QUEEN VICTORIA (GREAT BRITAIN) - AUTOGRAPH ENDORSEMENT SIGNED 01/05/1871 - HFSID 167870

QUEEN VICTORIA
The Queen approves the dismissal of a deserter
Autograph Endorsement signed: "App'd/V Reg" meaning "Approved by Queen Victoria" in brown ink. 1 page, 3¾x9. Admiralty, 1871 January 5. In full: "Lt. Joseph Edward McNeale, Royal Marine Light Infantry, Chatham Division having been tried by a Court Martial for desertion and having been sentenced to be dismissed from Your Majesty's Service the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty most humbly submit that Your Majesty may be graciously pleased to approve this sentence, and that Lt. Joseph Edward McNeale may be dismissed accordingly". Ink notation (unknown hand) in lower margin. Bound with a blue ribbon.Despite the impressive size of his own family, with the death of King George III, the crown passed through his children in quick succession, first to his eldest son George IV (1820-1830), than to his third son William IV (1830-1837), and eventually to one of his more unlikely heirs, his granddaughter by his fourth son, Princess Victoria. Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and the Empress of India (1819-1901) ascended the throne at the young age of 18, beginning the longest reign in British history and ruling over a time soon to be known as the Victorian Era. This time period was remembered for its industrial, cultural, political, scientific and military change within the United Kingdom with massive growth of the British Empire. More of a national icon rather than a direct political power, Victoria's name was synonymous with strict standards of personal morality. Her great affection for her husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, remains a renowned love story in her history; they had nine children together, all married into royal and noble families across the continent, tying them together and earning her the nickname "Grandmother of Europe". Her reign lasted sixty-three years and seven months, and with her death so ended the House of Hanover in the British monarchy, and her legacy of her detailed correspondence and journals have displayed her previously unknown political straight-talking which was emotional, obstinate, and honest. Heavily soiled. Heavily toned. Corners lightly worn and creased. Fingerprint stains on verso. Otherwise, fine condition.