[ Eric Forbes-Robertson, artist. ] Three Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Eric') to his daughter Ida ('Idzie'), written while serving with the Royal Artillery during the First World War.

Author: 
Eric Forbes-Robertson (1865-1935), artist and brother of the Shakespearian actor Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson [ his daughter Ida ('Idzie') Forbes-Robertson ] [ Royal Artillery ]
Publication details: 
The first two on Royal Artillery letterheads of the 'R. A. MESS, | SHOEBURYNESS.' 19 October and 19 November 1916. The third on letterhead of the Prince of Wales' Hospital for Convalescent Officers, Marylebone [ London ]. 7 March 1917.
£220.00
SKU: 19082

The three items are in good condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: 19 October 1916. 2pp., 8vo. In envelope with postmark and stamp, addressed by him to his daughter at 48 Hogarth Road, South Kensington. Referring to his wife the Polish artist Janina Flamm, he regrets that he cannot 'come home for dear Janias birthday' as he cannot get leave. He is enclosing 2s 6d each for her and her brother 'Phip' [Philippe Forbes-Robertson] and sister 'Cecilia' to get presents for their mother. He sends best wishes to his brothers Leonard and Johnston. He has not seen 'a Zepp but they have been seen from here. I was in bed when the last one was brought down & heard the people cheering'. He ends by assuring her that he will 'think about that mouse'. TWO: 19 November 1916. 2pp., 8vo. After apologising that he has 'no time to write' he stresses: 'Phips & Cecilia are to go on with their art work, & are on no account to do any war work.' He expects 'to be sent off to East Coast of Scotland at any moment as my men are ready. I shall have a very fine gun - I shall not be able to leave the station as I shall be the only officer in charge'. He ends with affectionate wishes to his family: 'I may not see you for a very long time, but I am always thinking of you. | I hope dear mother is well & is not worrying too much about things.' THREE: 7 March 1917. He hopes that she has 'got to like your school' and is working hard and doing her very best 'to please everyone in authority in the convent'. He is 'in this wonderful Convalescent Hospital where there are about 700 officers, and I assure you that the rules here are far more strict than at your school'. He describes how he is 'only allowed out between the hours of 1p.m. & 6p.m.', and that he has to go to bed at 10p.m., 'which for me, as you know is very early. But every thing is done to make me as comfortable as possible'. Also present is the printed Witness Summons of County of London Coroner S. J. Oddie, completed in pencil and signed by the constable 'C Jefferies', summoning Ida to Horseferry Road Coroner's Court to give evidence regarding the death of her father (in a motor accident), dated 11 March 1935. 1p., landscape 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged.