RAGLAN, Fitzroy Somerset, Lord (1788-1855). General.

Autograph Letter Signed ("Raglan") to Captain Henry Samuels mentioning the funeral of his nephew, the Duke of Beaufort.

2¼ pages 8vo, London, 15 December 1853.

In December 1853, it might have been thought that Lord Raglan, sixty-five years old and master general of the ordnance, was nearing the end of his distinguished career. However, within four months he was to embark for the Crimea at the head of the expeditionary force.

"I send you a letter [not present] which you may forward to Mr. Miller. I do not know what has induced every body to suppose that the Chaplaincy at ... is in my gift but the result is that I have had innumerable applications for the Appointment. I am most anxious to receive further accounts of poor Billy. I earnestly hope he is in a fair way of recovery. My best wishes attend him. Pray offer our warmest regards to Mrs. Samuels. . . I am very sorry that you were not at poor Beaufort's funeral. Lady Worcester was anxious you should be there. She told me you took great care of her that fatal day on which you met her."

Henry Somerset, seventh Duke of Beaufort, Lord Raglan's nephew, had died after an attack of gout in November.Remains of mounting on the last page of text, just touching one word.

Stock Code: 9583