British politician (1718–1792) who held a number of important positions, including First Lord of the Admiralty, Postmaster General, and Secretary of State. Sandwich earned a permanent place in the annals of etymology and cuisine by lending his name to the sandwich, an “invention” that reportedly allowed him to take nourishment without having to interrupt the protracted card games which were one of his favorite avocations. ALS signed “Sandwich,” one page both sides, 7 x 8.75, September 2 [no year]. The Earl of Sandwich writes an unidentified man. In part: “I was much concerned that you was at so great a distance at the time His Majesty pittied upon me to execute the important commission. He has entrusted to my case as I am sensible how much I should have profitted [sic] by your advice, which I undoubtedly never was so much in need of as in my present situation. I am not to…imagine myself in any degree equal to the work I have undertaken, but I believe you will join with me in opinion that when once the employment was offered me, I was not well at Liberty to refuse it, and as I am well convinced of…my own intention & my thorough resolution to apply myself…to [any] business, I am now employed in I have some faint hopes that my good inclination & diligence will carry me thro; which I am sensible are the only resources I have to depend on. As you have on many former occasions asked the very friendly part of making your knowledge & experience in the world be my guide in several of the most material transactions of my life, I flatter myself you will continue the same kindness to me on the present occasion; for as I am sensible how much I have profited by following maxims I have recieved [sic] from you, I hope I shall not be judged too important in solliciting [sic] you for the continuance of the same friendly assistance at a time when I cannot help being conscious how much I stand in need of better council than my own. If you have any commands for this part of the world it will give me the utmost satisfaction to be allowed to execute them, as it allways [sic] will have an occasion of showing you how truly I am your most obliged & obedient humble servant.” In very good condition, with intersecting horizontal and vertical folds, areas of staining over some words of text, tear at the top edge affecting two words on the back page, rusted paperclip impression at top right corner, two small areas of old tape reinforcement at the bottom of the sheet, and some collector notations in pencil. An interesting and early example from a peerage that continues today. RRAuction COA.
