Admiral Alan Gardner Autograph Letter Signed
A substantive and businesslike ALS from Vice-Admiral Alan Gardner (1742–1809)—later the 1st Baron Gardner—written from Cove Island (i.e., Cove, Ireland) on September 14th 1806, addressing issues surrounding the tenancy of his house in Portland Place.
Gardner responds to Robins’s letter of the 13th, concluding that Mr. Stephen Thomson has vacated the property. He inquires when exactly the house becomes available and notes that he has “no objection to let my House from Year to Year to a good and respectable Tenant” but expresses caution “in the present situation and uncertainty whether we are to have Peace or a continuation of War,” suggesting hesitation to commit to a longer term.
In the second page, Gardner adds that he is “not inclined to let my House for a longer term than one year”, and requests that Mr. Robins pay him the rent still due from Mr. Stephen Thomson, noting “the sooner you do so the better, as I have occasion for it at this time.” Signed “Gardner” at the close. Addressed at the foot of page two to “Mr. John Robins.”
One page bifolium (two pages of manuscript), measuring approx. 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. Written in a clear and consistent hand in brown ink. Old folds, light toning, small areas of soiling, and softening at fold lines; otherwise very good. Protected in a removable archival sleeve. A fine example of Gardner’s handwriting and a revealing illustration of the financial and domestic concerns of a senior naval officer during the final years of the Napoleonic Wars.
