SERRES, Mrs Olivia (1772-1834). Painter & writer. 'Princess Olive of Cumberland'.
Autograph Letter Signed ('O.W. Serres') to an unnamed correspondent, 3 pages 8vo, 1 Cumberland Street, 1 March 1820. Pleading with her correspondent to represent her interests in the matter of an annuity promised to her by the Duke of Cumberland, now brought into doubt by the death of the King.
Though actually the daughter of a house painter and embezzler, Olivia claimed to be the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Cumberland and styled herself 'Princess Olive'. This plea for support appears to have fallen on deaf ears; she was imprisoned for debt the following year.
[No: 23832]