[‘Lord Wellington is in full pursuit of the French’: Col. Thomas Abernethie of the Royal Marines, 1811.] Autograph Letter Signed from Major Thomas Abernethie, Royal Marines, to Cox and Son, regarding a cask of madeira and news of the Peninsular War.

Author: 
Col. Thomas Abernethie (c.1759-1840) of the Royal Marines [Duke of Wellington; Peninsular War; Madeira Wine, Portugal]
Publication details: 
‘Lisbon 16 March 1811’.
£150.00
SKU: 25566

He receives the briefest of obituaries in the Gentleman's Magazine, July 1840: 'May 10. At Exeter, aged 81, Col. Thomas Abernethie, K.H. on the retired list of the Royal Marines.' 3pp, 4to. Bifolium. On aged and discoloured paper, with the usual damage to the second leaf from the breaking of the seal. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with postmark, to ‘Messrs Cox & Son / 20 Bartletts Buildings / Holborn / London’. Signed ‘Thos. Abernethie’ and docketed ‘Maj: Abernethie / 16 March 1811’. Begins: ‘Gentlemen / I have requested a Cap. Falcon of the Navy to purchase for me a Qr cask of Madeira - should he [?] and to draw upon you per the Amt. which you will please to honor -’. He continues: ‘Lord Wellington is in full pursuit of the French - but I scarcely think he will follow them further than the confines of Portugal - should they escape thither - we have no certain intelligence of the Armies till we receive it in an official shape from England - Cap. Cox is well - we rode together yesterday to see the palace of Queluse [sic] about 8 miles from Lisbon - a very charming spot -’.