SCOUTS

‘Scouting for Boys’ did not begin its serialized publication until January 1908, but Baden-Powell’s entry in the Oxford DNB states that it was Haldane, as Secretary for War, who ‘persuaded him that character training should be at the centre of any scheme of boy instruction’, following a ‘major inspection’ of the Boys’ Brigade by him as Vice-President at Glasgow in April 1904. 1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight creasing and a short closed tear to one edge. Reads: ‘Dictated. / 23rd. May 1906. / Dear General Baden-Powell, / Thank you for your letter.

Poyser was the author of the first 'Official Song-book of the Scout Movement', 'The Scout Song Book' (1912). He published a history of the Tower of London in 1908, 'when I was Master of the Music of the Collegiate Church of Allhallows Barking-by-the-Tower, City of London'. For more information, see The Times, 3 August 1964 ('Roll of Honour for Scouts'). 125 items, including letters, programmes, drawings, postcards, invitations, newspaper and magazine cuttings, relating to the Boy Players and 1st City of London Scout Troop.

Bold Signature on piece of paper, 9 x 2.5cm, laid down on detached album leaf c.17.5 x 11.5cm, sl marked but mainly good, clear.

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly-aged. He begins by thanking him for his reminder: 'Yes I should like A<?>'s laying up policy renewal - we should not set out till July'. He reports that they have 'found winter quarters' with 'fresh air & quiet', but not 'near some port for steam coaches &c.' They expect to stay there 'till Parliament calls us to London. | Let me know what I can do to help your Bill for the Autumn'.

On one side of a 5.5 x 20 cm strip of laid paper, cut away from the bottom of a letter. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, with traces of mount adhering to the reverse. Reads, in a firm attractive hand: 'Yours very sincerely | John Hassall.'