Royal Navy officer (1744-1819) who took part in a number of decisive battles including the Siege of Louisbourg and the Battle of the Saintes, and served as the commander-in-chief of the Channel Fleet during the Napoleonic Wars; brother of Charles Cornwallis and friend of Horatio Nelson. ALS signed “W. Cornwallis,” one page, 7.25 x 9.5, January 23, 1815. Handwritten letter to Isaac Heard, Garter Principal King of Arms, upon being made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. In part: "I have had the Honour of receiving your Letter requesting to be informed what supporters I would wish to have to my arms in consequence of the Honour done me upon this occasion. I be to observe to you Sir that I am old and infirm…I am apprehensive that I shall not be able to attend His Royal Highness the Prince Regent's Court…If there is no impropriety in having the family supporters circumstanced as I am it would save me the looking out for any other." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original address panel, accomplished in Cornwallis's own hand.
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