Author: SMILLIE, Robert (1857-1940)
Title: Typed Letter Signed
Description: This Scottish trade union figure and socialist leader, a founder of the British Labour Party, headed the Scottish Miners Federation and fought for coal miners rights. TLS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Larkhall, Scotland, 6 July 1929. Addressed to H.K. Weyner. Near fine. Interesting letter to an American admirer who asks "if I could give you a specimen of my hand writing, as you are interested in this matter being a student of graphology.. I have never been much of a writer at any time, as I was denied the right to an early education and as years roll on, I am afraid that matter are getting worse with me, as my hand is now very shaky, as the result of rheumatics.." Transmits (not present) "a short quotation from Russell Lowell, which is one of my favourites.." Nicely (and not shakily) signed in brown ink. Smillie was orphaned early and went to work at age nine to help support his family, so struggled to educate himself as a juvenile. Most unusual. .

Keywords: Labor & Reform


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