Born Arthur Wellesley, Wellington was responsible for Napoleon’s crushing defeat at Waterloo. ALS signed “Wellington,” one page, 4.5 x 7.25, March 27, 1852. Letter written six months before his death, reads, in part, “Lady Salisbury wishes again to go to Walmer Castle with her children for the recovery of her health. She wishes to go there on Monday week of the 5th of April. I shall be very much obliged to you if you can make arrangements to receive and accommodate her and her children at this time. There are three of them!” Letter is affixed to a slightly larger sheet of thin cardboard with two mailing envelope panels, signed by Henry Somerset, the 7th Duke of Beaufort. One is postmarked September 25, 1836, and signed “Somerset,” the other is postmarked May 2, 1836, and signed “Beaufort.” The 6th Duke of Beaufort died in 1835 so after that, Somerset stopped signing as “Somerset.” In very good condition, with light toning, several light mailing folds and a small horizontal tear approaching, but not affecting signature. R&R COA.
