ALBERT, Prince (1819-1861). Consort of Queen Victoria.
Autograph Letter Signed to Lord Hardinge (Henry, first Viscount, 1785-1856, field marshal and governor-general of India), 1 page 8vo (old repairs), Windsor, 15 November 1852. Returning a General Order ('which appears to me to do extremely well').
'After Wellington's death, in March 1852 Hardinge, allegedly because a royal favourite, succeeded him as general commanding-in-chief, and became field marshal in October 1855. Encouraged by Prince Albert, he carried out much needed reforms-including introducing Enfield rifles, improving army training with the establishment of a permanent camp at Aldershot and the School of Musketry at Hythe, and introducing heavier coastal artillery-but, overall, his new responsibilities proved onerous.' [David J. Howlett in Oxford DNB].
[No: 23737]