Admiral Sir Pulteney Malcolm ~ Autograph Letter Signed
Autograph Letter Signed (“Pult. Malcolm”), 1 p. on a bifolium, “Concleve? 30th Sept. 1792.” Integral address panel on verso with “Plymouth Dock” handstamp and rate marking. Measures approx. 7.5" x 9". Old folds, minor edge wear, loss where wax seal was, some adhesive residue from previous mounting; very good.
Sir Pulteney Malcolm, later Admiral of the Blue and a respected officer of the Napoleonic era, here writes a personal and somewhat humorous letter early in his career, before his celebrated service in the East Indies, the Baltic, and during the War of 1812.
Malcolm reports that he has drawn on the recipient for ninety pounds, thanks him for the accommodation, and jokingly describes himself as having only “ten guineas in my pocket.” He writes that he is “fixed in my plan of economy and determined to save money,” and requests that the recipient not share details of his financial state with any of Malcolm’s friends. A docket on the verso notes “wants some money for Jamaica,” suggesting this occurred shortly before Malcolm’s departure to the West Indies. Partial transcription:
Concleve? 30th Sept. 1792
Dr Sir,
To say I have drawn on you for the ninety pounds payable to Mr. ______? ten days after sight, for which I thank you, and I assure you I feel your wish to accommodate me. I shall have confined cheer with everyone but you, my truly strict one and ten guineas in my pocket. I am now fixed in my plan of economy and determined to save money. The only favor I have to request of you is not to inform any of my friends of the real state of my affairs should they inquire, which is not improbable, but this only. I shall expect to hear from you at Colmonell? ______?
Yours sincerely
Pult. Malcolm”
Verso: address panel with “Plymouth Dock” straight-line stamp and docketing including notes of accounts (“Pd for 3 Aug 92… wants some money for Jamaica…”).
A scarce early financial letter by Malcolm, revealing his youth, humor, and anxiety about his monetary situation immediately before substantial overseas service. Protected in an archival sleeve.
