PRINCE HENRY TALKS ABOUT AVIATION IN THE FORCES HENRY (of Prussia, 1862-1929, Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy, Son of Friedrich III and Victoria, Empress Frederick)

Long Autograph Letter Signed, in English, to Sir Edward Hobart SEYMOUR, (1840-1929, Admiral of the Fleet), returning "every possible good wish" for the New Year, when last in England the writer was "so busy arranging for this year's motor competition that I was unable to look you up", but has "of late been told off to represent the Emperor", his brother, "at the Kings coronation, which I am particularly glad of ... I certainly shall try ... to have a quiet yarn with you!", as to aviation, "the fact, that I am 'unemployed' & that germans needed some encouragement, made me take up this sport" to which "I find that a naval man is particularly predisposed, & I am trying to get the navy to take more interest ... The French are far ahead of us and we must catch them up", however, he does not believe "flying machines can be of any use to the navy", though "of some limited use to the army already today. The motors are somewhat unreliable" but he is sure "all of us will be able to design thoroughly trustworthy engines", he turns to marine "combustion" engines, "We have not yet accomplished anything beyond 850 H.P. but are designing ... much larger" Diesels, which he is sure will do away with steam "& the slavery the wretched stokers have to undergo nowadays", ending "The Princess ... wishes to be remembered ... considering herself an old acquaintance if not a friend", crowned red 'H', 4 sides 10" x 8", Kiel, 6th January

Prince Henry's wife was his cousin Princess Irene, daughter of Princess Alice of Hesse, and granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
In 1897, Prince Henry had been sent out with a squadron to take possession of the territory leased by China to Germany, in amends for the murder of two missionaries, and remained till November 1899. In the same years, Sir Edward was C-in-C, British Squadron in China, based at Chusan, then Wei-hai-wei, and the two got to know and like each other. In 1900 Sir Edward was deeply involved in putting down the Boxer rising.

Item Date:  1911

Stock No:  53961      £275

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