Autograph draft reply by the Duke of Wellington, on printed circular invitation to 'the Anniversary Dinner of the Governors' of the London Hospital, from secretary William John Nixon.

The circular on 1p., 4to, on recto of first leaf of bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. It reads: 'MY LORD, | The House-Committee and Stewards for conducting the Anniversary Dinner of the Governors of this Charity, present their compliments with the enclosed Card of Invitation for THURSDAY, the 22nd of APRIL, and request to be favored with your Lordship's [corrected in manuscript to 'Grace's'] Company on that day. THE PRESIDENT, His Royal Highness the DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE, will take the Chair.' Wellington's ten line autograph draft reply is written up the left-hand margin of the page, in his distinctive and difficult hand. He writes that he is 'most flattered' by the invitation, but that the necessity of attendance in 'the Houses of Par[liamen]t of which He is a Member', will prevent him from complying.