ABERCROMBY

(George, 1770-1843, M.P., 2nd Baron) 2 Autograph letters signed, one with initials, to his brother-in-law  Robert Saunders DUNDAS , M.P., 1771-1851,

from 1811  2nd Viscount MELVILLE , saying “If you were in the House of Commons on Monday last during the debate on the Supply, you will be able to inform me, how far ... the report of that Debate has been accurately given to the Public”, and if it has not, “I must entreat you, as an act of friendship, to state, in the most delicate manner, my own wish & that of my Brother that the opinion of which we complain, should be immediately corrected”, he alludes “to the latter part of  Mr. Wm. Dundas’s Speech ”, Robert’s cousin, 1762-1845, of which  an account is enclosed (present)  from an Edinburgh newspaper, and says that “the impression which it must have been intended to convey to those who valued the judgement & opinions of my Father”, General  Sir Ralph ABERCROMBY , 1731-1801, on “the probable result & duration of the Expedition to Egypt, is in all respects so directly opposite to the Opinion ... in his [Sir Ralph’s] Correspondence with Govt.” that he never “entertained, far less expressed” such an opinion, William Dundas has been excusing the unforeseen cost of the expedition of March 1801 by saying Sir Ralph himself thought it would be immediately successful, George comments “I am fortunately in possession of the whole Correspondence, public and private ... So far from entertaining sanguine or flattering views ... my Father was too much aware of the innumerable obstacles ... he only pledged himself ‘to do anything that it was possible for men who loved their Country & their Profession, to accomplish’ ”, George’s brother Sir John, 1772-1817, who was badly wounded in the campaign, “has most positively assured me that my Father never calculated on the service being over before September ... Mr. Addington”, 1757-1844, the Prime Minister, “I observe lies under the same misapprehension” (14th February 1802), in the  second letter  George expresses himself not completely satisfied by Robert’s answer, and states that “both Mr. A[ddington] and Mr. [William] D[undas] have been much misinformed”, he is sending “full extracts from my Fathers Correspondence” for communicating “to Mr. D. & if you judge it proper to Mr Addington”, sure that “whether the Observations delivered in the H. of C. were meant to apply to the Duration or the Expence” they misrepresent his father “to the public”, Robert will see that, on the duration, Sir Ralph “was up to the last moment extremely doubtful”, and that, as a military man, he was not responsible for estimating the expence, but as to estimating the forces required, “in his letter of the 21st Jany. [1801] ... he urges Govt. in the strongest manner to send out immediate Reinforcements”, he feels sure that “the Gentlemen who appealed” to “my Fathers name and opinion” will “in candor, and in justice to his Memory and Character embrace the very first opportunity ... and correct the error ... I feel it is the bounden duty of his family to do what he w[oul]d have done himself ... your discretion will I am persuaded deliver me from any farther cause of uneasiness upon this subject” (no date), in all 9 sides 4to. and newspaper extract, 14th February and no date, 1802 Sir Ralph shares with Sir John Moore the credit of renewing the ancient discipline and military reputation of the British soldier, combining efficient training with genuine concern for their welfare. The Egyptian expedition put an end to Napoleon’s plans in the Middle East, whereby he hoped to secure a route to India. Sir Ralph landed at Aboukir Bay against tremendous opposition, and won the great victory at Alexandria on 21st March 1801. He was, however, wounded in the thigh, by a ball that could not be extracted, and died on board the Foudroyant on the 28th March. His widow was created Baroness Abercromby in May 1801. George’s correspondent acted as private secretary, 1794-1801, to his father, the famous Henry Dundas, 1742-1811, from 1802 1st Viscount Melville. He was himself 1st Lord of the Admiralty March 1812 - April 1827 and September 1828 - November 1830. He supported Arctic Exploration and Melville Sound is named after him. Costs were foremost in the Government’s mind at this time, as witness the Peace of Amiens, concluded with Napoleon in March 1802, and the enquiry into Henry Dundas’ use of public money begun the same year.

• GBP 375.00 > 其他币种价格
• 订书号：: SD14758

• 书商: Sophie Dupré (GREAT BRITAIN)