BRITISH MISSION IN PERSIA - LETTER FROM MEDICAL OFFICER IN S...

Hammer

£190

BRITISH MISSION IN PERSIA - LETTER FROM MEDICAL OFFICER IN ST. PETERSBURG EN ROUTE BACK TO G.B.; Fine 1 Feb. 1815 EL (long and entertaining cross-written contents) from "St. Petersburgh" from "J[ames]. D[rummond]. Campbell", the Medical Officer of the 1810-14 British Mission in Persia, to a lady friend in Scotland; sent in the diplomatic bag and posted free (abuse of privilege) in London. Campbell notes that; "...as there is a Courier going off and Lady Ouseley has offered to get a letter franked for me, I shall take advantage of the opportunity...". He describes a hectic social whirl in Russia while the returning Mission's leader, Sire Gore Ouseley, concludes the negotiations to carve up Persia for the benefit of Russia, an important ally against Napoleon following the end of the abortive French invasion of Russia in December 1812. He mentions Persia a number of times and was clearly very close to Ouseley; "there have been a number of new arrangements made in Persia since I left it... my next [appointment]...I would rather it were from Persia... I am living here with Sir Gore Ouseley...". Rare letter from a member of this important Mission to Persia. Cross Reference: FREE MAIL, RUSSIA