Burnaby (Frederick)

Autograph letter signed ('Fred. Burnaby') to a recipient called 'Edward', explaining that a mutual friend has asked him "to submit to you the enclosed article - on mountaineering. She does not wish her name to be mentioned - hence I must not divulge it". Should the article not be wanted, he asks for it to be returned to him at Somerby hall, Oakham. he continues "We are having some nice rows here with the Radicals - Randolph Churchill is in spledid form - I do not think Harcourt will like the birthday present Randolph made him yesterday", two pages, some pencil annotations, 4to, 15 October 1884.

***Frederick Gustavus Burnaby (3 March 1842 – 17 January 1885) was a British Army Intelligence officer. Burnaby's adventurous spirit, pioneering achievements, and swashbuckling courage earned an affection in the minds of Victorian imperial idealists. As well as travelling across Europe and Central Asia, he mastered the art of ballooning, spoke a number of foreign languages fluently, stood for parliament twice, published several books, and was admired and feted by the women of London High Society. His popularity was legendary, appearing in a number of stories and tales of empire.