Under such a document, we might comment as follows: Note the quaint grammatical forms, also the spelling which clearly shows that orthography was not an exact science two hundred odd years ago. The use of capital letters is also curious. Lastly, we may point out the apparently effeminate ending given to the letter.
As to the identity of Schomberg, we might write: "Marshall Schomberg was one of William III's generals who took part in the Irish campaign against James II. He captured Carrickfergus, Belfast, Newry, and Dundalk, although his troops consisted of raw levies. During the Battle of the Boyne he assisted William in gaining a brilliant victory, but was unfortunately slain towards the end of the encounter."
Translation.
My Dear Brother,
Not being allowed to die among my troops, it only remains
for me to place my sword in the hands of your Majesty.
I am your Majesty's good brother,
Napoleon.
Sedan, Sept. 1, 1870.
AUTOGRAPH LETTER WRITTEN BY NAPOLEON III TO WILLIAM I OF GERMANY AFTER THE BATTLE OF SEDAN.
As one would expect, the subject-matter of a letter greatly affects its value. The following epistle, written by Lord Dorchester, is therefore of more than ordinary consideration.[22]
[22] The original may be seen in the Royal United Service Museum.
"Culford, Dec. 9th, 1803.
Dear Fox,I was only in town for four days and besides the hurry which always attends such a visit to London, I was under the necessity of going to Court on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, which put it out of my power to call on you.
From the contemptible effort of the insurrection itself in point of numbers and characters of persons concerned, to the wish of which no importance could have been attached in the minds of the public, but for the unfortunate murder of the worthy and truly respectable Lord ——, and for the still more contemptible preparation of arms, or plan of operations on the part of the Rebels, it did not appear to me that any blame could be attached either to the civil or military departments of the Irish Government for not having taken more efficient precautionary measures.
From the documents you transmitted to me, it is clear that no blame can be imputed to you, and from my intimate knowledge of some of the persons confidentially employed in the civil line, I should with difficulty believe any charge of want of activity or capacity in that quarter.
It is certainly a mark of weakness in a government to create unnecessary alarms, and it has the ill effect of shaking the public confidence. In this business, however, the Irish administration appears rather to have erred on the other side, but I am persuaded that this error proceeded from a recollection of the mischiefs which a very contrary line of conduct had produced a few years ago in that unfortunate country.
I shall send your papers by the Coach by my Porter in Town, and direct him to forward them to you.
Dear Fox,
Most Faithfully Yours,
Cornwallis."