaparte, youngest sister of Napoleon. c.1830 Letter (simply dated "30 July") from Florence, signed "C. di Lipona", addressed to "Monsieur le Chevalier de Girard a Varsouie" handstamped "FIRENZE" with red "KRAKOW" c.d.s on reverse. Caroline thanks Girard for his kind letter and congratulations, and tells of a recent visit to Paris. Caroline married Marshall Joachim Murat in 1800 and became Queen of Naples in 1808. After her husband's death in 1815 she retired to Vienna and took the name Contesse di Lipona (an anagram of "Napoli"). A fine postally used letter. £150-200
| Marshals of France/Empire
Napoleon created 26 Marshals of the Empire between 1804 and 1815. | |
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