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Second son of George III (1763–1827) who served as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army. LS signed “Frederick, Commander in Chief,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 12.5, July 6, 1821. Letter to English officer Sir Hudson Lowe, who had been appointed governor of St. Helena in 1816, with the responsibility of keeping a watchful eye over the exiled Napoleon Bonaparte. In part: "I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th of May last, by the hand of Captain Crokat of the 20th Regiment, announcing the Death of General Bonaparte on the preceding evening, and to return you many thanks for the particulars which you have communicated respecting that interesting event.
As soon as the Intentions of His Majesty's Government shall be made known to me, respecting the disposal of the military Force and Establishments at St. Helena, I shall make to you a further communication.
I have the satisfaction to acquaint you, that in consequence of Lord Bathurst's recommendation, it is my intention to submit the name of Major Gorrequer for the Rank of Lieut: Colonel, and that of Captain Crokat for the Rank of Major, in consideration of the peculiar duties in which they have been engaged at St. Helena." In very good to fine condition, with old repairs to scattered small tears.
Written just two months after Napoleon Bonaparte’s death in exile, this July 6, 1821 letter situates itself at a pivotal moment in post-Napoleonic Europe, when Britain was concluding one of the most consequential custodial missions in its imperial history. Signed by Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, as Commander in Chief of the British Army, the letter formally acknowledges Sir Hudson Lowe’s report of Napoleon’s death on St. Helena. Its discussion of future decisions regarding the island’s military establishment, along with commendations for officers involved in guarding Napoleon, underscores the enduring significance of St. Helena as the final stage of the Napoleonic saga.
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