Lot 5: WELLESLEY, Richard, Marquess of (1760-1842). The Despatches, Minutes and Correspondence of the Marquess Wellesley, K.G. during his Administration in India edited by Montgomery Martin. London: John Murray, 1836-1837. 5 volumes, 8° (208 x 130mm).

WELLESLEY, Richard, Marquess of (1760-1842). The Despatches, Minutes and Correspondence of the Marquess Wellesley, K.G. during his Administration in India edited by Montgomery Martin. London: John Murray, 1836-1837. 5 volumes, 8° (208 x 130mm). Engraved portrait frontispiece and hand-coloured folding maps. (A few leaves creased at end of vol. II, occasional light spotting.) Contemporary half calf, spines gilt (first three volumes worn with volume I crudely rebacked, volumes IV and V with extremities lightly rubbed).
Provenance: AUTHOR'S PRESENTATION COPY (inscription dated 29 March 1836 to flyleaf of vol. I and vol. III, to his brother:) -- William Wellesley-Pole (1st Baron Maryborough and 3rd Earl of Mornington, 1763-1845, father-in-law of:) -- 1st Baron Raglan (booklabel) -- modern armorial bookplate. Together with five related volumes. (10)

THE WELLESLEY BROTHERS IN INDIA

Richard Wellesley, 2nd Earl of Mornington and later 1st Marquess Wellesley (1760-1842), was sent to India in 1798. He resolved to destroy the remaining French influence on the sub-continent and would go on to extend Britain's hold on her colonies there into an empire. He took with him two of his younger brothers: the Hon. Arthur Wellesley, later 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), as military adviser, and Henry Wellesley, later 1st Baron Cowley (1773-1847) as private secretary.

THE WELLESLEY BROTHERS IN INDIA

Richard Wellesley, 2nd Earl of Mornington and later 1st Marquess Wellesley (1760-1842), was sent to India in 1798. He resolved to destroy the remaining French influence on the sub-continent and would go on to extend Britain's hold on her colonies there into an empire. He took with him two of his younger brothers: the Hon. Arthur Wellesley, later 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), as military adviser, and Henry Wellesley, later 1st Baron Cowley (1773-1847) as private secretary.