Spain First Carlist War Colonel Edward Aldrich and the Surrender of the Fortress of Melilla in 1839

 

This is a single sheet letter dated March 1839  comprising diplomatic correspondence apparently sent through the regular post from Madrid to the Governor of Gibraltar, Sir Alex Woodford,  and recording a meeting between Henry Southern, a British diplomat in Madrid, with the new Prime Minister of Spain Perez de Castro. The topic discussed is the unappreciated role of the British Colonel Edward Aldrich in securing the surrender of the fortress of Mellila to the Queen of Spain. The letter is damaged; it may have been opened by the Spanish authorities. It is  not entirely legible but relates to a significant moment in the First Carlist War in Spain.

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Address:

His Excellency / Major Gen’l Sir Alex Woodford K.C.B. / Gibraltar

Sender’s autograph bottom left: Henry Southern

….ch [March] 1839  [written from Madrid]

Postal marking “8” in red

Sir

I have communicated the contents of your last letter dated 7^th March to M. Perez de Castro [ recently appointed Prime Minister of Spain – see Wikipedia ]. It …….. Mr Aldrich’s return and the conclusion of an agreement between the Captain Gen’l of Grenada and two commissioners from the revolted garrison of Melilla. I gave him to understand that if the termination had been advantageous, that it was in part to be attributed to the presence of an English agent [ Colonel Edward Aldrich – see Wikipedia]. Neither did I disguise from him that it was but an uncourteous mode of demonstrating the gratitude of this govt. that on the two occasions when Mr Aldrich might have [been? – word seems to have been omitted] instrumental  in serving the cause that in the 1^st he was denied a copy of the conditions offered by the Insurgents and in the 2^nd he was not invited to the discussion of the terms on which the fortress was to be delivered up . This is a point which I cannot avoid also pointing out to our Gov^t  for better will or greater zeal was never exhibited in order to assist a friend in distress & it was but just that the good intentions should be acknowledged by the party aided, not only in word but in deed.

M. Perez de Castro informed me that he was aware of the [ letter damaged at this point] that it was the ratification [more damage] important for the commissioners [damage] submitting the document to DCas[tro? for?] approval.

I mentioned to you that Mr Perez de Castro spoke to me of sending me a Confidential communication on the subject of the conduct of the French in Oran &c as regards Melilla. He has not done so; but I know that he has addressed a Note on the subject to the French Ambassador here.

Maroto [Rafael Maroto – Carlist general] continues paramount in Navarre & takes the King (soi-disant) about with him as part of his baggage train. On the 7^th inst. he presented  himself in Los Arcos with 15 battallions. Leon immediately  went to attack ……[place name?commander name?] moving to support him; but Maroto retired.

I am Sir Yr faithful obd^t Serv^t   Henry Southern

 

Docketing note: Henry Southern Esqre Acknowledging letter of 7^th Instant relative to Melilla.