AMHERST, Jeffery, 1st Baron Amherst (1717-1797). Autograph letter signed ("Amherst"). St. James Square, [London], 27 July 1792. [Framed with:] Political cartoon of Lord Amherst. London: M. Darley, 1780. 

1 page, 7 1/8 x 8 7/8 in., minor areas of toning, framed to 20 5/8 x 16 5/8 in. with a political cartoon (see below), not examined out of frame.

Here Lord Amherst, as Colonel of the 2nd Regiment of Life Guards (a cavalry regiment in the British Army and part of the Household Cavalry), recommends approving a leave of absence for Ensign Pritchard. He notes that "I really believe he has private business of consequence yet to settle, and there are more then the Regulated number of officers with the Battalion."

[Framed with:] DARLY, M., publisher. Col. Mushrooms Compts. to Lord Zm-t recommends this cheap but Satisfactory mode of viewing distant Garrisons hops his Lordship has received the Golden Pippins a few of them are for his Secretary.

Engraving, 1780, image 6 7/16 x 5 3/8 in. (sheet 8 5/8 x 10 7/8 in.). A political cartoon, critical of Commander-in-Chief of the Forces' leadership, depicts Lord Amherst looking into a box labeled "A Vieu of Plymouth" with a man remarking "There you see Cannons without Carriages & Carriages without Cannons, There you see Generals without orders there you see &c &c."

Amherst controversial legacy is most remembered for his brutal leadership during the French and Indian War and Pontiac's War. He was made Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in April 1778. 


Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Broadsides, Ephemeral Americana, and Historical Documents