An attractive ALS (Autograph Letter Signed) by Victoria, Duchess of Kent (1786–1861), mother of Queen Victoria, dated 1 January 1842, and addressed to Elizabeth Jane Conroy (1811–1855), eldest daughter of Sir John Conroy and a member of a family intimately connected with the Duchess's household. The letter is written in English on exceptionally decorative French pictorial writing paper, richly ornamented with foliage, flowers and cherubic figures, with the printed French heading “Samedi.” The Duchess affectionately addresses the recipient: “My dearest Jane” and thanks her for the New Year wishes extended by Jane and her family. The tone is notably warm and personal, including the particularly expressive line: “I say much less than I feel.” The letter concludes with the Duchess's clear autograph signature: “Victoria” and an affectionate expression of friendship toward Jane. An additional autograph postscript appears on the reverse, in which the Duchess asks that her thanks and good wishes be conveyed to members of Jane's family. The recipient can be identified as Elizabeth Jane Conroy (1811–1855), eldest daughter of Sir John Conroy and his wife Elizabeth. The Conroy family memorial records her full name, birth date and status as Sir John's eldest daughter. Her father, Sir John Conroy (1786–1854), was for many years one of the closest and most influential figures in the household of the Duchess of Kent, acting as her administrator, adviser and private secretary. Contemporary archival records explicitly identify him as private secretary to the Duchess of Kent. The letter therefore represents personal correspondence within the Duchess of Kent's intimate household circle, rather than routine social correspondence. A charming royal manuscript combining the handwriting and signature of Queen Victoria's mother, warm personal content, an identified Conroy-family recipient, a New Year's Day 1842 date, and exceptionally decorative French pictorial stationery.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art