RAJAH

See the entry for Sir Charles Brooke in the Oxford DNB. On one side of an 18 x 9 cm piece of paper, the upper part torn from a larger sheet, with neatly-torn bottom edge resulting in a little loss to the flourish beneath the signature and the tip of the downstroke of the ‘y’ in ‘Harry’. In fair condition, lightly aged, with a central vertical fold. The text, in a bold hand, reads: ‘ “Though obstacles beset you - struggle still!” / Even a worm may climb this highest hill! / Yrs Sly / Harry de Windt’ See Image.

2pp., folio. In a bifolium with title and printer's slug lengthwise on reverse of second leaf, the whole intended to be folded into a packet. First page headed: 'Travancore, 1790, 1794, & 1795. | Letters from Mr. John Hutchinson to the Rajah of Travancore, to Mr. Page, to the Chief of Tellicherry, to the Governor of Bombay, to Lieut. Col. James Hartley, to Mr. James Hutchinson, to Mr. John Forbes, and to Mr. Bury Hutchinson.' Transcripts of eight letters, dating from between 1786 and 1795. Scarce: no copy on COPAC.

Three pages, 4to, some marking, but text clear and complete. Campbell claims to be in "habits of confidence" with "the Nabob's [Nabob of Arcot]" and is requesting that a high level letter give full "redress for grievances" rather than having a "hackneyed stile". The letter contains references to people and events which demand close knowledge of this period of Indian history, particularly revealing of relations with at least one Indian Ruler.