Earl of Lytton [Edward Robert Bulwer Lytton], Viceroy of India 1876-1880

An formal letter signed Lytton, dated  23rd May 1878, written in a fine palace sript hand on two sides of a folio sheet of stout paper headed with the Royal Arms embossed in gold. The letter is addressed to Her Highness Nawab Shah Jehan Begum, G.C.S.I., Bhopal. The Viceroy thanks the Begum for offering to put the resources of her State and the services of her considerable troops at the disposal of the Government of India. He is particulalry warm in his thanks, addressing her as My friend! and saying, I tender you my thanks and it will give me great pleasure to convey to Her Majesty the Queen Empress this fresh proof of your attachment to her Empire. 

The letter is in good sound condition with one extra horizontal fold so that it fits the folder. Also in the folder is a true copy letter dated 8th June 1878 from the Under Secretary to the Government of India conveying instructions from the Viceroy, following  a receipt of a telegraph from the Queen Empress expressing that Her great satisfaction at the loyal and spontaneous offers of Troops on the part of many of the Princes and Chiefs of India may be communicated to each of the States concerned. There are several other related letters and notes included in the folder, written in local script, some countersigned by British officials. Some of these may be translations of letters received or sent.

Lytton’s reign as Viceroy [1876-80] was a time of unrest in Europe [Russo-Turkish War, etc] and fears of Russian threats through Afghanistan. Lytton took a very strong position against Afghanistan, leading eventually to the 2nd Afghan War. It is worth noting that the rulers of Bhopal were originally of Afghan origins.     may11/1

A group of documents which could well repay further research, especially for someone with greater language skills.