The letter reads – To the Hon Mr Burndap,

Having heard that Lord Mulgrave is to go out om a mission with an army of 15,000 Calverley and infantry as induced me to lay before the Hon, meeting my invention of bringing forward an Invention for securing His Majesties Arms in the field as well as to secure them in any encampment from the inclemency of the weather.

The above invention is meant in the first place to carry the baggage as also to erect a tent where twenty men may sleep unexposed to the weather.

The camp maybe struck and on the march in a quarter of an hour.

The next advantage is to ????? the enemy and to erect a battery where the soldier shall be free from the small shot, one piece of Artillery may follow each Battery after the enemy and may lay on there arms and immediately form a tent to keep all dry and under cover in case of ????

The Hon Gentleman will please to be informed I am the person that brought forward the gun carriage that was proved at Woolwich Warren June 1793 but having one return from the above Carriage as pledged me first to apply as in justice to my wife and a small family of 5 children prevents me laying out further sums without the certainty of having it returned.

If the Hon gentleman or Lord thinks proper of patronise me in the undertaking may depend on my utmost endeavours to fulfil everything I have stated and at the greatest speed.

Have enclosed copies of both reports and receipt of the gun carriage.

And I am yours to command John Gover. No 5 Holten Street, Soho.

Little can be found about John Gover the inventor. He invented a number of items including various gun carriages. One of the photo’s shows is an example of a patent that was awarded to him on a gun invention on board a ship. This image is just to show and as an example and is not part of the sale.

Size of letter is 180mm x 115mm. Condition is quite good. Light folding creases. Age toning and light creasing to edges. Top of letter at the rear is attached to card.