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Auction: 17020 - Autographs, Historical Documents, Ephemera and Postal History
Lot: 871

Autographs
William Pitt the Younger
1799 (5 September) A.L.S. from Walmer Castle addressed to "My Dear Lord", and describes elements of the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland, "... we are impatiently waiting till the East Wind brings to transports in sight to carry the remainder of our troops, in order to complete speedily what has so glorously begun." and he concludes with, "You will start when I tell you that we are going to meet Parliament in a fortnight. But the present is the moment to push our successes and we want a short Act (which may be passed in a week by Acclamation) to enable us to double our Army by another levy from the Militia.". An interesting letter, possibly to the Duke of Marlborough. Photo

William Pitt the Younger (1759 – 1806) was a British politician of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He became the youngest Prime Minister in 1783 at the age of 24. He left office in 1801, but was Prime Minister again from 1804 until his death in 1806. He was also the Chancellor of the Exchequer throughout his premiership. Born William Pitt, he is known as "the Younger" to distinguish him from his father, William Pitt the Elder, who had previously served as Prime Minister.



As part of the War of the Second Coalition, a joint Anglo-Russian force invaded the Netherlands. The invasion met with early success. The depleted Dutch fleet, under Rear-Admiral Samuel Story, evaded battle, leaving the disembarkation of the British troops near Callantsoog on 27 August 1799, unopposed. General Daendels was defeated in the battle of Callantsoog when he tried to prevent the establishment of a bridgehead by the division under General Abercromby.

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