LOWE, Sir Hudson (1769-1844). Governor of St Helena during Napoleon's imprisonment.
Good, long Autograph Letter Signed to Dr [Archibald] Arnott (1772-1855, Napoleon's physician on St Helena), 5½ pages 4to, London, 11 January 1822. The letter examines the various ways in which Lowe has attempted to further Arnott's career after his stint in St Helena, alludes to Arnott's superior on the island, Sir Thomas Reade, and supplies news of his wife and children.

'... The uncertainty I have been in as to your desire of obtaining rank (believing that your regiment was under orders for India) has prevented my making any special application on that head, but if it is your wish, I will urge by every means in my power your advancement to the rank of Deputy Inspector. ...'
 '... Had you not held the office I should have probably dispensed with any other recompense for its duties than the product of the fees, striking off the salary altogether, and am really of the opinion that since the death of General Bonaparte the amount of the fees should be credited to the Company as a set off against the salary....'

Arnott was the last of four doctors sent to administer to Napoleon on St Helena, and the only one he trusted. Two days before he died, Napoleon asked that, should he fall into a coma, only Arnott be allowed to touch him. On his deathbed, the emperor is said to have carved an 'N' into a silver gilt snuff box and given it to Arnott. He also left him a sizeable amount in his will.
[No: 24438]