British statesman, called William Pitt the Elder (1708–1778) who led his country during the Seven Years’ War. LS signed “W. Pitt,” one page, 7.25 x 11.5, October 16, 1758. Letter to Captain John Moore, Commander in Chief of His Majesty's ships at the Leeward Islands. In full: “I send you, herewith enclosed, the secret instructions which the King has been pleased to sign for your guidance and direction; and have only to add my most sincere wishes for your succession in the Important Command, with which His Majesty has been pleased to honor you. I am, with great Truth & Regard, Sir, your most obedient humble servant.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 11.25 x 16. Intersecting folds, and scattered light toning and soiling, otherwise fine condition.
Driven largely by conflicting interests in their colonial and trade empires, Great Britain and the Bourbon Dynasty of France and Spain had been at war for nearly four years at the time that Pitt wrote this letter. With the British war effort showing little efficacy, Pitt began a new strategy in 1758, tying down large numbers of French troops in Germany, thereby enabling Britain to use its naval supremacy to capture French forces around the globe, especially in Canada and the West Indies, where Captain John Moore was stationed at this time. Due in large part to Pitt’s strategy, greatly supported by King George II—willingly signing off on “secret instructions” for his Navy upon the Commander’s advice—Great Britain successfully expelled its rivals in the contested overseas territories, gaining the bulk of New France in eastern Canada, Spanish Florida, some individual Caribbean islands in the West Indies, and the colony of Senegal on the West African coast by the close of the war. An excellent letter from the early years of the war for which Pitt is best remembered. RR Auction COA.
