WELLINGTON DUKE OF: (1769-1852) Anglo-Irish Field Marshal, the Victor of Waterloo, 1815. ...

WELLINGTON DUKE OF: (1769-1852) Anglo-Irish Field Marshal, the Victor of Waterloo, 1815. British Prime Minister 1828-30, 1834. A fine A.L.S., Wellington, two pages, 4to, Quinta de Granicha, 10th June 1811, to Charles Stuart. Wellington announces 'We made another attempt upon St. Christoval last night which failed; & in fact we have not made a practicable breach in that outwork, nor in the body of the place. In the meantime Soult & Marmont are moving into Estremadura in great strength; and I think will join by the 15th and I have therefore again ordered that the siege may be raised' and continues 'The enemy are either coming into Portugal, or they are about to attack Elvas. The only circumstance I have to apprehend is that Elvas will be ill-provided', further remarking that the Portuguese troops have been living off the stores of the Garrison 'and I must either leave the place without supplies or give them from our stores; and it is not impossible but that the necessity of waiting here to collect these supplies & throw them into the place, may bring us into an awkward situation'. Wellington concludes 'Thus this terrible system of Govt. & the abuses in all the departments are getting us into scrapes at every step we take'. A letter of excellent content. VG

Charles Stuart (1779-1845) British Diplomat, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Portugal and Brazil 1810-14. British Ambassador to France 1815-24, 1828-30 and British Ambassador to Russia 1841-44.