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Auction: 20001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - conducted behind closed doors
Lot: 1095

The superb Bestowal Certificates and correspondence of Sir James Thomson, K.C.S.I., Governor of Madras, a key colonial administrator during the high-water-mark of British India, comprising:

(i)
The Bestowal Certificate appointing Thomson as a Knight Commander of the Star of India (dated 17 June 1901), 670 x 480 mm, vellum, with related confirmation letters.

(ii)
A small certificate confirming Thomson's appointment as a Member of the Indian Civil Service, Madras Presidency (dated 5 September 1871).

(iii)
A letter signed by the Raja of Cochin, confirming Thomson's appointment as Governor of Fort St. George (dated Triponittura Palace, 29 June 1904), in its original 'Cochin Durbar' envelope addressed to 'His Excellency the Honourable Mr. J. Thomson, I.C.S., C.S.I.'

(iv)
Two large hand-painted Certificates signed by the Maharaja of Travancore, the first confirming to Thomson the appointment of Mr. James Andrew as Resident at his Durbar at Trivandrum Palace (dated 23 November 1904); the second stating the Maharaja's wish for 'intimate relations of alliance and friendship happily subsisting between the British government and this state' (dated 20 June 1904), both Certificates in their original envelopes addressed to 'His Excellency The Honourable Sir James Thomson', with their original red wax seals bearing the Maharaja's cipher, each of 80mm diameter.

(v)
An original concert programme for the recital laid on for the Prince and Princess of Wales at Madras on 25 January 1906.

(vi)
A full colour 'Times of India' street map of Bombay, circa 1900, 780 x 485mm, paper, folded.

(vii)
The recipient's University of Aberdeen Masters Certificate (dated 1868); a later University of Aberdeen Certificate on vellum, awarding Thomson an honorary Doctorate (dated 1905).

(viii)
Over forty stamped envelopes containing Thomson's personal letters.

James Thompson was born on 6 July 1848, the son of John Thomson of Cults, Aberdeenshire. Educated at the local Grammar School, he graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a Masters degree in 1868 and qualified for the Indian Civil Service the following year. Thompson arrived in India in 1871, serving initially as Assistant Collector in the Madras Presidency. Taking up residence at 'Morrison's Garden', Madras, he rose to Head Assistant Collector in 1882, Sub-Collector in 1885, and Collector in 1889. In 1895, Thompson became Resident for the Travancore and Cochin States. Two years later he was appointed to the Board of Revenue for the Madras Presidency, joining the Madras Legislative Council in 1898. With Oliver Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill temporarily holding the role of Viceroy of India, Thompson took his place as Governor of Madras from 30 April to 13 December 1904. In 1908, Thompson was nominated to the council of the Secretary of State for India. He died in 1929.

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Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£210