Letter written by Utsunomiya Taro Written to Colonel Davidson in London
[Japan] A well-written letter in English by Saga-born Japanese Army General Taro Utsunomiya (1861-1922) whilst serving as military attaché at the Japanese Legation in London. In January 1901, he was appointed military attaché at the Japanese Embassy in the UK. While in London, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in January 1903, and to colonel in March 1905. During this time, he supported Akashi Genjiro, military attaché at the Japanese Embassy in Sweden, in his subversive activities to weaken Russia (the so-called Akashi operation) during the Russo-Japanese War. In March 1906, he returned to Japan and became a director at the Army War College and was soon after awarded the Order of the Golden Kite, Third Class. In January 1909 he was promoted to major general, lieutenant general in May 1914, and general in November 1919. He became a military councillor in 1920 and died in 1922 in that position.
The letter is written on a 'Japanese Legation 4, Grosvenor Gardens, London, S.W.' letterhead, dated 29th Sept 1905 and reads, 'Dear Colonel Davidson, I had the greatest honour the other day. I can not fully express my deep feeling of gratitude for His Majesty's Grace. I only hope I will be able to do something for His Majesty and His Country if need occurs. I thank you very much for your kindness during my stay. I just received the album which you so kindly send me. I will keep it for ever. I am sending you a small Japanese article which I hope you will be good enough to accept. Let me express again my deepest gratitude for your most August Sovereign's Grace. Yours truly, T. Utsunomiya'.
Colonel Davidson is almost certainly equerry Arthur Davidson (1856-1922), who became assistant private secretary to King Edward VII.
London. 29th Sept. 1905.
One single sheet. 20.1 x 12.6cm (when folded).
In very good condition with only minor age wear. nb37010008
