Somerset (Lord Raglan) was one of the foremost military figures of the 19th century. After distinguishing himself at the Battle of Waterloo, Wellington wrote of him, to Somerset’s brother “the duke of Beaufort, ‘You are aware how useful he has always been to me, and how much I shall feel the want of his assistance, and what a regard and affection I feel for him’ (Sweetman, 66)” (quoted in ODNB article). He was Military Secretary at Horse Guards under Wellington and Rowland for 25 years between 1827 and 1852. “He was noted for his quickness and accuracy, for impartiality, and for his tact and urbanity.” (ibid).
Rather a minor letter, but not without interest. Raglan refers to a Chaplaincy, for which he has had “innumerable applications for the appointment”: “I do not know what has induced everybody to suppose that the Chaplaincy […] is in my gift […].” He writes his concern for “Billy” (presumably a relative of his recipient) - “I am most anxious to receive further accounts of poor Billy. I earnestly hope he is in a fair way of recovery. My best wishes attend him.” He also mentions the funeral of his nephew (Henry Somerset, seventh Duke of Beaufort), who had died of an attack of gout the month prior - “I am very sorry that you were not at poor Beaufort’s funeral”, adding that “Lady Worcester was anxious you should be there. She told me you took great care of her that fatal day on which you met her.”
This letter dates from a period of change - he had finished his term at Horse Guards the year prior, and, at the age of 65 when one might expect his distinguished career to be on the wane, in fact, a few months after this letter he would be chosen to lead the expeditionary forces in the Crimea. It has been noted that “Though sixty-five he had the strength and vigour of a much younger man” (ibid). However, hard losses in the Crimea (including the Charge of the Light Brigade), and the suffering of the troops over the winter of 1854-5, resulted in a negative public opinion of Raglan’s leadership. He, himself, died in 1855, before the end of the war.
Remains of mounting on the last page of text, just touching one word.
