Autograph letter signed from distinguised Navy Officer, Sir Edward Buller 1812
BULLER, Sir Edward (1764-1824). Autograph Letter Signed to Lord Melville concerning his anticipated promotion to Vice-Admiral and continuation of command at Plymouth Dock during the Napoleonic Wars. Plymouth Dock, 7 August 1812.
Single sheet folded (bifolium), written on the front side. Embossed crest at head. 230 x 185mm. Old folds, a little browned and creased, several small marginal stains, but overall clean and very good.
A naval letter written by Vice Admiral Sir Edward Buller to Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville, then First Lord of the Admiralty, at the end of Buller's navy career. Writing from Plymouth Dock on 7 August 1812, Buller notes the widespread expectation that a promotion of flag officers will shortly occur on 12 August, adding that he himself expects in consequence to become a Vice-Admiral. He respectfully requests permission to remain at Plymouth until the completion of his three-year term as second in command, observing that previous officers at the port had received similar indulgence from the Admiralty.
The letter is written by Buller at the precise moment before his final promotion to Vice-Admiral on 12 August 1812. Despite his request, his active employment effectively ended shortly afterwards, giving the letter a faintly valedictory character as an appeal to prolong his useful service.
Sir Edward Buller was a distinguished Royal Navy officer who served throughout the American War of Independence and the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. He commanded HMS Britannia at the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797 under Admiral Jervis, later held senior Mediterranean commands, and was created a baronet in 1809. Appointed second in command at Plymouth in 1809, he remained there during an important wartime period before his promotion to Vice-Admiral in August 1812. Contemporary anecdotes portray Buller as a firm but respected officer.
A good Napoleonic naval letter directly connected to Buller's final promotion and moments in ther Navy. Addressed to one of the most important Admiralty figures of the period.