Author: MacGregor, John "Rob Roy" (1825-1892). Scottish explorer who practically invented the "sport" of canoeing or kayaking.
Title: Autograph Letter Signed by the Scottish Sportsman & Explorer John Macgregor, Who Is Said to Have Practically Invented the "Sport" of Kayaking.
Description: Temple, (London), February 23, circa [1860's], [1860's]. - Approximately 30 words penned on 6 inch high by 3-7/8 inch wide creamy white paper. MacGregor writes thanking the recipient for her "note & the Resolution of the Committee". He goes on to outline the numerous lectures he is scheduled to give at the price of 50 pounds and 100 pounds each. Signed "J. MacGregor". Once folded for mailing, the corners are clipped and the note has been mounted with glue from the verso onto a slightly larger sheet of paper. Very good.

Nicknamed "Rob Roy" after his famous relative, John MacGregor (1825-1892) was a Scottish sportsman, explorer, and travel writer. He is said to have practically invented the "sport" of kayaking, then known as canoeing, through his travels, books and magazine articles. MacGregor worked as a barrister in London, specializing in patent law, and pursued his passion to travel throughout several parts of the world. Introduced to canoeing while visiting the U.S. and Canada, MacGregor designed a double-ended canoe decked in cedar covered with rubberized canvas. Much as with modern kayaks, MacGregor's canoe has an open cockpit in the center and was propelled by a double-bladed paddle. He named his canoe the "Rob Roy" after his famous or infamous relative. He undertook canoe trips through Scandinavia, Jordan, Egypt, and the Baltic, some of which he featured in his book "A Thousand Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe on Rivers and Lakes of Europe". A gifted artist, he illustrated his own books. MacGregor founded the British Royal Canoe Club in 1866 and the American Canoe Association in 1880. Very good .

Keywords: TRAVEL; EXPLORATION; SPORTS; SPORTING; CANOEING; KAYAKING; JOHN MACGREGOR; NINETEENTH CENTURY; 19TH CENTURY; EXPLORER; TRAVEL WRITER; AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED; SIGNATURE; TEMPLE, LONDON; CANOE; KAYAK; THE ROB ROY; VOYAGES.

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