An autograph letter by Queen Victoria (1819–1901), written in the formal royal third-person style and concerning Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer (1801–1872), one of the prominent British diplomats of the Victorian period. The letter is written on royal stationery headed with the coloured British Royal Arms. The manuscript refers to “Mr Bulwer” and to a “Commandership, ” apparently in connection with an appointment or distinction within the Order of the Bath. Sir Henry Bulwer was a distinguished British diplomat and brother of the novelist and statesman Edward Bulwer-Lytton. He served as British Minister in Spain and became closely involved in the serious Anglo-Spanish diplomatic controversy of 1848. Contemporary records document extensive correspondence concerning Bulwer between Queen Victoria, Prime Minister Lord John Russell and Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston. Other surviving correspondence from Queen Victoria during this period refers specifically to Sir H. Bulwer, his conduct in Spain and the question of whether he should continue as the Queen's Minister at Madrid. Given its governmental character and the documented correspondence surrounding Bulwer, the recipient may have been Lord John Russell, Prime Minister, or Lord Palmerston, Foreign Secretary; The letter is written on a folded double sheet forming four pages, with writing on the first page only and the remaining three pages blank. An interesting piece of Victorian royal and diplomatic correspondence combining Queen Victoria's autograph handwriting, coloured Royal Arms and substantive reference to Sir Henry Bulwer and British governmental affairs.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art