William Cornwallis
Newlands, England, July 18, 1814
Admiral William Cornwallis ALS Donation to "Poor Sufferers"
ALS

An autograph letter signed by British Commander William Cornwallis. 1p of a bifolium, measuring 7.5" x 9.5", Newlands, dated July 18, 1814. Signed "W: Cornwallis" and addressed to Lord Radstock (likely William Waldegrave, 1st Baron Radstock). Hand addressed on verso and with a large, red wax seal. Pencil notations at the edges. Flattened mail folds, with some dampstaining and soiling to the front. Expected soiling and toning to the address page. Mounting remnants on address page. Boldly signed. With a JSA LOA.

In full:
"You have enclosed viz first merit in the trouble you take upon the charitable occasions. I am sure the poor sufferers ought to feel infinitely obliged to you. I am not in the way of talking with people upon such matters and I therefore prefer a donation. I shall order my bangers to pay ten pounds accordingly."

William Waldegrave, 1st Baron Radstock (1753-1825) was a Royal Navy Officer who served during the American Revolutionary and French Revolutionary Wars. In 1795 he was made Vice Admiral and later served as Governor of New Foundland from 1797 to 1800. As Governor, he established a Committee for the Relief of the Poor, which this letter seems to reference.

Sir William Cornwallis (1744-1819) was a fellow Royal Navy officer and brother of Charles Cornwallis, British commander at the siege of Yorktown. He served in the Seven Years War, the American Revolution, French Revolution, and the Napoleonic War, rising to the rank of Admiral of the Red.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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7.5" x 9.5"
Provenance: Letter of Authenticity from JSA, No. 180966. Dated May 3, 2023