This one-page, handwritten letter is signed “Cornwallis” by the British military leader best remembered for his crushing defeat at the hands of General George Washington. Dated November 5, 1795, a period in which Cornwallis served as a diplomatic and military troubleshooter, the letter bears exactly that theme—indeed, addressing the message to parliament member Henry Beaufoy, Cornwallis has employed his editorial savvy in an effort to revise what appears to have been a military decree. Penned entirely in his own black fountain pen script, the letter reads, “I return you the copy of my intended letter to Mr. Dundas, with some trifling alterations, or rather additions, and I cannot sufficiently admire the earnestness and diligence which you have shown on this occasion. It occurred to me that in the introductory part, it would be better to take a broader foundation for so important as arrangement than merely the discontents and jealousies of the officers of the different services; I have therefore inserted a few words, and if Mr. Dundas approves of them, he will of course insert something of a similar nature in his letter. The circumstances of the staff officers had been overlooked, as there was no regular head for them, but I think the paragraph will come in well enough where I have inserted it. As soon as a fair copy is made out, you will be pleased to transmit it to me for signature, that it may be laid before His Majesty … (signed) Cornwallis.” The 7.5 x 9.75 page exhibits very good condition with light toning (more pronounced along the periphery), and a few marginal mounting remnants from prior display. RRAuction COA.
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