British soldier and statesman (1769–1852) born Arthur Wesley who earned immortality for his stunning defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo. Early ALS signed "A. Wesley," one page both sides, 6.28 x 8, August 29, [1795]. Letter to his brother Richard Wellesley, Earl of Mornington, seeking his aid in securing a new assignment in the West Indies that might bring a promotion. In full: "General [Ralph] Abercromby is to come down this day, & Lord Moira goes the day after tomorrow: I must wait to sign the monthly return on Tuesday, & immediately afterwards I shall set out for London, by which I must pass in order to get my cloathes. General Abercromby’s staff is formed, but I don’t believe that for St. Domingo is, & I should like much to be upon it, if any force is sent to that Island. The promotion of Colonels is made, & does not come down to me, but it does very near me, & I am the oldest Lt. Col. in this army or that will be in the West Indies. If I cannot be put upon the West Indian staff I might get the rank of Colonel, or of Brigadier General in the West Indies: There have been instances of such local promotions, & as I am the oldest Lt. Colonel of this army I shall certainly have the command of a brigade with all its expences, & it is but fair that I should have some of the profits—However if I don’t succeed in any of these objects I shall be equally ready to go, & equally obliged to you for applying in my favour.” A docketing notation at the top indicates the year. In very good condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through the first letter of the signature), light soiling, and toned adhesive remnants along one edge. At the date of this letter, the 26-year-old Arthur Wesley was a lieutenant colonel who had recently returned from his first active military service, an expedition to The Netherlands led by Lord Moira. Soon after this, Wellington’s regiment was assigned to an expedition headed for the West Indies, but the regiment never made it, as it was turned back to England by severe weather. At the age of 29 in 1798, Wellington changed the spelling of his surname to ‘Wellesley,’ making material signed with his given name quite difficult to find—of over one hundred Wellington items we have offered, this is the only example signed “Wesley.” RR Auction COA.
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