A substantial four-page ALS (Autograph Letter Signed) by Prince George, 2nd Duke of Cambridge (1819–1904), grandson of King George III, first cousin of Queen Victoria and one of the most senior military figures of Victorian Britain. Dated 6 December 1856, only months after the Duke of Cambridge was appointed General Commanding-in-Chief of the British Army in July of that year. He would remain at the head of the British Army until 1895. The letter opens: “My dear Lord Robert.” The recipient is Lord Robert Grosvenor (1801–1893), later 1st Baron Ebury, a British politician and public figure involved in numerous public and philanthropic initiatives. The letter concerns a military and public matter involving the proceedings of a meeting held in London and a proposal relating to the formation of a volunteer organisation or force. The Duke refers to: “the proceedings of a meeting held in London” and discusses the proposed volunteer initiative, the manner in which it was being advanced and the extent to which he should personally be associated with it. At one point he stresses that certain action had occurred: “…without my knowledge or sanction.” He indicates that, had the matter been properly referred to him, he would have been able to offer an informed opinion, and subsequently considers whether such a proposal would more appropriately proceed as a “public movement.” The subject is particularly interesting in the context of the Duke of Cambridge's documented views on Britain's developing Volunteer movement. His correspondence and later public statements show his continuing concern with the relationship between volunteer forces and the Regular Army. Prince George was the son of Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge and grandson of King George III. A veteran of the Crimean War, he became head of the British Army in 1856 and remained one of the dominant figures in British military administration for almost four decades. The letter concludes with his clear autograph signature: “George.” An important royal and military manuscript combining four full autograph pages by a grandson of King George III, substantive content relating to the developing question of volunteer forces in Britain, a date from the first year of his tenure as head of the Army, the recipient is Lord Robert Grosvenor, and the Duke's autograph signature “George.” Dimensions of each page: 18.2 × 11.5 cm. The letter is written on a folded double sheet forming four pages, all four of which are fully written.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art