~ Horatio Nelson Grandson William George Ward Commissions ~
A collection of original documents relating to the Army career of William George Ward, the grandson of Admiral Lord Nelson.
Nelson’s daughter Horatia (1801-1881) married the Reverend Phillip Ward
(1795-1861) in February 1822 at Burnham Westgate Church, where he was then curate near her father’s home village in north Norfolk. They had 10
children, seven boys and three girls, William being their sixth child.
The documents are housed in an original tin container with a green label
reading: “Major W.G. Ward, Madras Staff Corps, Assistant Resident,
Jaulnah.”.
The contents include a printed picture of Horatia with a few penciled
biographical notes on the back together with a photograph presumed to be
her husband, the Reverend Phillip Ward.
The various commission documents chart William’s rise from Ensign to
Lieutenant Colonel of the Land Forces in Madras in 1877. Some sources
appear to chart William’s rise as far as Major, so it is possible some
additional information about his career is contained here. Also present is
a Military Fund Office subscription letter, three letters from Grindlay &
co regarding pay, a hand-written letter to William from 1873, and some
‘Statements’ that make it clear that William’s health suffered during his
whole residence in India, culminating in a recommendation that he return
to England’s ‘cold climate’ for a period of 20 months in 1863. The
commission and letters etc have the original signature’s of various high
ranking personnel. There is also one other personal letter sent from the
Byculla Club not photographed below.
A collection of considerable interest once belonging to Admiral Lord
Nelson’s grandson.
~ Dimensions ~
The collection comes with metal case which is 13.5 inches (34cm) tall by
4.75 inches (12cm) wide and 1 inch (2.5cm) deep.
~ Condition ~
The condition of the collection is excellent. It is clear and readable
with no major tears or stains to the paper, only minor age wear.
