Details:

Theodor Leutwein autographed manuscript letter (LS), dated April 24, 1897, at Windhoek, German Southwest Africa (present-day Namibia). Written in German on official letterhead of the Kaiserlich Deutsche Landeshauptmannschaft für Südwestafrika (Imperial German Administration for Southwest Africa), the letter concerns colonial administrative matters during Leutwein's tenure as the territory's chief administrator.

The document is written in an elegant German cursive hand and bears Leutwein's signature at the conclusion. Dating from the early period of German colonial administration in Southwest Africa, the letter provides an example of official correspondence from one of Germany's principal colonial officials in Africa.

The document measures approximately 8.25 x 10.25 inches. Fine condition with light age toning, original folds, scattered minor staining, and general handling wear.

Theodor Leutwein (1849–1921) was a German military officer and colonial administrator who served as Landeshauptmann of German Southwest Africa beginning in 1894 and as its governor from 1898 to 1905. He oversaw the expansion of German colonial authority through military campaigns, negotiations, and treaties with Indigenous communities. His administration was marked by increasing conflict over land, colonial settlement, and German control. During the Herero uprising of 1904, Leutwein initially advocated a negotiated settlement but was subsequently replaced in military command by General Lothar von Trotha, whose campaign became central to the Herero and Nama genocide. Leutwein remains a significant figure in the history of German colonialism in Africa.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11705 1419746-1