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Auction: 24025 - Historical Documents Featuring the Major David Cecil Underwood Jr Collection of Royal Visits to India 1876-1906
Lot: 216

Great Britain
Boy Scouts
Robert Baden Powell (1857-1941)
1909 Two page autograph letter written on notepaper of "The Castle, Richmond, Yorks"., additionally from 32 Princes Gate, (London )SW, to Colonel Sir Arthur Davidson, Assistant Private Secretary to King Edward VII. Baden Powell, founder of the Boy Scout movement asks for the King's support:
"On Saturday next 4th Sept. the Boy Scouts are holding their first annual Parade & Sports, at the Crystal Palace.
Do you think that His Majesty could care to encourage the movement by sending a message to the boys.
We have nearly 200,000 now in Great Britain, and a good many thousands in the Colonies (The Boy Scouts training has been officially adopted in Canada and is being considered in Australia and New Zealand). Our teaching specially incalcates loyalty to the King, & Patriotism, as well as the individual development of 'character', and chivalry and helpfulness to others.
This year we have had camps all over the country for instruction in woodcraft, cooking, pioneering, lifesaving, signalling and seamanship; and a large number of boys owning bicycles are under engagement to serve the King if called upon on any national emergency.
We earn our funds by work and not by begging. The movement is 18 months old and is spreading rapidly.
If His Majesty approves of it and could care to send us a message of appreciation it would be a very great incentive and encouragement to both the officers and the boys in carrying out their duty to him.
Yours very truly
Rss Baden Powell"
A significant, historic and unique letter written soon after the establishment of the Boy Scout movement, that has had continuous support from the Royal Family, (left margin with remains of a paper hinge, as removed from an album, not detracting in any way).

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Estimate
£4,000 to £4,500

Starting price
£3000