1805 UK Camp at Wimbledon, supplies for 1st Regt Life Guards

Interesting 1805 letter from Lieutenant General H. Read giving information about requisition for picket posts, mallets, and tent pins for the 1st Regiment of Life Guards. At this time there were worries that Napoleon was preparing to invade England. In October, after the Battle of Trafalgar, this situation would change. Camp near Wimbledon Thursday June 6th 1805 Sir, The Earl of Harrington (1) having given me your letter desiring to know why a requisition was made for some new Picket Posts, Mallets, and Tent Pins for the 1st Reg.t Life Guards, I have the honor of reporting to you, that the Picket Posts do not appear to me to be made of sound woods as I counted last night more than one hundred picket Posts which were broke, not through neglect, but for want of strength. Several of the Mallets split in my presence the first or second blow and appeared to me to be made of green wood. In regard to the Tent Pegs the requisition was more than we wanted at present, but I thought it probable that by a sudden order our Tents might be struck and was anxious to be prepared at a moments notice. I have the honor to be xx Yr Obed’t Humb’l Serv.t H. Read Lieut General (1) Earl of Harrington in 1805 was Commander‑in‑Chief of the London District and Colonel of the 1st Life Guards 4 pages, 2 with writing 9” x 7 ⅜” The 1st Regiment of Life Guards was one of the two elite cavalry regiments of the Household Cavalry, responsible for royal protection and the security of London. In 1805, Britain was preparing for a possible Napoleonic invasion, and the Life Guards were heavily involved in training and readiness exercises around London. The regiment was stationed in London at the time.Wimbledon Common was a major military training ground for cavalry and militia. 1805 saw large-scale mobilization and frequent camps around London (Wimbledon, Hounslow Heath, Hyde Park). In 1805, it was part of the Household Brigade, responsible for: Royal escorts Guard duties in London Rapid-response cavalry in case of invasion Intensive field training