Details:

John Gurwood autographed letter signed (LS), dated September 10, 1834, Portsmouth, England. Three handwritten pages on a folded sheet, addressed to Captain Creagh of the 86th Regiment, concerning arrangements for guarding the remains of Infanta Maria Francisca of Portugal, who had recently died while living in exile in England. Signed "J. Gurwood, Lt. Col." at the conclusion.

Writing under the direction of Major General Sir Thomas McMahon, Gurwood instructs Captain Creagh to assign a sergeant to attend daily at Alverstoke Rectory, where the Infanta's body was lying in state.

He writes, in part: "The Sergeant will be stationed on the staircase or in the room in which the remains of the late Dª Francisca of Spain are laying in State, for the purpose of preserving order, and in handing disorderly persons over to the Constable."

Gurwood further directs that the same sergeant should attend regularly to avoid confusion and that appropriate precautions should be taken to maintain order during public visitation.

An interesting piece of British military and European royal history documenting the arrangements surrounding the death of Infanta Maria Francisca of Portugal (1800–1834), a member of the Portuguese royal family and wife of Infante Carlos of Spain. Her remains lay in state at Alverstoke Rectory near Gosport, England, where members of the public gathered to pay their respects.

The folded letter measures approximately 7.25 x 9 inches. Fine condition with original folds, light age toning, and minor handling wear.

John Gurwood (1788–1845) was a British Army officer and military historian who served during the Napoleonic Wars, including under the Duke of Wellington. He is best remembered for compiling and editing the extensive dispatches and correspondence of Wellington, an important documentary record of British military operations during the period. His editorial work made a lasting contribution to the study of the Napoleonic Wars and Wellington's military career.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11705 1419756-1