Robert Baden-Powell | Autograph letter signed, to George Kekevich, during the siege of Mafeking, 1899

Robert Baden-Powell

Autograph letter signed, to George Kekevich, 22 November 1899

Baden-Powell writes whilst under siege that the enemy “…have closed around us – at a respectful distance…doing us no harm”, noting that his men are presently “lying low” whilst asserting that “in the few scraps we have had we have been exceedingly lucky in our bags” (such that “they have accordingly nicknamed Mafekeng as ‘very vicious’”), then referring to the need for provisions to be sent from the Cape once the siege ends, he notes that “the natives here especially will be in a state of want”, 2 pages, 8vo, official army autograph envelope, endorsed in blue pencil on the face by the commandant at Vryburg, on the verso ‘found on the veldt near Gunysa Bechuanaland’, postmarked ‘Vryburg, Sep 8 1900’ and ‘Mafeking Sept. 10 1900’, weakened at folds, tape repairs to recto, small tear to top left corner, light staining

In 1899, Baden-Powell had been despatched in order to raise two regiments for the defence of Bechuanaland and Matebeleland. He was in Mafeking when it was besieged by General Cronje. Baden-Powell sustained the siege for 217 days, until it ended with the relief of Mafeking on 17 May 1900. Colonel Robert Kekevich (1854-1914) was the defender of Kimberley between 15 October 1809 and 15 February 1900.

PROVENANCE:

Christie's London, 29 June 1995, lot 487