[ Connaught Rangers and King's Royal Rifles. ] Autograph Letter Signed to Captain E. A. Grubbe of the Connaught Rangers from Lieut J. G. Surman, praising the regiment and enclosing two photographs, a carte de visite and a view of cavalry training.

Surman had a brief and undistinguished military career. Having trained with the Connaught Rangers, on 30 October 1895 he received a commission in the 9th Royal Rifle Corps, which he resigned a year later, on 20 October 1896. ONE: Autograph Letter Signed from 'J. Gilbert Surman' to Grubbe, in fragment of envelope addressed by him to 'Captain E. A. Grubbe | The Depôt of the Connaught Rangers | Galway'. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. He writes having 'now left the Connaught Rangers to join my own Regiment at the above place. The country is very beautiful, and I have now become acquainted with the Officers of the Regiment'. He praises his commanding officer Colonel Corke-Collis, as well as 'Bell', who is 'a capital fellow, like all the Officers of the Connaught Rangers'. While finding the other officers different from those of the Connaught Rangers, he hopes he will be able to 'like them when I know them better. But I fear you have spoilt me for any other Regiment, for I can sincerely tell you that I have never spent a happier time in my life than the 56 days which I spent amongst you. I can assure you that I have fully appreciated both your own kindness, and that of your brother Officers.' He is sending a photograph, and asks for one in return. He hopes to visit Grubbe at Galway before leaving Ireland, and asks him to visit him and 'Captain Bell' if he can. TWO: Carte de visite by G. V. Yates of Sheffield, depicting the head and shoulders of the male sitter (Surman) in regimental uniform and Busby. In good condition, but with slight horizontal creasing (not overly obtrusive) at foot of photograph. THREE: Faded sepia photograph of cavalry and troops with wagons on a training ground with gas works, factory and hill behind. Around 5 x 7.5 cm, in grey embossed card frame. The photograph in good condition, though faded, in worn frame. From the Grubbe family papers.+