Description:

JOHN DENTON FRENCH
(1852-1925) English soldier; distinguished himself in the Nile expedition of 1884, and by his success as cavalry commander in the Great Boer War. Important Boer War-date A.L.S. "J.D.P. French" 3pps. 4to. Capetown, [South Africa], May 11, 1901, to an unnamed correspondent, who French addresses as "My dear old Pashe", in part: "...A thousand thanks for your note...Let me also heartily congratulate you on the well earned business you have received and in getting this appnt. which I was delighted to hear about. I knew Lord Bobs [Frederick S. Roberts] wouldn't forget you. Just before returning from our last operations (which took us right down to the Zulu frontier) I got a rather sharp go of Malarial fever which kept me in bed many days and has pulled me down a good deal. However I have[gone] down river to get some sea air & recruit a bit...Kitchener wanted to make me go home on 3 months leave but I wouldn't take it. Having been so long here I am determined to see it through if I can. The Boers are certainly getting considerable stuff all round now. I think we have got pretty nearly all their guns. Prisoners are taken & surrender every day - & they are without doubt very short of ammunition. These drawbacks, with the winter upon them, should greatly damp their ardour! I think the 'class' list is on the whole very satisfactory...the 'relief of Kimberley' class is confined to a space within 7000 yards...which is all in O.B.C. Territory - Douglas Haig [1st Earl Haig] & I get 8 and I think you get 7...'.' Some minor splitting at folds, and an old rust stain in the top margin, not affecting text, otherwise in very good condition. Included with a vintage postcard of French in full regalia.

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May 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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