September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
DRAPER, William (1721-1787)was a British military officer who conquered Manila in 1762, but lost Minorca in 1782. He was involved in 1774 with a key meeting that agreed an early set of cricket rules including the leg before wicket rule. Autograph Letter Signed, "William Draper," 1pp. , 7" x 8½", "Brompton Row," London, May 27, 1784. Late in life Pitt's gallant hero requests assurances from a British Lord. In part, "It is very difficult to talk of ones Self...in which a presumption & vanity (too common amongst us Military men) might possibly intrude. Many officers have undoubtedly exceeded my poor Efforts for his Majestys Honor & Glory, but my zeal & fervent wishes for both have been surpassed by very few. Yet the mortification I have suffered 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 upon some certain footing that may be thought due to my rank, time of life, & long service; at all events I shall be extremely obliged to your Lordship for a Relief from the very anxious suspense I have laboured under these seventeen last months. Your Lordship's answer will very much oblige me..." Boldly penned and signed. Ink a little uneven; else VG with a strong signature. It is almost certain it was the loss of Minorca and the termination of his military service that this letter references. Draper had brought charges against Murray but were later dismissed by the courts.
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.