(ARTISTS) CRUIKSHANK GEORGE Autograph Letter Signed Geo Crui

Sale 2192 - Lot 41

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Estimate: $ 300 - $ 400

(ARTISTS.) CRUIKSHANK, GEORGE. Autograph Letter Signed, "Geo. Cruikshank / Late Lt. Col / 48th M R V.," to Major Hockley ("Sir"), informing him that "I am directed by his Grace the Duke of Wellington . . . to inform you that the charges brought against you by me have been withdrawn by his Grace at my instance--and that the court-martial appointed by the Secretary of State for War to try you, will not now take place. . . ." Signed in his large, bold hand. 1 page, tall 4to; horizontal folds, one passing through top of signature. "263 Hampstead Road" [London], 25 August 1868

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Late in life, Cruikshank was a Lieutenant Colonel of the 48th Middlesex Rifle Volunteers, a Temperance Corps, while also Vice President of the National Temperance League. As he came close to retirement, he got into a quarrel with Major Hockley, regarding a "serious breach of military discipline," and preparations were being made for a court martial. His decision to drop the suit was, as indicated in the present letter, "to rid myself of an encumberance which for a very long time past has prevented me from attending to my profession; and a desire to oblige and further the views of Major Vickers (now Colonel) who particularly wishes to have immediate command . . . ."