Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24029 - Stamps and Covers of Great Britain
Lot: 5006

Great Britain
Napoleonic Wars
Vice Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood, 1st. Baron Collingwood, The Blockade of Cadiz
1805 (10 July) lengthy autograph letter signed, written over three sides aboard H.M.S. Dreadnought off Cadiz to a Mr. Stanhope. The letter is with regards "a young sailor" who Collingwood is to take into his care despite "how uncertain my situation is as where I may be at any particular period".
Collingwood then remarks on events surrounding the Blockade of Cadiz: "When I sailed from England I had under my command a fine fleet - but the change of circumstances since that has both altered my destination and reduced my force - I am now blocking up the Port here. On my arrival I found the Spaniards on the point of sailing waiting only for the Carthagena Squadron ... had I been a few days later we shall probably have met them at sea and made a good day of it".
Collingwood then passes comment on Henry Dundas, Lord Melville who "has been malignant in the economy and management of his office. He has placed a confidence in those who were unworthy of it and paid too little attention to the management of his own affairs. Had he been avaricious and greedy of wealth how many years he has been in official situations wherein he might have enriched himself - and is yet as poor as poverty", his case has been "made subject for Pot House discussion - where the meetings of half drunk mechanics have been convened to pass judgement on a man whole life has been dedicated to this country's service ... It is disgraceful to the justice of the country for it matters little what may be the decision of the Court hereafter when a man is already condemned in the public opinion.".
Signed "Cuthbert Collingwood" with the subscript "My letters from Gibraltar state the Garrison to be in perfect health.". A fine and interesting letter.

Notes: Cadiz, at this time, was struggling with yellow fever, and by October of the same year, the combined fleet was forced to depart despite knowing the British were waiting. Collingwood is noted in his tactical action at Cadiz, misleading the enemy into believing there were more ships off Cadiz than there in fact were with a series of signals.
Lord Melville, as Treasurer of the Navy, was embroiled in an embezzlement scandal in which the Paymaster, Alexander Trotter had admitted to transferring public money from the Bank of England to his own personal account, benefitting from the credit. Melville was eventually acquitted.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.