Document - Lot 322

Document [CERTIFICATION OF HÉALDIQUE TITLE for MILITARY BRAVOUR] Diploma or certificate of nobility entitling Richard Lee Esquire Admiral of the White Squadron the right to use his arms and emblems awarded to him in testimony of bravery on his part when he was captain of His Majesty's ship the Brave in an engagement with the enemy off Cape Ortegall on November 4, 1805. Parchment, dimensions 46x32 cm, coat of arms and emblems in gouache colors with the motto "Courageux" (name of the HMS Richard Lee commanded at the battle of Cape Ortegall). An intact seal with arms, in its box decorated with a floral motif, all in a case sheathed in Empire-style green leather, gilded friezes, fastened with small metal hooks. Gilded GR initials. Admiral Sir Richard Lee KCB KTS (1765-1837) was a distinguished British Royal Navy officer who served in the American War of Independence, the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. His early career was marked by his participation in a number of important battles during the American War. During the French Revolutionary Wars, he spent an unimportant period in the Caribbean, but during the Napoleonic Wars he was again prominent, taking an active part in a number of important engagements. Royal Navy career: American War of Independence - Battle of Cape St. Vincent - Battle of Martinique - Great Siege of Gibraltar - Battle of Cape Spartel - Wars of the French Revolution - Napoleonic Wars - Battle of Cape Ortegal - Action of September 25, 1806 - Walcheren Expedition Awards: Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, Knight Commander of the Order of the Tower and Sword In 1812, Lee was promoted to Rear Admiral, but was unable to secure a position, his future as a serving officer being uncertain. Although he never again served on active duty, he continued to receive promotions and long-service awards from British and Portuguese royalty. He died at his home in Walmer, Kent, in 1837, aged 72, as an admiral apart. The Battle of Cape Ortegall (November 4, 1805) off Cape Ortegal in northwest Spain was the final naval battle of the Trafalgar campaign. British Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Strachan, in command of HMS Caesar, Hero, Courageux, Namur and 4 frigates, captured a French squadron (Formidable, Scipion, Duguay-Trouin and Mont-Blanc) under the command of Rear-Admiral Pierre Dumanoir le Pelley, who had escaped during the Battle of Trafalgar two weeks earlier. Translation (automatic translator) of the English text: "TO ALL AND SINGULARLY to whom these presents shall come and Sir William Bertham Chevalier Député Roi d'Armes d'Ulster et principal héraut de toute l'Irlande, vous adressent leurs salutations Whereas a request has been addressed to me by Richard Lee Esquire Admiral of the white squadron of His Majesty's fleet Only son of John Lee of the town of Londondary but formerly of Patna in the East Indies. French Marchand deceased requesting me to grant and bestow upon him such heraldic insignia may lawfully and wear therefore know that I, the said Member of Parliament for Ulster, deeming it just and proper and in every way in accordance with the purpose of heraldry that such honourable distinction should be conferred upon bravery and loyalty as may show to the world and posterity the eminent merits of those to whom they are bestowed and that virtuous emulation may thereby be aroused in others to deserve and obtain the same rewards and having taken into consideration the aforesaid request and application, I am pleased to comply therewith and by virtue of the authority hereby vested in me, do grant, specify, confirm and confirm to the said Admiral Richard Lee the following arms, namely a lion rampant argent navally crowned azure on a canton of the last pendant by a rib argent bordered of the canton a representation of the gold medal presented by his majesty to the said Squire Richard Lee in testimony of the signal bravery on his part when he was captain of his majesty's ship le courageux in an engagement with the enemy off Cape Ortegall on November 4, eighteen hundred and five, when, after a brilliant action, all the enemy squadrons were forced to surrender to his majesty's ships under the command of Rear Admiral Sir Richard John Strachan Baron.admiral Sir Richard John Strachan baronet for crest coronet of colors a demi lion rampant Ermine navally crowned azure holding between the pairs a sceptre sable for motto courageous the whole as above appears more clearly reprinted