DUKE (ARTHUR WELLESLEY) OF WELLINGTON (GREAT BRITIAN) - THIRD PERSON AUTOGRAPH LETTER 06/12/1840 - HFSID 322754

DUKE OF WELLINGTON
Third person letter from the Duke regarding the Pardon or Punishment of offenders, saying he has no opinion: "he is not the Commander in Chief of the Army, nor the Adjutant General, nor in the Queen's political service"
Third person autograph letter, 1 page, 4¾x7½. June 12, 1840. In part: "[The Duke of Wellington] has received Mr. David Cleland's letter of the 8th Inst. The Duke has to inform Mr. Cleland in reply that he has nothing to say to the Pardon or Punishment of offenders; he is not the Commander in Chief of the Army, nor the Adjutant General, nor in the Queen's political service". Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852) joined the British Army as an ensign in 1787, rising through the ranks to Field Marshal and winning victories in battles of the Napoleonic Wars from India to Spain. Honored with the title Duke of Wellington in 1814, he commanded the British Army which defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo (1815). He was Prime Minister from 1828 to 1830, and again briefly in 1834. "The Iron Duke" was an arch-conservative who feared revolution and opposition the Reform Act of 1832, which widened the suffrage. He did, however, support Catholic emancipation, guiding that legislation through Parliament despite the opposition of many members of his own Tory Party. He remained Commander in Chief of the British Army until his death. His older brother, Richard Wellesley (1760-1842), became Viscount Wellesley in 1781. The brothers were political rivals, Richard serving in Cabinets of the Whig Party, including the Ministry of Earl Grey, who had replaced Wellington in office and pushed through the Reform Act. The King mentioned in the letter was King William IV, third son of George III, who reigned from 1830 until his death in 1837. He was preceded by George IV and followed by Queen Victoria. Normal mailing folds. Light surface creases. Toned. Lightly soiled. Pencil notes (unknown hand). Corners and edges slightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.