AN ANTIQUE DOCUMENT, APPOINTMENT OF SIR JAMES HAWKINS WHITSHED AS A KNIGHT OF THE GRAND CROSS, MAY 1, 1834, ink and gilt on velum, with affixed gilt bronze medal and blue silk ribbon, the document effectively made Sir James Hawkins Whitshed a Baronet, a hereditary title awarded by the British Crown. 26 1/2" x 19" Provenance: The personal collection of Colonel Frederick Gustavus Burnaby, member of the Royal Horse Guards, a cavalry regiment of the British Army. NOTE: "To All and Singlular, Sir Ralph Bigland, Knight Garter, Principal King of Arms, sendeth greeting. Whereas his Majesty in consideration of the great merit, providence, virtue, generosity, valor and loyalty of Sir James Hawkins Whitshed, Knight Commander of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath, Admiral of the Red Squadrons of His Majesty's Fleet hath been graciously pleased to constitute him to be a Knight of the Grand Cross of the said most Honorable Military Order of the Bath, and whereas by a statute of the said order is decreed that the Knights Companions for their greater distinction and honor should upon all occasion bear and use. Supporters to the their arms and that Garter Principal, King of Arms, for the time being should grant supporters to such companions, as may not be entitled thereto by virtue of Peerage and His Majesty King George the Third, having been graciously pleased to ordain that the Knights Grand Crosses should hold and enjoy all and singular the Knights privileges, from immunities and advantages, which the King's companions of the said order had therefore held and enjoyed, by virtue of the statutes thereof. Know ye therefore that the said Garter in obedience to the said decree and ordinance, and pursuant to a warrant of the most noble Bernard Edward, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England, one of His Majesties most honorable privy council have granted and do by these Presents grant and assign unto the said Sir James Hawkins Whitshed Knight of the Grand Cross of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath, the supporters following that is to say, on the dexter side, a lion per pale indented gules and argent gorged with a ribband of the last azure there from pendant, a representation of the gold medal pendant, therer from as the dexter and in the mouth a trefoil slipped vert, as the same in the margin here of more. Plainly depicted to be born and used by him, the said Sir James Hawkins Whitshed, according to the tenor of the aforsaid statute and ordinance. In Witness whereof the said Garter, Principal King of Arms have to these presents subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my office, this first day of May in the fourth year of the Reign of our Sovereign, Lord William the Fourth, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four."

Some soil, fading of ink, loss of gilt, creases, general surface wear, and toning, but overall in very good condition, wear commensurate with age and use.

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