1907 Letter and Signature of Governor General John Murray Kynynmond Elliot Gilbert, 4th Earl of Minto

On offer, a letter from Arthur F. Sladen dated 13 May 1901 on Government House Ottawa letterhead, sending a card of the Governor General's autograph (present).

Arthur F. Sladen was the private secretary to the Governor General, Earl of Minto.

John Gilbert (1845-1914), 4th Earl of Minto, long before his vice-regal appointment, spent several years in Canada serving as an Aide-de-camp to General Middleton during the North West Rebellion. After serving as Governor General of Canada from 1898 to 1904, Lord Minto became the Viceroy of India in 1905, where he instituted many reforms and carried on the traditions he had established in Canada. He retired to England in 1910 and, for his lifetime of service, was made a Knight of the Garter.

The signature is on a 4-¾ x 2 inch paper, age toned with opposing corners torn. On the reverse is some residue from mounting and anachronistic notation. The letter is on black-bordered Gov’t House letterhead with fold creases beginning to tear, and some discolouration at the top. Evidence of mounting on the reverse. Both are in Good condition.