[J. H. Thomas, Welsh trade unionist and Labour politician.] Typed Note Signed, as General Secretary of the National Union of Railwaymen, to the future Sir W. D. Ross, written on the eve of the 1919 national rail strike.

See the two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 4to. In good condition, on lightly aged and creased cartridge paper. Folded three times. The letterhead is quite an impressive affair, with an engraving of ‘Unity House’ and lettering in a variety of styles. The letter is addressed to ‘W. D. Ross, Esq., / Oriel College, / Oxford.’ The ink on the ribbon appears to have been running out, as the latter part of the note is faded. It reads: ‘Dear Sir, / I have received your letter of the 18th instant and fully appreciate your object in writing me, but unfortunately I am so full up with engagements at present I cannot possibly give you a date. / Yours faithfully, / [J. H. Thomas] / General Secretary.’ The nine-day rail strike, beginning at midnight on 26/27 September, would end in victory by the union over the government. See Image.