1964 Candid Personal Letter from Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor The Honourable R.L. Hanbridge

On offer, a letter dated February 11th, 1964 on Lieutenant Governor's Office (Saskatchewan) letterhead. Thanking Mrs. Bothwell for her letter on the Throne Speech, noting it was "my first one.” He also describes his hesitancy in accepting the appointment by the Prime Minister in taking the post, and the impact it would have on his ailing wife. Also included is a small printed Hanbridge card.

The Honorable Robert Leith (Dinny) Hanbidge (1891-1974) was a politician, judge and Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan. From 1911 to 1913, he played football for the Regina Rugby Club (now the Saskatchewan Roughriders). One prominent friend and constant correspondent was John Diefenbaker, Canada’s Prime Minister from 1957 to 1963, who urged Hanbidge to join him in Ottawa. In 1958, Hanbidge won in Kindersley and repeated in 1962, and while a member of Parliament he represented Canada at NATO and Commonwealth conferences. He accepted Diefenbaker's invitation to become the 12th Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan, a position he filled with distinction for an unusual seven-year term (1963-70). The University of Saskatchewan awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in 1968.

The letter measures 8-½ x 11 inches. The ink has faded to a green tone and there are two staple punctures in the upper left corner, as well as some pencil notation in the upper right corner. The accompanying card is 3 x 1-½  inches with identical staple punctures in the upper left corner. Both in Excellent condition.