[ Thomas Robinson Ferens, industrialist and politician. ] Five letters (3 ALsS and 2 TLsS, all five 'Thos. R. Ferens') to 'Colonel Milburn' [ Lieut-Col. Charles Henry Milburn ], arranging a meeting with Secretary of State for War Richard Haldane. ]

The five letters total 8pp. The first three letters are in autograph and the last two typed. The first has two punch holes to the first leaf, the collection is otherwise in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. The correspondence relates to the arranging of a meeting between Milburn and the Secretary of State for War Richard Haldane (1856-1928, later 1st Viscount Haldane), apparently with regard to a complaint by Milburn which has lead to him considering resigning from the position of Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant of the 2nd East Riding Yorks Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers)'. Royal Army Medical Corps. In the first letter (1 May), on House of Commons letterhead, he writes that he is returning Milburn's 'papers (as they may be useful to you) & reply from the War Office', which Ferens wishes 'had been of a more satisfactory character'. He urges him not to think of retiring, and 'will take the opportunity of discussing the matter with Mr. Haldane as suggested'. On 21 September he tells Milburn that he has sent his letter to Haldane and has 'urged your claim'. On 25 September he informs him that he has 'wired you the pith of encd. this a.m.; & I also wired Mr. Haldane accepting 18th. Dec with many thanks'. In the first of two typed letters, both from Wilton House, he reports (26 November, addressed to Milburn at 158 Anlaby Road, Hull) that he has received a letter from Haldane, 'saying that the suggested arrangements of his dining with you quite meet his approval. I will therefore look after him and “land” him at the Barracks in time.' He suggests that Milburn have his 'dressing room comfortable, in case he wishes to dress at the Barracks'. In the final letter (11 December, addressed to 'Colonel Milburn, | Artillery Volunteers, Hull') he thanks Milburn for his 'kid suggestion in regard to engaging a room at the Station Hotel but as Mr Haldane is to be my guest I shall be glad to undertake this duty'. He concludes: 'Many thanks for your “tip” in regard to the Suffragettes. We will endeavour, if possible, to keep them outside our meeting.' In an autograph postscript he writes: 'P.S | In case the women bother you you can turn your artillery on them! We shall chuck-em-out.'