Manuscript document written in the name of Lord Palmerston "one of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State”, and sent by Command of the Lordship J.R. Graham and T.M. Hardy, October 26th, 1831, 5 folio ff., sewn. Folds.
Estimation :
350 / 450
Adjudication :
Invendu
Description
Important document concerning a turning point for the Belgian independence. While Antwerp was still under Dutch control, Lord Palmerston, after consulting with plenipotentiaries of Austria, France, Prussia and Russia, left as shown in this draft, clear instructions to Rear Admiral Frederic Warren to head a naval force off the cost of Holland in case "hostilities against Belgium unfortunately be resumed by the King of the Netherlands (…) you are hereby required and directed to proceed forthwith to the Downs (…) for the purpose of taking in board pilots acquainted with the Dutch coast from the Texel to the mouth of the Scheldt and haven done this with as little delay as possible you are to make the best of your way to the said Coast (…) stationing your ships in such manner as will afford you the best and speediest means of communication with Sir Charles Bagot at the Hague leaving the Viper schooner to keep up a communication with Sir Robert Adair [in Brussels]. In the event of receiving from either of the above Ambassadors information of the Dutch the squadron under your command to send into port all vessels navigating under the Dutch flag wherever met with and by keeping up a strict blockade of the Texel, the Maes and the Scheldt seize all vessels belonging to Holland whether attempting to enter or come out until you shall be called by one of the above mentioned Ambassador to act (…)".
