Letter from the 11th Duke of Bedford [earlier Lord Tavistock] (Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire) to WSC [First Lord of the Admiralty], on the requisition of his steam yacht, Sapphire. Bedford explains why he had not offered the yacht voluntarily, particularly commenting on the Admiralty's decision to offer pecuniary and other advantages to owners offering their yachts, which appeared to be "obtaining money or glory by false pretences". He states that he had no desire to pose as a voluntary donor at the cost of the public, or to take credit for a munificent gift which was really a commercial advantage.