Shrapnel to Newcastle

His Grace the late Duke of Wellington in a despatch to Sir John Sinclair remarking on the general efficacy of my late fathers Shell says

I consider Colonel Shrapnel to be entitled to a very ample
reward for his ingenuity & the science he has proved he possesses, by
the great perfection to which he has brought this Invention, & more
particularly so because I am of opinion that, the public interest
requires that the advantage we have derived from the use of the Shell
should not be made known & he is therefore deprived of the fame &
honor which he could have enjoyed.

I am ready to give this opinion whenever it may be required & to
assist by every means in my power to procure a just reward for Col: Shrapnel.

Arthur Wellesley

Holyhead

Oct: 13 1808

I refer to the above as shewing the opinion of the greatest man of
the age.

I trust therefore without being thought obtrusive I may once
more appeal to your Graces consideration. The little my father was
able to leave me has all been expended in the service of my country.
I volunteered out to the Kaffir War in 1851 & having served till the
end of it—I returned home again. I joined the West Kent Regt of
Militia during the Crimean War—& in order to perfect myself in
Military tactics attached myself to the Depot of the 67th Regiment
for a period of six months—all of which services were entirely
supported by my own money & without any Government emolument.

If your Lordship finds it difficult to meet my wishes I make one
final appeal for your consideration. I have a desire to go to
British Columbia where I am informed men of education 
and active
habits are in much request. Would your Grace, as a small testimony
of my fathers services render the assistance necessary to transport
myself & family to that Colony. I should be satisfied even with that
rather than to remain in the degrading duties I am performing in this
Yard.

With every apology for intruding on your Lordship's time.