(Napoleonic Wars) Wellesley, Arthur, Duke of Wellington -- ALS Written During the Peninsula Campaign (1769-1852) Anglo-Irish soldier and statesman; a leading military figure of 19th century Britain; twice prime minister of the United Kingdom. Autograph Letter Signed "Arthur Wellesley," 1p, 9¾x7¾", Merida, Aug. 27, 1809. To an unnamed person, written a month after Wellesley defeated French forces at the Battle of Talavera, and showing evidence of Wellington's concern with logistics and the need to secure safe transportation between critical locations as the army gets ready to return to Portugal. In small part: "The lines with which it will be most important that it should communicate are the direct line from Elvas to Lisbon; and that from Elvas to Abrantes." He urges his correspondent to communicate with the officers of the Portuguese government regarding conveyances which should carry 600 lbs. and go a certain number of days for a certain price. Other details follow, then, "…it will be necessary to have with and attached to the army from 3 to 400 waggons with Bullocks." These should be procured from Baudlera or Sotarro, conractors at Lisbon. Payment instructions follow. Fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500
The George Snook Collection.
Manuscripts
