1812 Lord Palmerston Signed War Office Letter Napoleonic Wars

1812 Lord Palmerston Signed War Office Letter – Napoleonic Wars – Secretary at War – 97th Regiment of Foot

Original War Office manuscript letter signed by Lord Palmerston, dated 23 December 1812, during the height of the Napoleonic Wars.

The letter is written from the War Office and signed Palmerston in his capacity as Secretary at War, addressed to James Fraser, Esquire concerning military pay warrants issued for officers of the 97th Regiment of Foot.

The correspondence advises that warrants have been transmitted to the Office of the Paymaster General and directs that the necessary steps be taken to clear the regiment's outstanding accounts in accordance with the Prince Regent's instructions.

Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865), served as Secretary at War from 1809 to 1828 before becoming one of Britain's greatest Foreign Secretaries and ultimately serving twice as Prime Minister. Documents signed during his War Office service are considerably scarcer than his later political correspondence.

The reverse bears a contemporary docket summarizing the contents and identifying the matter as relating to warrants for the 97th Regiment.

Details

Original manuscript letter

War Office

23 December 1812

Signed by Lord Palmerston

Napoleonic Wars period

Military finance and pay administration

References the 97th Regiment of Foot

Integral address/docket on reverse

One leaf

Condition

Very good original condition with expected mailing folds, light age toning, and excellent legibility throughout. Signature is bold and attractive.