WCP543

Letter (WCP543.543)

[1]1

BUCKINGHAM PALACE2

2nd Nov[ember] 1908

My dear Sir,

I am commanded by the King to inform you that it will afford him much satisfaction to confer upon you the "Order of Merit"3 in recognition of the great services which you have rendered to Science.

His Majesty trusts that this proposal may be agreeable to you.

Believe me | Yours truly | Knollys4 [signature]

Alfred Russel Wallace Esq[uire] LLD5

The Royal Coat of Arms of the British monarch is printed in red to the left of the address.
Annotated, including square brackets, in pencil above the address "[WP1/8/72]".
The Order of Merit is a dynastic order awarded in recognition of distinguished service principally in the advancement of the Arts, Learning, Literature and Science. It is in the sole gift of the Sovereign and is restricted to 24 members as well as additional foreign recipients. There is also a military division included in the 24. The order was established by King Edward VII at the time of his coronation in 1902.
Knollys, Francis (1837-1924), the 1st Viscount Knollys and Private Secretary to the Sovereign, 1901 to 1913.
Doctor of Laws. Wallace was awarded the honorary degree of LLD by Trinity College, Dublin, in 1882.

Envelope (WCP543.5142)

Envelope addressed to "Alfred Russel Wallace Esq, L.L.D, Old Orchard, Broadstone, Wimbourne, Dorset", postmarked "LONDON S.W. OFFICIAL. PAID | 12.15A.M | NO 3 | 08". Front of envelope is signed "Knollys"; postmark on back. [Envelope (WCP543.5142)]

Please cite as “WCP543,” in Beccaloni, G. W. (ed.), Ɛpsilon: The Alfred Russel Wallace Collection accessed on 16 April 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/wallace/letters/WCP543