HENRY (MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE V) PETTY-FITZMAURICE - AUTOGRAPH - HFSID 81621

HENRY PETTY-FITZMAURICE (MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE V)
The Marquess pens his name in black ink on this piece of 3x2½ paper
Signature: "Private. / Marquess Lansdowne/ [initials at lower right-hand corner difficult to decipher]", in black ink, 3x2½ paper affixed to larger 3¼x6 piece of paper.Partial history of the Marquess' British title affixed beneath paper featuring signature: "British title borne by the family of Fitzmaurice since 1784. Thomas Fitzmaurice, who died in 1280, was created baron of Kerry. a long succession of barons followed, and in 1722 the 21st baron was made earl of Kerry. the first earl's younger son, john, inherited the estates of his uncle, Henry Petty, earl of Shelburne, and was himself made earl of Shelburne in 1753. his son, the second earl, in 1784 was created marquess of Lansdowne, and the 3rd marquess inherited the earldom of Kerry." Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice (1845-1927) inherited his title as 5th Marquess of LANSDOWNE in 1866. Serving under both Liberal and Conservative governments, Lansdowne held successively the posts of Governor General of Canada (1882-1888), Viceroy of India (1888-1894), Secretary of State for War (1895-1900) and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1900-1905). As War Secretary, he received much criticism for military unpreparedness in the Second Boer War (1899-1902), but he amply redeemed himself as Foreign Secretary, when he negotiated two pacts which secured vital allies: The Anglo-Japanese Alliance of 1902, and the Entente Cordiale with France (1904). Paper on which signature is penned toned and creased. One diagonal crease touches "M", "L", and "d" of signature. Toned. Rounded corners. Otherwise, fine condition.