Recalling the love-filled days of yesteryear, Winston Churchill (1874–1965) composed this endearing message to a woman he once asked to be his wife. The former British Prime Minister wrote the affectionate memo just two months after he officially retired from service to Britain and, demonstrating just how special the bond was between Churchill and the recipient of the charming note, the letter is closed, “your ever loving and devoted Winston.” The object of Churchill’s obsession? One Pamela, who careful research reveals was Countess of Lytton, and to whom Churchill proposed in 1901. Scripted on Chartwell, Westerham, Kent letterhead and dated June 30, 1955, in part, the three-page letter (on two sheets) reads, “It was sweet of you to write me your letter about the Guildhall. I am indeed grieved for the cause which prevented you from coming.… They told me that you were ‘a little better.’ I do pray that you are free from pain. I put you letter aside when I got it—as I do my most important or cherished communications, and as alas happens too often, one thing after another put me off from day to day.… Do forgive me for I have wanted to write to you every single day and am ashamed of myself. I wish you could have been at the City show. It is the last public engagement I have, and I am wary of adding to them. But this Guildhall statue was certainly worth the worry these things take me now.… I am getting older now. The trappings of power and responsibility have fallen away, and I totter along in the shades of retirement.… This tardy letter is meant to carry you all my love and every good thought. Please send me a line to say how you are and forgive the stupid delay of your ever loving and devoted (signed) Winston.” All of the statesman’s hand is clear and admits of perfect legibility and the 5 x 8 document itself carries a fine and clean appearance with nearly imperceptible stains on each page (touching only a few words). The impressive relic is accompanied by its original envelope, which was addressed in Churchill’s hand, and bears his initials at lower left. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
