First Anglo-Afghan War--Sir N.B. Chamberlain | Autograph letter signed, describing tension in Afghanistan, 1839

Sir Neville Bowles Chamberlain

Autograph letter signed, to his uncle Thomas Lloyd

describing the situation in Afghanistan including the internal tensions and the threat of war with Russia, problems in Persia, providing news that he has just been appointed a company commander, cross-written, 6 pages (on 3 pages), 4to, integral address, from the Camp at Shikarpore, 23 February 1839, small portion of text missing where letter has been opened

Chamberlain, then a very young officer with the invading British Army, was to serve most of his career in India and Afghanistan with a reputation as a daring leader of irregular horse, earning the epithet 'that glorious soldier'. The letter - long and cross-written - describes the increasing tensions in Afghanistan before the outbreak of the First Afghan War. Chamberlain describes the difficult relations with the local population - thieving, attacks etc - the constant state of alertness, rumours of the Persians going to Herat, and the possibility of war with the Russians, as well as discussing Dost Mohammad and his successor, the English-supported ruler Shah Sujah.

PROVENANCE:

Roy Davids; his sale, Part 2, Bonhams, London, 29 March 2011, lot 373