HARCOURT (Hon. William, 1743-1830, younger son of Simon, 1st Earl Harcourt, from 1809 3rd Earl, Field Marshal and Courtier)

Autograph Letter Signed 'Wm. Harcourt' to Captain Lee, 16th Light Dragoons, at British Head Quarters, Flanders, explaining that, had Harcourt been with the Army, he would not have given consent to "Hawkins' expedition to England, which cou'd serve no good purpose", but which "makes it necessary for you to forego your wishes of coming here, more especially as the embarkation takes place on Friday next", as to promotion, "I have it in contemplation to propose you for my second Majority, whenever you can arrange the money part of the business", and recommending him to write "to Sr. Wm. Lee upon the subject without loss of time", Harcourt has written to Sir William "respecting the payment of that part of your outfit which he engaged for", telling Sir William that by promotion Captain Lee had realized "a Commission ... worth 3000 Guineas", but that Harcourt "had every reason to be satisfied with your good conduct", on the other hand "the peculiar situation of my Regiment makes it absolutely necessary for me to look for a more experienced Officer, one better acquainted with Regimental details whenever the whole of the business is brought forward", assuring him that "I will not forget your friend Butler for a Colonelcy, tho' my first object must be to provide for Bennet", given the latter's "attention to his duty and attachment to the Regiment ... I shall hope to be with you in a few days", and ending "Yours sincerely and affectionately", 5 sides 4to, address panel on side 6, London, 10th March no year but apparently address panel dusty and blank outer edge creased with a portion caught by the seal on opening, two closed tears at folds, but address panel perfectly legible and without loss

From 1779 till his death, William Harcourt was Colonel of the 16th Light Dragoons (The Queen's Lancers), a regiment his father had raised as Harcourt's Black Horse. With them in America in 1776, he led the cavalry charge at White Plains (28th October) and on 13th December he surprised and captured Charles Lee, one of the ablest American generals.
In Flanders, 1793-1794, he commanded the British Cavalry, and the whole Army during the winter retreat into Germany. For his leadership at the battle of Willems, 10th May 1794, the Duke of York presented him with his own sword. After the Duke's departure, in December 1794, he was again in command of the British troops. In 1802 he became the first Governor of the Royal Military College, then at Great Marlow.

Item Date:  1794

Stock No:  56636      £475

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