John French, 1st Earl of Ypres

Field Marshal John Denton French, 1st Earl of Ypres (September 28, 1852 - May 22, 1925), also known as The Viscount French, authentic, autographed vintage important  Boer War-date handwritten letter (ALS), dated "Cape Town [South Africa], May 11, 1901".  French distinguished himself commanding the Cavalry Division during the Second Boer War and later served as the first Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force for the first two years of World War I.

In the letter, to an unnamed French correspondent he addresses as "My dear old Pashe", he writes, in part: "I knew Lord Bobs [Frederick S. Roberts] wouldn't forget you.  Just before returning from our last operations (which took us right down to the Zulu frontier) I got a rather sharp go of Malarial fever which kept me in bed many days and has pulled me down a good deal.  However I have [gone] down river to get some sea air & recruit a bit...Kitchener wanted to make me go home on three months leave but I wouldn't take it.  Having been so long here I am determined to see it through if I can.  The Boers are certainly getting considerable stuff all round now.  I think we have got pretty nearly all their guns.  Prisoners are taken & surrender every day - & they are without doubt very short of ammunition.  These drawbacks, with winter upon them, should greatly damp their ardour! I think the 'class' list is on the whole very satisfactory...the 'relief of Kimberley' class is confined to a space within 7000 yards...which is all in O.B.C. Territory - Douglas Haig [1st Earl Haig] & I get 8 and I think you get 7..."

The letter is written across three panels of the single folded sheet.  The signed letter is in good condition for its age, with separations along two mailing folds, a minor an old rust stain in the top margin, not affecting the text.