Granville Waldegrave, 2nd Baron Radstock. Autograph Letter Signed
Autograph Letter Signed (“Waldegrave”), 2 pp. on a bifolium, “Volontaire at Mahon, March 5th, 1811.” With integral address panel and red wax seal remnant. Old folds, minor wear; very good.
Granville George Waldegrave, later 2nd Baron Radstock and Vice-Admiral of the Red, writes while commanding HMS Volontaire in the Mediterranean during the Napoleonic Wars. Waldegrave commanded the Volontaire in 1811 before transferring later that year to HMS Euryalus.
A substantial and content-rich letter concerning the attempted condemnation and sale of a captured vessel, prize-money matters, communications with Ottoman authorities, and the financial expectations of officers involved in the transaction.
Writing from Mahon, Waldegrave reports that he has come there “to refit” and finds the captured vessel still detained for want of an opportunity to proceed. He notes that this has complicated the case, as Captain ______? remains optimistic regarding both the vessel's value and the prospects for her condemnation. Waldegrave explains that recent regulations issued at Malta restricting the importation of wines unless accompanied by particular certificates have strengthened hopes for a favorable outcome.
The letter also discusses prize proceeds and financial arrangements. Waldegrave thanks the recipient for forwarding money connected with one prize, comments on accounts involving Mr. Drummond, and mentions that agents have not yet settled another matter. He further references powers of attorney and prospects for future employment, remarking that Captain ______? had wished to appoint the recipient to act for him at Malta.
