Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts Autograph

Autograph letter signed, 1 1/2 pages (both sides - with blank integral leaf), 4,5 x 7 inch, `The Royal Hospital, Dublin` stationery, (Dublin), 10.12.1897, reply letter to "Madam" - concerning the Xmas number of `Home Chat`* and his work `Fourty-one Years in India`**, written and signed in black ink "Grover Cleveland", with a horizontal letter fold and mild signs of age wear - in fine condition.

"Dear Madam,
   Please accept my best thanks for your letter of the 7th instant, and for so kindly sending me the Xmas number of `Home Chat`. I am very pleased to think that you found my `Fourty-one Years in India` sufficiently interesting to prompt you to write such a pretty little story founded / on my reference to the fair haired drummer boy of the 93rd Highlanders. Highlanders. 
   Believe me yours very truly - Roberts"

* `Home Chat` was a popular women's magazine published from 1895 to 1959. It appears that the recipient of the letter had written a story based on Roberts' experiences for the Christmas issue.
** `Forty-One Years in India` is the famous autobiography of Lord Roberts, published in January 1897. The book was a huge success and went through dozens of printings in its first year alone. 
In Victorian literature and military history, the image of the brave drummer boy is a widespread symbol of patriotism and childlike innocence in war. The 93rd Sutherland Highlanders Regiment was a famous Scottish infantry unit, particularly known for the Thin Red Line at the Battle of Balaklava.