An attractive ALS (Autograph Letter Signed) by Prince Arthur (1850–1942), son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and later Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, written on official Balmoral Castle stationery on 11 February 1871. The stationery is headed with a royal crown and the blue inscription “Balmoral Castle.” The letter is addressed: “My dear Moorsom” The recipient is identified as H. M. Moorsom, whose correspondence with Prince Arthur is independently documented in the British Library. The Library catalogue records a collection described as “Letters between H. M. Moorsom, Prince Arthur of Connaught, Knollys and others.” The contents are particularly personal and engaging. Prince Arthur tells Moorsom that he is sending him a haunch of venison from a stag he had personally shot, intended for the mess: “I herewith send you a haunch of venison of my own killing for the mess…” Arthur explains that the stag had been killed on Saturday and expresses the hope that the venison would arrive safely and in suitable eating condition by Monday. The letter concludes: “Yours sincerely, Arthur.” Prince Arthur was only 20 years old when the letter was written. The seventh child and third son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, he subsequently pursued a long military career, was created Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, and later served as Governor General of Canada. A charming and unusually personal royal manuscript providing a direct glimpse into the sporting and private life of the Royal Family at Balmoral, combining the original handwriting and signature of Queen Victoria's son, Balmoral Castle royal stationery, an archivally documented recipient, and engaging content relating to royal hunting and military mess life. The letter is written on a folded double sheet forming four pages, two of which are written.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art