Admiral Augustus Keppel – Autograph Letter Signed On Quarantine and Payment Terms
A scarce and personal two page letter from Admiral Augustus Keppel (1725–1786), senior British naval officer during the Seven Years’ War and American Revolution. Writing from Park Place, his country home near Henley-on-Thames, Keppel reflects on a recent quarantine experience while aboard ship near the Adour River in southwestern France and discusses a deferred financial settlement.
In part: “In consequence of a quarantine I had some time ago while on board the Adour, I did not hesitate to withdraw the wish I had professed at the offer to have the balance of my account paid to your bail or neighbour, wishing to do what was agreeable to you…”
Keppel’s tone is considerate and practical, providing insight into the social and logistical nuances of naval and diplomatic life in the postwar period. Signed at close by Keppel.
Located and dated at Park Place, February 23. Address panel with red wax seal remnants. Each measures approx. 7.5" x 9.25." One small paper loss from wax seal tear (not affecting text), original mailing folds, and a docketed address panel to John Hyde Esq. of Spring Garden, London. Protected in an archival sleeve. Provenance: A collection of Royal Navy autographs, this was paired with an engraved portrait of Keppel.
A fine letter from one of the Royal Navy’s most prominent 18th-century figures—linking foreign station service, quarantine protocol, and personal obligation in Keppel’s own hand.
