'The Best Picqueur and French Horn in the World'

Letter to the Duke of Newcastle (reference: DD/4P/64/20/8)

This letter was written by Colonel R Sutton, who was an English officer in the War of the Spanish Succession. This war, fought between 1701 and 1714, involved much of western Europe and was sparked over the succession to the Spanish throne. The letter is one of four written in 1711 by Sutton to the Duke of Newcastle and to William Wenman, the Duke's agent, from the camp at Warde in northern France. They cover a range of different issues. In addition to providing updates on the progress of the war, they also include references to deer hunting in England and Frontiniac wine.

In this letter, written at Warde on 4 June 1711, Colonel Sutton tells the Duke of Newcastle that he has succeeded in finding the Duke a new man to act as his attendant during a hunt and to sound the the brass hunting horn. This man is described as 'a Negro [who] belonged to the late [Holy Roman] Emperor and [is] esteem'd the best picqueur and French Horn in the world'. The gentleman concerned was quite happy to accept the Duke's offer provided he be 'allowed his charges from Vienna into England'.

A later letter shows the Duke was prepared to offer him £30 a year, a 'relocation package', food and lodging, and 'a Coat every summer such as the other huntsmen have who blow the Brass horne'.

The letters show the man concerned was much sought after and well thought of, who could command a good salary and working conditions.

Find out more...

• Larger version of the letter: follow this link to see the letter in more detail [PDF 2929KB]
• Read a transcript of the letter here [PDF 19KB]
• Family archives: find out more about the archives of families and estates
• Terminology: find out more about some of the terms used on this page
• Further information: explore other web sites and online resources

What do you think about this document? Contact us