ABYSSINIA

The Duchess’s entry in the Oxford DNB does not mention her work for the Appeal. The three items are from the papers of Rev. A. H. Sayers of Monmouth, a leading member of the League of Nations Union, and from a reference in the first of the two circulars it is clear that the material present here was targeted at members of the clergy. All three items 1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight rust spotting from paperclip. ONE: ALS, undated. With signature ‘Nina Hamilton’ (much larger than the facsimile signatures to Items Two and Three). Clearly a form letter.

Piece of paper cut from letter, c.10 x 3.5cm, good condiiton. Part of text, posibly about travels, survives on verso, "town incur such a large [expenditure?] - on such a secondary question as good drinking water. I told him we would [word lost] him, his action being". On the recto, the subscription reads, "my [wife?] yours in kindest regards | Sincere [?] | H Blanc".

The five items are in good condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. ONE: To Gladys. 2pp., 16mo. Bifolium. Giving personal news. TWO: 2pp., 8vo. He describes matters at Lake Tana: 'At present we are stuck here while the Engineers do their part of the work. I had rather thought as had Pearson that he & I would have to do some travelling round to see various people & give them their presents but the A[byssinian]'s are very suspicious towards us like anything, & they dont want us to separate at all.

Viscount Stratford de Redcliffe, British diplomat (1786-1880; DNB), for many years Ambassador to the Sublime Porte. The recipient, James Finn (died 1872), was British consul at Jerusalem from 1849–1858. 2 pages, 16mo. In good condition. He has sent his correspondent's 'memorandum respecting Abyssinia' to Lord Stanley, 'who is a better judge than I can presume to be of any advantage which might result from putting into practice the suggestions it contains'. He has 'a due sense of the confidence you have shewn me'. Signed 'Stratford de R.'