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Auction: 21066 - Historical Documents, Postal History and Autographs
Lot: 265

Thailand
King Chulalongkorn of Siam
1884 (8 Aug.) Three page letter written from the Grand Palace (Bangkok) by King Chulalongkorn, King Rama V, signed "Chulalongkorn RS", to "Mrs Alabaster", the envelope initialled "CRS" to the lower left.
The notepaper and accompanying envelope have heavy black borders, and bear the blind embossed Pagoda arms of the King.
The letter of condolence follows the sudden death of Henry Alabaster (1836-1884), private secretary to the King, formerly acting British Consul, who was instrumental in modernising Siam from building roads, bridges, libraries, museums and encouraging the use of updated cartographical techniques. He served as Director of the Royal Museum and Garden.
Alabaster was buried with full honours in the Bangkok Protestant Cemetery where the monument erected on the instruction of King Chulalongkorn is amongst the finest. A photograph thereof is included.
"Dear Madam
No word can express my condolence on hearing the sudden and untimely demise of your husband my most beloved and faithful friend Mr Henry Alabaster who has served in my service for more than ten years since and I am fully aware that he will never quit my service in his life….I have always experienced his best ability intellegense (sic) zeal and devotion to me and my Govt, and I would not find any man of the same virtues I found in him.
Be assure dear Madam, the loss you are now sustained in him is also great to me that it is my unspeakable grief and my entire and sincere sympathy is with you and I really shared your great misfortune.
In consideration of his good service, the various duties imposed upon him of which he had carried out faithfully and devotedly so satisfactory to me that I have directed a pension of £300 per annum be granted unto you throughout your long life as a widow of Mr Alabaster, also the allowance of £200 a year be granted for the education of his two children and his funeral should be conducted with all honours of the first class Phya in my service which he was actually deserved, and also a monument of European style shall erected by me at his burial ground.
In conclusion I beg to assure you that I shall give you any assistance you required for your comfort until you shall reach your home in Europe and I pray that the Providence shall bestow his blessing to you thereby lessening your grief which is so essential to your health that should be preserved in order that you may be able to console and bring up your children to the man of high qualities as their father has been in my own estimation.
Believe me, dear Madam.
Yours very faithfully
Chulalongkorn RS"

Some splitting along the folds, the envelope with faults.

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Sold for
£2,400

Starting price
£950