GIFT FOR CHURCHILL AUCTION

Southland Times, Issue 24832, 26 August 1942, Page 4

GIFT FOR CHURCHILL AUCTION

Autographs of Famous People An interesting and valuable gift for the Churchill Auction has been received by the city librarian, Mr H. D. Farnall, from Mr A. Robertson, of Spey street. It is an album of autographs of famous people. The collection is extensive and representative of people in many walks of life. On page one there are signatures of Queen Victoria and of her uncle, King George IV. Another interesting signature is that of Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, wife of John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, ancestor of Mr Winston Churchill and one of England’s most famous generals. The document to which the signature is attached is dated December 5, 1739. Another interesting document is dated, Naples, September 20, 1798, and reads: “Please to pay to Vincenzo Sabatino the sum of six hundred ducats on account and place the same to my account current.” The document is signed by Sir William Hamilton, who was British Ambassador at Naples. His wife, Lady Hamilton, is remembered in history because of her friendship with Lord Nelson. Politicians, authors, poets, journalists, artists, actors, scientists, soldiers and religious leaders are represented in the album, in many cases by letters written in their own hands.