ROBERTS, Frederick Sleigh, 1st Earl (1832-1914). Field Marshal.
Autograph Letter Signed to Lady Symons, 4 pages 8vo (some slight foxing), Mackellar's Hotel, 17 Dover Street, Piccadilly, 22 October 1899. Offering condolences on the recent wounding (20 October) of her husband, Sir William Penn Symons (1843-1899).
A brave but rather rash soldier, Symons was shot in the stomach while leading an attack on Talana Hill. The red pennant carried by his aide-de-camp made the enemy's task all the easier. The day after this letter was written, Symons died from his wounds.

'... how delighted I was to see him in a position in which I felt he would do full justice to the character he bears as an able and experienced soldier. Sir George White's short telegram shows how admirably Symons planned and carried out the attack on the Boer's position ...'

Together with a contemporary stereoscope of Symons's grave in Dundee.
[No: 23972]