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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 144

(x) Three letters by Napoleon’s jailer Sir Hudson Lowe, written from the island of St. Helena during the Emperor’s exile, two with autograph signatures and one copy letter

Two letters addressed to Rear Admiral Sir Pulteney Malcolm KCB, with one letter referencing the inclusion of the third; a copy letter addressed to Mr. Luson, an agent of the East India Company. Letters written from St. Helena, dated March (2) and May 1817, each in very good condition for age, minor creases and folds, text is clear and legible (3)


Letters principally concern the transport ship David, which brought supplies to St. Helena from the Cape of Good Hope. The copy letter addressed to the East India Company includes mention of Sir Hudson Lowe’s grand prisoner, “In the Distribution of the remaining spare Tonnage the first wants to be considered are those for the use of General Bonaparte’s Establishment…"

Following an illustrious career in the Army, Sir Hudson Lowe was appointed to be the Governor of the remote island of St. Helena and custodian of Napoleon Bonaparte for the duration of the Emperor's exile. Relations between Napoleon and Lowe were famously turbulent, with Lowe facing criticism for his treatment of his charge.


Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£200 to £300

Starting price
£160