1
Lambton Castle, Fence Houses. 20 April 1916. My dear Lady Londonderry, You
have written me
a very kind letter; and
so has Birdie. As I have
told her, my one wish was
to show what respect I
could for my old friend
and that I am content
2
If you approved of my
effort. I felt more than
I showed, I hope, and was
terrified of breaking down. Drums We raised a private fund,
to which your Charlie
among others subscribed,
to give bands to our
Territorial Battons. I hope
to see Frank Brown, Hon
Treasurer, on Saturday and
will find out what money
is left. I thought I had
sent a personal cheque
to the 13th, months ago
for band purposes.
However, I will write to
3
you again on Sunday.
I did not know Jake Croft
was a real soldier -
What weather! Ever yours, Durham.
A letter from John Lambton (1855-1928) to Lady Londonderry (1878-1959). In this particular
letter, Durham emotionally thanks Londonderry for previous letter, and discusses their
joint efforts to raise money for the territorial battalions.This letter is part of
a series of correspondence belonging to Lady Londonderry, the wife of Charles Stewart
Vane-Tempest-Stewart (1852-1915), sixth marquess of Londonderry. Lady Londonderry
was appointed colonel-in-chief of the Women's Volunteer Reserve also an active figure
in British politics. Her correspondence includes many important figures in literature,
the arts, the military, law and the church. John Lambton served as the 3rd Earl of
Durham and Lord Lieutenant of that county from 1884 until a few months before his
death in 1928.