.jpg?w=1)
Details
ROSE, George (1744-1818). Series of 45 autograph letters and one letter signed to Sir John Orde, Bt. (1751-1824), 21 August 1784 – 8 January 1808, London and 'Cuffnells', 4to. Provenance: by descent to the present owner.
This wide-ranging correspondence opens with a five-page missive discussing the political tensions around Dominica, where Orde was governor from 1783-93, and the question of Rose's agency there, Rose confiding his belief that 'the true interest of the Colony would be best attended to by those who were not under the influence of the Gentleman abovementioned'. The letters continue, relaying proceedings in Parliament, where Rose would represent Dominican interests, and discussing various public figures and foreign affairs in some detail, alongside paying close attention to social matters, trade and local politics on Dominica. The murders committed by runaway slaves are just one of the issues Rose raises as a point of concern. Also present in these often-lengthy letters are mentions of significant events of the period, witnessed at close hand; the assassination of George III and his illness appear, Rose being close to the royal family and visitor to their house, 'Cuffnells', in Lyndhurst. Striking is Rose's advice to Orde on the death of Nelson – at which he was pall-bearer – given the public perception of the emnity between the two admirals: 'I think you allowed it to distract you more than I should, because the whole seems to have arisen from something mis-conceived'; with two copy letters.
This wide-ranging correspondence opens with a five-page missive discussing the political tensions around Dominica, where Orde was governor from 1783-93, and the question of Rose's agency there, Rose confiding his belief that 'the true interest of the Colony would be best attended to by those who were not under the influence of the Gentleman abovementioned'. The letters continue, relaying proceedings in Parliament, where Rose would represent Dominican interests, and discussing various public figures and foreign affairs in some detail, alongside paying close attention to social matters, trade and local politics on Dominica. The murders committed by runaway slaves are just one of the issues Rose raises as a point of concern. Also present in these often-lengthy letters are mentions of significant events of the period, witnessed at close hand; the assassination of George III and his illness appear, Rose being close to the royal family and visitor to their house, 'Cuffnells', in Lyndhurst. Striking is Rose's advice to Orde on the death of Nelson – at which he was pall-bearer – given the public perception of the emnity between the two admirals: 'I think you allowed it to distract you more than I should, because the whole seems to have arisen from something mis-conceived'; with two copy letters.