English general (1738–1805) who fought against Washington during the American Revolution and was finally defeated at Yorktown. ALS, one page both sides, 7.25 x 9.25, Calcutta, October 16, 1792. Letter to Lord Sydney, in part: “You may be assured that I will be attentive to Mr. Thackey; he is placed in a good line for learning the languages and the business of the country, which is all that is essential at first, and indeed the only things that can be done for a young writer. The scene is much changed in Europe since you wrote to me…A war upon the continent, a French general butchered and wasted, what is still worse—associaters and reformers in England. I see the names of Colonel Ironside, and some other notorious Indian characters in the list; these gentlemen would have done more good to their country if they had begun a reform in their own conduct some years before they embarked from here. I trust however that the general prosperity of our affairs will prevent the scheme of mischief, and that…will not be established in London. I am truly glad to hear so pleasing an account of your family, and shall ever be deeply interested in every thing that affects your happiness.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, slight show-through from writing on reverse, and a mild crease to top right corner. Cornwallis was appointed governor-general and commander in India in 1786, and subsequently succeeded in eliminating much of the corruption in the civil service and in consolidating the power of the army during his seven-year tenure. After defeating the Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan in the Third Anglo-Mysore war, he was rewarded with the title of Marquess Cornwallis the year this letter was written. Reflecting upon the burgeoning troubles in Europe—the War of the First Coalition had just begun, pitting the continent’s leading monarchies against Revolutionary France—this is a fantastic letter regarding both his important role in India and the European military conflict that he would step into upon his return home. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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