CRIMEAN WAR. Major John Bailie Rose, 55th (Westmoreland Regiment) ALS

CRIMEAN WAR. Brevet-Major John Baillie Rose, 55th (Westmorland) Regiment. Autograph letter signed to Sir Robert(?), Scutari 3rd June 1854, crested notepaper. Sold together with a further manuscript with a copy of the letter, with an additional personal note about Maj. Rose following his death at the Battle of Alma and a small further note on black-edged mourning paper outlining his service and deeds, 13 sides total. Complete with typed transcriptions.

Letter from Scutari, 3rd June 1854
Written shortly after the British Army’s arrival in Scutari, Rose provides a detailed account of the army’s preparation and morale as it awaited further deployment to Varna. He describes the training and organisation of the forces:
"Since I wrote, the Light Division of the Army, about 7000 men under Gen. Sir. Geo. Brown, have gone up to Varna whither we expect to follow in time... completing equipment and daily practising field movements, route marching and the same been completed in Minie rifles."

Rose notes his command of the Light Companies within the brigade as a mounted officer and reflects on the overall readiness of the British Army:
"The 30th are the same and fully clothed and equipped and nothing will I think be left wanting for the efficiency and comfort of the whole force."

He describes the review of the army by the Sultan on 1st June:
"A more magnificent display of Infantry could not have taken place. Every Regiment was splendid, but were I called upon to award a superiority anywhere I should give it to the Guards tho' in contact with the 2 Highland Corps 93rd and 79th their size and solidity was striking."

Rose’s comments on the Sultan’s retinue and the perception of the Turkish forces reflect the sentiments of the British troops:
"The Sultan's retinue was poor in the extreme and our soldiers were heard remarking as they marched home, 'Well if them Turks can face the Russians, what will we do with them?'."

He concludes with confidence in the British Army’s capabilities:
"Indeed my own feeling and conviction is that, judiciously commanded and not exposed to shot and shell, the British force here is invincible."

Additional Documents

Personal Reminiscence Note: This document commemorates Major Rose following his death at the Battle of Alma, describing him as:
"A chivalrous soldier as gentle as he was brave."

Black-Edged Mourning Note: This provides further historical details of Rose’s life and service, stating:
"Major Rose entered the Army in 1826 and was in active service in India and China. By the gentleness of his manners joined to a zealous discharge of the duties of his profession, he secured the confidence of his superiors, the respect and friendship of his brother officers, and the devoted affection of his men."
It also references his status as the head of the ancient family of Kilvarock, whose tenantry erected a memorial in his honour as a testament to his qualities as a landlord.

Major John Baillie Rose, 55th Regiment, was 'slain in the battle of the Alma'. He received a severe wound about three o'clock in the afternoon and was carried to the rear. Surgeon Blake found that a bullet had penetrated his chest. Kilravock was fully aware of his danger, and awakening after a short sleep, he desired the Surgeon to send word home that the last name on his lips was that of his dear wife. Major Rose died on September 20, 1854, and the regiment lamented him. He was interred side by side with Captain Shaw, another officer of the regiment, who fell the same day. Of Kilravoch Castle, Nairnshire. [Gentleman's Magazine Nov. 1854, p.533] He was the second son of the late Hugh Rose, Esq., and Katherine, daughter of Colonel John Baille, of Dunsin, Invernesshire. He was married to Miss Eileen Patison [Illustrated London News 11/11/1854].