Arthur Wellesley, Duke of WELLINGTON (1769-1852)

Autograph Letter Signed (“Wellington”) to The Lady Cowley, regretting that he is unable to assist with her request.

1 page 8vo with integral blank leaf, London, 9 June 1845.

A late letter to his niece, written when his handwriting had become exceptionally difficult.

“I am really most … that I cannot gratify with your wishes. If I do I must with those of thousands of others. That is my position in the world! My house must again become a Beer Garden where expeditions are made & we are entertainment in it.

I enclose the copy of the answer [not present] which I send to all such applications.”

Wellington nevertheless ends the letter to his niece “most affectionately”. Lady Cowley, a daughter of Lord Henry FitzGerald, elder brother of the Irish patriot Lord Edward FitzGerald, who was killed in the 1798 rebellion, married Wellington’s nephew, Henry Wellesley, Earl Cowley, in 1833. Lord Cowley had a distinguished diplomatic career, culminating in his appointment as British Ambassador in Paris during the reign of Napoleon III.

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