Admiral of the Fleet Sir Houston Stewart GCB (1791 – 10 Dece...

Estimate

£60 - £80

Admiral of the Fleet Sir Houston Stewart GCB (1791 – 10 December 1875). Royal Navy officer, briefly Liberal MP. ALS to Miss Elphinstone, St Helen’s, 30th November 1813, 6pp with external address and wax seal. An informal letter between friends, it responds to Miss Elphinstone’s enquiries about the well-being of her father (Lord Keith) and discusses Stewart’s present situation, being an interesting insight into his early career as a junior officer. Excerpts include: ‘You confer an obligation upon me in asking me to write to you – for, independent of the pleasure I promise myself in receiving a line in return – it gives me something to do – & something to think of – two very ? ? for a man in a hypochondriac state – as I am at present – If I am destined ever to write an amusing – an informative or an interesting letter – in the whole sense of my life –… it will not be today – or indeed for this time to come …. But enough of me and my spirits …. You did not want to hear of them, but of your father – which you begged me to write. He was not quite well after his journey – but his spirits were excellent & yesterday & the day before he seemed as hale as I ever saw him – He only dined once out which at Portsmouth with Sir R. Bicktenston(?) & only one or two dined with us at the George – Capt. Milne one day & Capt. ? another…. The Russian Admiral dines with us – which proves L.K. to be safe or he would not have asked him – Crown is a Scotchman a little insignificant-looking body – talks broad Scotch – & was I believe once a Master in our service – His wife & family are on board with him – whether they come today or not I can’t say – but of course not I suppose … The Cherbourg Squadron is under our orders & the Hannibal was sent out yesterday to look out – I believe off the Isle of Weight …” etc (signed)"