With reference to the feature (April 10) regarding the fine miniature portrait of Admiral Sir Pulteney Malcolm (1768-1838), wherein much was made of the British attack on Washington, DC in 1814 (an event my colleagues repeatedly remind me of), readers may also be interested in the fact that Malcolm held the post of Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean from 1828 to 1831.

This correspondent is in possession of an intriguing letter written on August 20, 1826, by the first Duke of Wellington in response to Sir John Malcolm's (Sir Pulteney's younger brother who had served in India with the duke) solicitation of assistance for his brother's nomination for the ultimate military and naval appointment in the Mediterranean. The duke's non-committal response displayed the wisdom which led him to the pinnacle of achievement:

"When men come to be of high rank in their profession and to look to the highest situations in their profession in the state, recommendation from individuals, however high in station, can be of no use to them.

"They must rely upon their own character and their conduct in former situations which they filled; and in this view I believe no man stands higher than your brother; and he may rely upon my giving this opinion whenever there is an opportunity."

An admirable observation that remains as true today as it did 184 years ago; we and our fellow citizens would be well advised to keep the Iron Duke's advice in mind.