EDWARD VII (1841-1910). King of England.
Autograph Letter Signed ('Albert Edward') to the Hon. G. Cardwell, M.P., 4 pages 8vo on black-edged paper with envelope, Abergeldie Castle, Aberdeenshire, 24 September 1872. Marked 'Private' at the head, the prince implores Cardwell to see that Colonel[Valentine] Baker does not suffer from leaving the army a few months short of his 21 years service and prior to the regiment leaving for India.

'... Colonel Baker is such a distinguished officer, & having commanded his Regmt for 13 years it would be a great loss to the Service if he were obliged to sell out.'

Baker's career was to come to an abrupt end in 1875 when he was accused of indecent assault on a young woman in a railway carriage. Though the Prince stood up for him, he was sentenced to a year's imprisonment and dismissed from the service.
He was the younger brother of Sir Samuel Baker.
[No: 23923]