British admiral (1764–1840) who fought in the French Revolutionary Wars. Of Smith, Napoleon commented, ‘That man made me miss my destiny.’ Partial ALS signed “W. Sidney Smith,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, no date. The last four pages of a letter to an unknown recipient. In part: “You may not be aware that at Valencia…one half of the Spanish army considered the peace…signed by the Duke…as valid & binding on them—and that the news of the events of Paris which I brought, so far from crediting the exultation that might have been expected, was received most coldly….I am officially told that my old Madrid acquaintance the Infant Don Antonio just nominated Lord High Admiral intended to honour my ship with a visit & my table with his presence, together with his nephew the King’s brother Don Carlos, and that the King [Ferdinand VII] himself would come also if his gout would let him….” In very good condition, with scattered soiling, marginal tape remnants lightly touching text, signature a bit cramped, and a few light stains and smudges. RR Auction COA.
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