John MacGregor holograph letter relating to research on his first book "A Thousand Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe"
Date Published: 1866
Binding: No binding
J. MacGregor holograph letter. 4pp. 9 x 7 inches flat 4-1/2 x 7 folded.
Small blind embossed Ivory logo in top left corner.
1 Mitre Building, Temple London, Nov.23, [18]66 Madam, My friend Mr. Nordenfelt writes to me from Stockholm that he has sent to you a copy of a march air used in this Swedish army & he says he hopes you will translate it into English. If you have received the words & can give me a translation the next few days say by Wednesday next it will be in time for use in my new book but if it is late then I fear I must wait until another edition is required. Perhaps you will be good enough to answer this note that I may know if it is mentioned for this address is imperfect.
Yours faithfully, J. MacGregor
Some soilng, old paper repairs, a 1/4 inch hole on p3/4 and signature smudge, otherwise good condition.
In 1866, John MacGregor published A Thousand Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe, which popularised the design and, more importantly, the concept: "in walking you are bounded by every sea and river, and in a common sailing-boat you are bounded by every shallow and shore; whereas, ...a canoe [can] be paddled or sailed, or hauled, or carried over land or water". John MacGregor nicknamed Rob Roy after a renowned relative, was a Scottish explorer, travel writer and philanthropist. He is generally credited with the development of the first sailing canoes and with popularising canoeing as a sport in Europe and the United States. He founded the British Royal Canoe Club (RCC) in 1866 becoming its first Captain and also founded American Canoe Association in 1880.
MacGregor worked as a barrister in London, and was an accomplished artist who drew all the illustrations in his travel books.
Good. Item #5888
$195.00 USD
$264.73 CAD