Autograph letter signed, to Colonel James Washington, informing him that he has been appointed Knight Cuirassier of the Military order of the Bath for his service on behalf of the Bavarian Majesty at the Battle of Waterloo

Wellington, 1st Duke of [Arthur Wellesley]

Published by London, 1819

1p. 4to. Letters by Wellington mentioning the Battle of Waterloo are scarce. This letter regarding the appointment of an allied officer as a "Knight Cuirassier" for his conduct during the Battle of Waterloo is especially desirable as it is to Colonel James Washington, a distant cousin of our President George Washington. In part: "I have the pleasure to inform you that the Prince Regent having taken with consideration that you was employed with me by His Bavarian Majesty during the Campaign of 1815, that you was present in the Battle of Waterloo & that I had every reason upon all occasions to be satisfied with your conduct, has been pleased to appoint you to be a Knight Companion of the Military Order of the Bath." In October 1813, Bavaria switched sides and joined the Allies against France. On 7 June 1815 in Brussels, Jakob (James) Washington signed a treaty with the Duke of Wellington representing Bavaria. On the night of 15 June 1815, prior to the Battle of Quatre Bras, Washington was an invited guest at the now famous Duchess of Richmond's ball. He fought in the Battle of Waterloo, the only Bavarian officer to do so, since the rest of the Bavarians were held in reserve in Saarbrücken. Old folds. With original envelope addressed in Wellington's hand and bear's his signature "Wellington" with original black wax seal. Seller Inventory # 375583

Bibliographic Details

Title: Autograph letter signed, to Colonel James ...
Publisher: London
Publication Date: 1819
Binding: 1p. 4to
Signed: Signed