Author: Bertie, Lord Robert [1721 - 1782] - Recipient
Title: A LETTER To LORD ROBERT BERTIE, Relating to his Conduct in the Mediterranean, and His Defence of Admiral BYNG
Description: London: Printed for R. Griffiths, in Pater-noster Row, 1757. 1st Edition (ESTC T38153). Disbound, now housed in an archival mylar sleeve. [4], 44 pp. Half-title & Postscript present [this latter most likely from the 2nd edition, and supplied later]. 8vo: [A]2 B - E4 F2 G4. 7-7/8" x 4-3/4". Age-toning & foxing, F2v with ink spots & soiling [not present on G1r]. Very Good. "Robert Bertie of Chislehurst in Kent was the 5th son of the Duke of Ancaster. He was Colonel of the Fusiliers during the failed attempt to relieve Minorca in 1756. This was the occasion when Admiral Byng was put on trial for treason, and sentenced to be shot. Lord Robert Bertie found himself in a difficult situation when he and the Fusiliers were in the middle of a tug-of-war between General Fowke, Governor of Gibraltar and Admiral Byng. Bertie spoke in Byng's defence, declaring that he had not seen 'any backwardness in the Admiral during the action..but he seemed to give his orders coolly and distinctly, and did not seem wanting in personal courage.' Bertie himself was accused of failing in his duty and exposing himself to criticism by defending Byng." [Royal Fusiliers website]. This anonymous publication explains at length why Bertie had discredited himself.

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