- "NEARLY TEN YEARS IN INDIA IS TOO MUCH." -

LORD WILLINGDON (Freeman Freeman-Thomas, British Liberal politician and administrator who served as Governor General of Canada and as Viceroy and Governor-General of India, 1866-1941); (PONSONBY (Major-General Sir John, British army officer who commanded the 5th Division during the last year of World War I, and who later served as Governor [GOC] of Madras District, India, 1866-1952).

An original handwritten and signed letter from Lord Willingdon, the future Gvernor General of Canada and Viceroy of India, dated 1st August 1922, WITH an official 1922 visitor's directory for Government House in Ganeshkhind.

Two pieces in total: and one manuscript letter, and one printed directory, laid down back to back on an 37cmx25cm album leaf. The letter, in blue ink on two sides [recto of two leaves of wove paper, final blank page laid down], addressed to 'My dear Ponsonby' on 'Government House' headed paper, with Ooty and date '1 . 8. 22' [1st August 1922] added in manuscript. Signed at foot of last page 'Willingdon'. Size: pages 23cm x 17.5cm. The director printed on card, three pages, with gilt crest at head of first page and gilt bordering. Last blank page laid down. Size: 22cm x 15.5cm. Size of album leaf: 37cm x 25cm.

Very Good overall condition. Both pieces laid down to album leaf on their blank sides, so no loss of MS or printed material. The letter a little age-toned on its first side, and with light folds for mailing, and minor scattered handling marks. The directory in very nice shape with just a few tiny scattered blemishes. Please ask if you require a more detailed condition report, or view gallery images closely.

⁂ The letter from Willingdon was written while he was Governor of Madras. He gives a glimpse of his state of mind when he writes: "I'm getting a very tired old satrap. Nearly 10 years in India is too much."

Provenance: extracted from Ponsonby's personal scrap album compiled during his time in India.