Thomas Stothard (1755-1834) was "the most pleasing and prolific book illustrator of his day" as well as being a painter of historical subjects and portraits. A 19th-century label pasted onto the first page of the manuscript states: "Stothard's Autograph copies of Despatches from the late Duke of Wellington, during the eventful period from July 15, 1809, to April 12, 1814, while campaigning abroad, detailing some interesting occurrences on the most critical occasions, with the Forces under his command, with the reccommendations to the British Government of those persons who distinguished themselves under him, with much other important matter, which, without doubt, was intended by the artist as memoranda in the production of the celebrated WELLINGTON SHIELD." The 'Wellington Shield', which was presented to Wellington by the nation, is presently in Apsley House.