VICTORIA (1819-1901, Queen of Great Britain)

Fine Document Signed to the President of Peru, Andrés Avelino CÁCERES, (1836-1923, President 1886-1890 and 1894-1895), in English, signed also by the 1st Earl of Kimberley (1826-1902), as foreign secretary, saying that desiring "to maintain without interruption the ... Friendship and good Understanding which happily subsist between Great Britain and Peru", she has chosen "Our trusty and well-beloved Henry Michael JONES, Esquire, V.C.", (1831-1916), "a retired Captain in Our Army" as Minister Resident, assured by experience of his talents that he will "discharge the duties of his Mission" so as "to merit Your approbation", requesting "that you will give entire Credence to all that Captain Jones shall Communicate ... in Our Name ... especially when ... he shall renew ... the assurance ... of the lively interest which We take in everything that affects the welfare and prosperity of the Republic of Peru", and commending the President to "the protection of the Almighty", 2 sides folio, (side 1 with thin black edges) and conjugate blank, Windsor Castle, 24th October

Cáceres had previously been Commander in Chief during the successful invasion by Chile in 1880. The Chileans did not finally withdraw till 1885, imposing harsh terms, which helped to secure his election as President in 1886. However, his second election in August 1894 led to a rebellion, the loss of 2800 lives, and his defeat, hostilities ceasing only on the intervention of the British Consul in March 1895, when Cáceres left the country.
Henry Michael [or Mitchell] Jones, of the 7th Regiment of Foot, while carrying the Queen's Colour during the Battle of the Alma, received a bullet in his jaw, which was only removed thirty years later when he complained of toothache. He received the V.C. for repeatedly leading his men all night, although wounded, resulting in the capture of the Quarries at Sebastopol in 1855.
At 75, the Queen's Victoria R.I. is as firm as ever.

Item Date:  1894

Stock No:  56443      £975

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