Anglo-Irish politician and composer (1735-1781), father of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. Autograph note signed. No place or date. Oblong 8vo (186 x 147 mm). 1 p. Watermark: "Jubb" bell with royal cypher "GR".
800 €
(95757/BN63551)
Rare autograph by the 1st Earl of Mornington, asking a Mr Nesbitt for the sum of £100 and an appointment the following day: "Lord Mornington presents his Comp.ts to Mr Nesbitt, & begs that he will be so good as to let him have £100 by the bearer for which he sends a receipt. Lord M. begs to know at what time tomorrow it will be convenient to Mr Nesbitt to see him". - Wesley represented Trim in the Irish House of Commons in 1757/58. A talented violinist and composer, Wesley founded a Musical Academy in late 1757 together with Kane O'Hara and Francis Ireland, directing its amateur choir and orchestra.
His enthusiasm for Dublin musical life led to the creation of the chair of music and his appointment as the first ever professor of music at Trinity College in 1764. In this function, Wesley composed several pieces for important occasions such as the inauguration of John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford as chancellor of Trinity in 1768. Among his seven children who survived to adulthood are the important politician and colonial administrator Richard Colley Wellesley, 1st Marquess Wellesley, and Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington..