Beschreibung:

Wellington (Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke, 1769-1852). Autograph letter signed, ‘Wellington’, Cartaxo, 13 December 1810, in brown ink on laid paper, marked at the head ‘Private & confidential’, addressed to C[harles] Stuart, 3 pages with sentiment and signature as one line on fourth page, light uniform toning, 4to, together with another autograph letter signed, ‘Wellington’, Cartaxo, 29 November 1810, in a good clear hand in brown ink on laid paper (watermarked G. Jones 1809), to C[harles] Stuart, 3 pages, 4to (Qty: 2) For the first work: A very revealing letter conveying Wellington’s opinion of Spaniards: ‘It is difficult to understand the Spaniards exactly, they are such a mixture of haughtiness and low intrigue. The Marquis de la Romana and the officers about him are … perfectly happy with their reception here, and the manner in which they have been treated. I have been civil to all the other officers, as far as they have come within my reach; and they have been treated with great attention by all the General Officers of the army; and their men are as well, if not better off than our own. But I always doubt a Spaniard being satisfied with anything; and I should not be surprised if O’Donnell particularly, and possibly others, expressed dissatisfaction at being here’. Gurwood, Dispatches of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington, 1838. Volume VII, pages 37-38. For the second work: The letter concerns the buying of corn in Algiers by Mr Johnstone & Mr Sampayo. Supplies for both British and Portuguese armies was always a great concern to the Duke. Gurwood, Dispatches of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington, 1838. Volume VII, page 12.