19th C. Manuscript Letter and Signature by Scottish Victoria Cross Recipient Major General Sir John Carstairs McNeill

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On offer is an Autographed Signed Letter (ASL) of Major General Sir John Carstairs McNeill (1831-1904). Dated Monday, [no month, no year], McNeill writes asking "Dear Old Man" to c onvey a message to his "Missus" about something to do with (what appears to say) "H.R.H." (His Royal Highness). McNeill signs the letter at the bottom. John Carstairs McNeill was was a Scottish recipient for the Victoria Cross for bravery in New Zealand, when he was Lt Col., 107th Regiment, Ohaupo, (30 March 1864). For the valour and presence of mind which he displayed in New Zealand, on the 30th of March, 1864, which is thus described by Private Vesper, of the Colonial Defence Force. Private Vosper states that he was sent on that day with Private Gibson, of the same Force, as an escort to Major (now Lieutenant- Colonel) McNeill, Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant-General Sir Duncan Cameron. Lieutenant-Colonel McNeill was proceeding to Te Awamutu on duty at the time. On returning from that place, and about a mile on this side of Ohanpu, this Officer, having seen a body of the enemy in front, sent Private Gibson back to bring up Infantry from Ohanpu, and he and Private Vosper proceeded leisurely to the top of a rise to watch the enemy. Suddenly they were attacked by about 50 natives, who were concealed in the fern close at hand. Their only chance of escape was by riding for their lives, and as they turned to gallop, Private Vesper's horse fell and threw him. The natives thereupon rushed forward to seize him, but Lieutenant-Colonel McNeill, on perceiving that Private Vosper was not following him, returned, caught his horse, and helped him to mount. The natives were firing sharply at them, and were so near that, according to Private Vesper's statement, it was only by galloping as hard as they could that they escaped. He says that he owes his life entirely to Lieutenant-Colonel McNeill's assistance, for he could not have caught his horse alone, and in a few minutes must have been killed. The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories. Letter measures 8 x 5 inches, from a piece of paper 8x10 inches that has been folded in half. Autograph letter signed. One page of writing. Age toning and minor folds present. Show more