Description

David Wemyss, Lord Elcho: Unique Historical Document Naming Him Captain in Fitzjames’s Cavalry Regiment This extraordinary parchment is an original document dated 17 May 1753, officially naming David Wemyss, Lord Elcho as a “Capitaine Réformé” (Reformed Captain) in the Fitzjames Horse, a distinguished Irish cavalry regiment in the French army. The Fitzjames regiment, composed largely of exiled Irish and Jacobite soldiers, served under the French crown and was renowned for its valor and loyalty during the 18th century. The parchment, bearing the signature of Armand, Marquis de Béthune, Marshal of Camps and Armies of the King and General Commander of the French light cavalry, represents a significant piece of Jacobite and European military history. It reflects Elcho's transition from a prominent figure in the failed Jacobite Rising of 1745 to a soldier of fortune serving under Louis XV. Background on David Wemyss, Lord Elcho Born in 1721 to James Wemyss, 5th Earl of Wemyss, and Lady Janet Charteris, David Wemyss, Viscount Elcho, was a key supporter of Prince Charles Edward Stuart during the 1745 Jacobite Rising. He fought at the decisive battles of Prestonpans and Culloden before fleeing to France after the Jacobite defeat. Attainted for treason and stripped of his lands and titles, Elcho remained in exile for the rest of his life. In 1752, Louis XV issued a royal commission appointing Elcho as a captain in the Fitzjames Horse. This regiment was a haven for Jacobite exiles who found purpose in serving the French crown. The position of “Capitaine Réformé” allowed him to maintain the rank of captain while serving in a flexible or auxiliary capacity. Translation of the Document The original French text is a royal commission and order of recognition, which has been translated as follows: Armand, Marquis de Béthune, Marshal of Camps and Armies of the King, and General Commander of the Light Cavalry of France: In view of the Letters Patent of the King, in the form of a commission, issued at Marly-le-Bois in May 1752, signed Louis, and countersigned D’Argenson, and sealed, by which His Majesty has appointed and established Monsieur David de Wemyss, Viscount Elcho, as Reformed Captain in the Fitzjames Irish Cavalry Regiment, with the rank and authority of Captain in said regiment and within His Majesty’s cavalry troops, to serve, command, and operate under the King’s authority, under Monsieur le Prince de Turenne, Colonel General of the Cavalry, and under ours, in accordance with the orders given: WE, in virtue of the authority granted to us by His Majesty through our role as General Commander of said Cavalry, hereby ORDER all Brigadiers and other Commanders of the Cavalry to recognize Monsieur de Wemyss, Viscount Elcho in the aforementioned capacity, in accordance with the King’s Letters Patent. In testimony of which, we have given and signed this attachment, had it countersigned by our ordinary secretary, and sealed it with the seal of our arms, to be valid and effective wherever required. Done at Paris, this 17th day of May 1753. Signed: The Marquis de Béthune Historical Significance This document not only confirms Elcho’s military rank but also serves as a poignant reminder of his life in exile. Stripped of his Scottish titles and lands, Elcho sought purpose through his military service under the French crown. His role in the Fitzjames Horse underscores the interconnected fates of Jacobite exiles and the French army during the 18th century. Condition and Presentation The parchment is well-preserved, with clear signatures, seals, and detailed handwriting. The text reflects both the formality of 18th-century military commissions and the historical weight of Jacobite expatriates serving in Europe. This piece is a remarkable relic for collectors of Jacobite memorabilia or European military history. Inv: D2500110