[Ben Purse [Benjamin Ormond Purse], trade unionist and campaigner for the rights of blind people.] Typed Letter with cyclostyled signature, to Carmichael Thomas, describing his ‘interests’ while asking for help in joining the Royal Society of Arts.

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 4to. In good condition, lightly aged and with two creases from folding for postage. Addressed to ‘Carmichael Thomas, Esq., / Mount Cottage, / Borough Green, / Kent.’ Cyclostyled signature of ‘Ben Purser.’ Begins: ‘For some time I have been desirous of becoming a member of the Royal Society of Arts. Mentioning this matter to your daughter a few days ago, Miss Thomas thought that if I wrote you in this connection you might possibly be able to arrange this matter for me. I should much appreciate your good offices in this matter.’ He goes on to ‘say something of myself and my interests’ in a twelve-line paragraph beginning: ‘For a considerable number of years I have done journalistic work, mostly concentrating upon the solution of the many social and industrial problems confronting the Blind community.’ After this he stresses: ‘As I have previously stated, most of my activities have been confined to dealing with the Blind problem, and my present appointment at the National Institute for the Blind is that of Superintendent of Civilian After-Care.’