Admiral Sir John Borlase WARREN (1753-1822)

Autograph Letter Signed (“John Borlase Warren”) to “My Dear Lord” mentioning success “in our confined sphere of action” and discussing “the campaign in Spain” and its effect on British interests.
3 pages 8vo, n.p., n.d. [but 1807-1810].  
“Any command either public or private from you; will always be obeyed by me with pleasure.
I have in consequence of your request written to Mr. Consul Hamilton at Norfolk; and whensoer his answer, & the ducks or web footed fowl arrive; they shall be sent home by a safe conveyance.
I am happy to say that in our confined sphere of action here the cruisers have been in some degree successful having added to the squadron . . . after a gallant action & a … schooner of 8 guns to our force; with ½ a doz small merchant vessels.
I regret extremely the result of the campaign in Spain, in the mismanagement of our Military expeditions & fear the ill effect it may produce in America among our enemies; to enable them to create a war between the two countries, notwithstanding the efforts of our Eastern Friends to prevent it. I see that there is a great probability of my old Portuguese friends being abandoned to their Fate, & the campaign closing in an awkward way for the British Interests.
Lady Warren & the Sedleys & their little boy enjoy good health & unite with me in best wishes & respects to your Lordship.”
In a postscript he adds “I have urged the necessity of a dock yard in this important position; and where there is every convenience and accommodation for it; but hitherto without much effect . . .”
Admiral John Borlase Warren served as Commander-in-Chief of the North American Station from 1807 to 1810 and again in 1813/14. John Hamilton, mentioned in this letter as “Consul Hamilton at Norfolk” was a Scotsman who had emigrated to America. During the American War of Independence, he remained loyal to Britain and after the hostilies came to an end he was appointed British Consul at Norfolk, Virginia. His tenure of the post came to an end in 1812, allowing us to date the letter to Admiral Warren’s first period in North America.
Admiral Warren’s reference to “mismanagement” of military expeditions in Spain and “my old Portuguese friends being abandoned” is intriguing and might possibly refer to the controversial Convention of Cintra of 1808. 
The letter is somewhat browned and has a visible central vertical fold, but is otherwise in good condition.

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