CUMMING (Lady Constance Frederica Gordon, 1837-1924, Traveller and Author

Long Autograph Letter Signed “your affectionate cousin Eka” to an unnamed correspondent saying that “from my long delay in replying to yours, you wd. never think how welcome it was - as is every bit of reliable news about dear Morayland. but for the last 6 weeks, I have been chiefly occupied in fighting a cold wh. might have proved serious - in this extraordinary mixture of weather, so I acted very wisely and never left the house, reading many newspapers - and old letters. I enclose you a few of their stamps, but I fear that they have already been ransacked... and as to autograph of any ‘distinguished persons’ every one of every sot capable of being so described has already been secured by some zealous autograph hunters. Now even the Postmarks of certain old envelopes are eagerly secured by one lot of collectors including Baz - so doubtless you and Isabella know all about that. I wish I had any news to give you and Isabella - but mine is all purely local - about people of whom you know nothing, and Weather has this beginning of 1919 fairly out-done itself in its varieties of quick change. Deep snow - bitter cold now bright clear sunshine. I have actually been out and now am absurdly tired, so will not try to make a letter...”, 3 sides 8vo., College House, Crieff, 8th April

Constance Frederica “Eka” Gordon-Cumming was a noted Scottish travel writer and painter. Born in a wealthy family, she travelled around the world and painted described scenes and life as she saw them. She was a friend and influencer of the travel writers and artists Marianne North and Isabella Bird. It is possible that she is referring to Isabella Bird in this letter.

Item Date:  1919

Stock No:  42103      £175

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