WELLINGTON, Arthur Wellesley, Duke of (1769-1852). Autographed letter to Lord Elgin signed by the Duke of Wellington, dated 21 June 1839. London. 8vo. 191 x 114 mm. Old folds. The Duke of Wellington writes, “My dear Lord, I am very much obliged to you for your Note of the 17 and the report which you have sent me. I will read it with much interest. Believe me ever yours most faithfully, Wellington. / The Lord of Elgin / No. 27 Rue du Varennes at Paris.” One of the leading military figures in British history, the Duke of Wellington made his reputation as a general during the Napoleonic Wars, famously defeating the French emperor Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815. Following the end of the wars he returned to politics, where he served as Prime Minister of Britain from 1828-1830 and again for one month in 1834. Over the course of a military career spanning several decades he participated in over sixty battles, and for his military valor he was named Commander-in-Chief of the British Army. Lord Elgin is primarily known for the marbles removed from the Parthenon in Greece which to this day bear his name, and are now housed at the British Museum in London.