Autograph Letter Signed ('Tho Foley') from Sir Thomas Foley to Sir Richard Hussey-Bickerton, with reference to the conveyance to England in the Royal Sovereign yacht of the Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia, following Napoleon's abdication.

12mo, 4 pp. Bifolium, with mourning border. Thirty-eight lines. Text clear and complete. On aged and worn paper. The context of the letter is explained by a report in The Times of 2 May 1814, which states that, following Napoleon's abdication, 'The Royal Sovereign and Royal Charlotte yachts are to remain in the Downs, to be ready to sail for Calais for the reception of the Emperor ALEXANDER and the other illustrious personages who will shortly visit this country. The Duke of CLARENCE will act as Admiral of the fleet.' (See Times, 16 June 1814, for another report on the 'Imperial and Royal Visit'.) Foley begins the letter by stating that he is sorry to learn that Bickerton and his wife 'have been so unwell' since he left Portsmouth. (Foley has been one of a party staying with Bickerton in Portsmouth. See Times, 2 May 1814, which states that the court-marial of Vice-Admiral Stirling assembles the following day, with Bickerton as President, and Foley one of the three other members of the court.) Foley has been 'quite otherwise for the good cheer you so hospitably bestow'd on us has not been thrown away'. He 'never was better for years', and Byam Martin [Sir Thomas Byam Martin (1773-1854)] is similarly in 'better health for the visit made you'. He has not heard from 'Legge' [Admiral Sir Arthur Kaye Legge (1766-1835)]. They have 'had the Duke [of Cumberland] here since Wednesday last till yesterday when he went to Town but said he should be down again tomorrow, he has lived afloat'. He has 'dined twice onboard the Royal Sovereign yacht with him - he is mighty fond of the thing'. They 'dont expect the Emperor [Alexander of Russia] and King [of Prussia] till after the 30th'. Gives directions concerning a 'letter for Lord George Stuart'. Ends by passing on his wife Lady Lucy's best wishes to Bickerton and his wife. Small stamp in red at head of first page states that the item has been 'Selected from the Papers of the late Admiral Sir R. H. Bickerton'. Both Foley and Bickerton had served under Nelson: it was to Foley that Nelson is said to have made the celebrated comment about putting his telescope to his blind eye at the Battle of Copenhagen.