Lot #323

King George IV Autograph Letter Signed on Appointing Wellington as Commander-in-Chief in America

Description

"Nothing should be neglected, to induce the Duke of Wellington, to accept of the Chief Command in America, as soon as possible"

Third-person ALS, signed twice within the text, "the Prince Regent," one page, 7.25 x 9, November 19, 1814. Handwritten letter, marked "Most Private," to "Earl Bathurst," regarding the appointment of Wellington as commander-in-chief in America. In part: "The Prince Regent, has receiv'd the Dispatches…which have been forwarded to him by Lord Melville & Lord Bathurst…nothing should be neglected, to induce the Duke of Wellington, to accept of the Chief Command in America, as soon as possible." In fine condition, with the hand-addressed and free-franked address leaf (signed with his initials, "G.P.R.") detached, but present.

This historic letter presents a fascinating 'what-if,' as British leaders—both George IV and Prime Minister Liverpool—lobbied for Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, to take command of troops in America during the later stages of the War of 1812. In August 1814, British troops captured Washington, before American victories at Baltimore and Plattsburgh in September ended fighting in the north. Although Wellington replied that he would go to America, he believed that he was needed more in Europe.

Further, he told the government that it had no right to demand territorial concessions: 'I think you have no right, from the state of war, to demand any concession of territory from America… You have not been able to carry it into the enemy's territory, notwithstanding your military success, and now undoubted military superiority, and have not even cleared your own territory on the point of attack. You cannot on any principle of equality in negotiation claim a cession of territory except in exchange for other advantages which you have in your power… Then if this reasoning be true, why stipulate for the uti possidetis? You can get no territory: indeed, the state of your military operations, however creditable, does not entitle you to demand any.'

Ultimately, Wellington remained in Europe as ambassador to France, and the remaining British troops in America were decisively defeated at New Orleans in early 1815.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and Civil War
• Dates: June 21, 2024 - July 10, 2024

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