Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47068

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47068

Banastre Tarleton Autograph Poem Signed to Lady Charles Bentinck. One page, 7 1/4 x 8 3/4 inches, [London]; June 26, 1812. Writing near the end of the year's Parliament, Sir Banastre Tarleton composes this lighthearted verse, entitled "An Impromptu for Lady Charles Bentinck," anticipating a retreat to the countryside. With several emendations in Tarleton's hand, including one in pencil at the second line. It reads, in part:

"We purpose soon to leave this burg square,
Go stretch at ease and breathe the country air;
From noise thunderical and politicks, far far remote
We'll court the shade, or fish from Catcher's boat...
Those lovely spots shine brightest in the sun,
His rise and weight repay our toil, when won;
Piscators various come, their lark to find,
and leave some notes, as well as fish behind;
For twice twelve years has Hawk's noble lord,
Left Here, without one trout to grace his board
Though art has fruitless prov'd, with fly or bait,
To dine upon the stream, he's never late...
The song and lyre beguile the eve away,
And happy night proceeds to jocund day...
The rest, we safely leave to Charles and you."

Signed, "Piscator Ban for Piscatory Susan."

Tarleton returned to England in 1782 to a hero's welcome. His service in the southern campaigns of the American Revolution had earned him lifelong fame in his home country. In 1798 he married Susan Priscilla Bertie, and for more than two decades he remained a public figure as a Member of Parliament for Liverpool, serving from 1790 to 1812 with only a single year's interruption. After his retirement, he was elevated to a baronet in 1815 and appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in 1820.

Condition: Somewhat toned with smoothed folds. Some wear at the edges, including chips and short, closed tears, just touching text. Light dampstaining and few spots of discoloration.

Include Thumbnail(s)