Description:

Yat-sen Sun 1866 - 1925 Sun Yat-sen ALS reflecting on his kidnapping by Chinese diplomats, 1897

Chinese Revolutionary leader and President of the Republic China Sun Yat-sen ALS scripted in English, 1 page 8vo, 8 Gray's Inn Place, [London], June 21, 1897. Bi-fold cream notepaper with Victoria Vellum watermarks, each page measuring 4.375" x 6.875". In very fine condition with expected folds. In this correspondence, Yat-sen refers to controversy in the British government concerning his own kidnapping the year before in London orchestrated by Chinese diplomats. He also mentions plans to go to America. The letter reads:

"The number of 'The Times' in which the question made in the House of Commons concerning of my kidnapping is that of the 16th of February. I am in a point of view to leave this country at the end of this month for America. I should like to see you once more before I do if I can. If not let me bid fairwell [sic] to you now. Yours truly Sun Yat Sen."

This letter dates from rather early in his political career. In 1895, following Japan's victory in its war with China, Sun Yat-sen made the first of his many attempts to instigate a revolution, in Canton. Unsuccessful, he had to flee China. The following year, in London, he was kidnapped by the Chinese legation of Great Britain and held for ten days; his abduction understandably became a political issue in Britain. Sun remained in exile until 1911, when the Manchu dynasty fell and his return to China was met with great acclaim. Sun Yat-sen is very rare in any form, especially as an autograph letter signed, and with very interesting content such as this. Fine condition. From the Robert Batchelder collection; priced by him at $4,500.

Provenance:

This remarkable piece is offered directly from the estate of Robert Batchelder, one of the most important dealers of the 20th century, who began collecting autographs and historical documents in the late 1960's. Each piece will include Robert's original description indicating the retail price which could have been 20 years ago, in addition to his inventory folder containing his handwritten notes. Robert's highly diverse background and amazing achievements include a long list of important societal memberships. Examples worthy of note include an honorary membership to the Society Cincinnati as well as memberships to the Manuscript Society, the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America), the ANA (American Numismatic Association), the PAGCA (Pennsylvania Antique Gun Collectors Association), the PADA (Professional Autograph Dealer Association), and the UACC (Universal Autograph Collectors Club). He was a graduate of University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and served in the U.S. Army Air Force.

A portion of the commission on Batchelder lots will be donated to the Alzheimer's foundation in his memory.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000