Letter Signed ‘Edward’, to George Aust, Registrar and Secretary of the Royal College at Chelsea, recommending the case and merits of the Bearer, Thomas Matthews of the Royal Scots, whose fingers were amputated during service in North America, describing the circumstances and asking Aust to grant a Pension by EDWARD, Duke of Kent

Kensington Palace, 3 February 1814. 3 pp. 9½ x 8 inches, in good condition. With the neat signature of Edward, Duke of Kent (1767-1820), fourth son of King George III, and the father of Queen Victoria. “...the Bearer, Thomas Matthews of the Royal Scots, who appears to have been a most deserving faithful Soldier, and as he has unfortunately lost the use of one hand from the amputation of the fingers rendered necessary by the effects of Frost when on service at Chambly in North America with the 1st Bn. - besides being wounded at the Capture of the Island of Guadaloupe 3 February 1810 - I do hope that it will be deemed a Case of that peculiar nature which will warrant some indulgence as to the rate of Pension to be granted him. At least these are my feelings on the poor man’s behalf.”