BOTHA LOUIS: (1862-1919) South African Politician, the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa 1910-19. L.S., Louis Botha, two pages, 8vo, Pretoria, 22nd March 1907, to Mr. [Arthur] Lynch, on the printed stationery of the Prime Minister's office. Botha states that he read his correspondent's letter with 'feelings of genuine pleasure' and adds that he wishes 'to express my cordial thanks for your sincere congratulations' which are very much appreciated. VG Arthur Lynch (1861-1934) Irish Australian Civil Engineer, Physician, Journalist, Author, Soldier, Anti-Imperialist & Polymath. Lynch was sympathetic with the Boers upon the outbreak of the Second Boer War and travelled to South Africa as a war correspondent. He met Louis Botha in Pretoria and raised the Second Irish Brigade to fight against the British, an act for which he was tried for treason and sentenced to death, but later pardoned. Botha had been appointed Prime Minister of the Transvaal on 4th February 1907 in the month before the present letter.

Category:
Colonial Africa from the Collection of a South African Gentleman