British soldier and statesman (1769–1852) who earned immortality for his stunning defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo and who later served in the British government, including a brief tenure as Prime Minister. Two one-page ALS signed “Wellington,” 1822 and 1823, the first to the renowned British painter George Hayter (1792–1871; the other recipient unidentified, but very likely Hayter), both related to a picture and its framing. Hayter created a number of portraits and historical scenes incorporating Wellington, including at least one, “Wellington Viewing Napoleon’s Effigy at Madame Tussaud’s,” that was made into a popular engraving. Light intersecting folds, and a few marginal pinholes and small losses to 1822 letter, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
