Queen Victoria and Prince Albert | A document signed by Victoria and Albert, related to John Fox Burgoyne

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

Manuscript document signed by the Queen and her Consort, related to John Fox Burgoyne, 1852

2 pages (318 x 200 mm) on a folded leaf, signed at head of the first page (“Victoria R I”), and foot of second page ("Albert. | Great Master."), otherwise accomplished in a neat clerical hand, written from Buckingham Palace and dated 7 April 1852, with embossed wax and paper seal; old folds.

A “Warrant granting to Lieutenant General Sir John Fox Burgoyne K.C.B. the dignity rank and privileges of an Ordinary Member of the Military division of the First Class or Knights Grand Cross of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath…”

Born the illegitimate son of General John Burgoyne and Susan Caulfield, John Fox Burgoyne was (after his father's early death) brought up by the 12th Earl of Derby, a relative of this father's late wife. John Burgoyne is best known for his role in the American Revolutionary War. Following in his father's footsteps, John Fox Burgoyne devoted his life to military service as well, taking part in the Siege of Malta, numerous battles of the Peninsular War, and served as chief engineer during the War of 1812. He went on to act as official advisor to Lord Raglan during the Crimean War. (See following lot.)