Lot 247
Draper, Sir William (1721-1787), British military officer who conquered Manila in 1762, lieutenant governor of Minorca under General James Murray when the island fell to combined French-Spanish attack in 1781. Autograph Letter Signed one page, 7 x 8½ Brompton Row, London, May 27, 1784. To a British Lord seeking assurances that his years of loyal military service will be recognized and reputation remain intact. Letter states in pertinent part:
"It is very difficult to talk of ones self with propriety…in which a Presumption & vanity (too common amongst us Military men) might possibly intrude. Many officers have undoubtedly exceeded any prior efforts for his Majestys Honor & Glory, but my Zeal & fervent wishes for both have been surpassed by very few. Yet the mortification I have sufferd of late makes me fear that I stand in the Humble predicament of those who have the most contributed to the calamities of the late unhappy War. I must confess I feel so extremely hurt that the thought has not only drove me from court, but almost out of Society. All I wish for is to be put on some certain footing that may be thought due to my Rank, Time of Life, & Long Services; at all Events I shall be extremely obliged to your Lordship for a Relief from the very Anxious Suspense I have labourd under for these seventeen last months."
Neatly penned signed, Fine.
Estimate 200 - 300
After the loss of Minorca, Draper became the subject of political satirist "Junius" resulting in a great deal of public ridicule.
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