1825 Cut of Handwritten Postmarked Envelope by MP of Cambridge Charles Manners

On offer is a clipping from an envelope mailed in 1825. Written is “London March 10 1825, To John Purchas Esq, From C Manners Cambridge” preserved on a paper sheet paired with a printed summary of Lord Charles Somerset Manners. Below is signed “M.P. for Cambridge”, and “Bro. to D. of Rutl” likely - Brother to Duke of Rutland.

This piece bears a circular date stamp “FREE” postmark with the 1825 date. In the early 1800s, British MPs and certain nobles could send and receive mail without postage, under a system known as "Franking". These letters would be marked with a “FREE” postmark, often in red or black ink, and were hand-signed by the MP or peer to validate the privilege, C. Manning in this instance.

General Lord Charles Henry Somerset Manners, KCB (24 October 1780 – 25 May 1855) was a British soldier and nobleman, the second son of Charles Manners, 4th Duke of Rutland and Lady Mary Somerset. He was lieutenant colonel of the 3rd Hussars in 1815 during the Waterloo campaign. After a brief appointment to the colonelcy of the 11th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons, he was transferred to the colonelcy of the 3rd (King's Own) Regiment of Dragoons which he retained until his death in 1855. He served as MP for Cambridge from 1802-1830.

This document measures 4-½ x 3 inches, has a torn right edge of the backing paper, with some writing seemingly lost, and demonstrates age toning with minor discolouration. Condition is Good.