Beschreibung:

Pelham Francis Warner. Oxford University, Middlesex & England 1894-1920. Two page typed letter on official M.C.C. letterhead dated 14th May 1940 with the odd handwritten annotation in Warner's hand. Addressed to 'Dear Stanhope', the letter covers subjects including reminiscences of Oxford, the anxiety and worry of the War and his cricket work at Lord's. Regarding cricket, Warner remembers the umpire, 'old Thoms... He was a rare character and a very good judge of cricket'. Also 'About that hit for 10 at Winchester... You are quite right in saying that it was a fine glance to leg. So many people accuse me of having bowled a rotten long hop or full pitch!'. Warner also remembers 'Poor Harry Hunt [John Henry Sneyd Hunt, Middlesex 1904-1912] was killed in the last war. He was a great fellow in every way and a fine cricketer especially in the field' and refers to a catch taken by Hunt 'at Lord's in the Middlesex and Lancashire match about 1905. I can see it now. He ran at full speed from his left to straight behind the bowler in front of the Pavilion rails and held a hard drive with his left hand out stretched somewhere about the height of his head... I mentioned it in that book of mine "My Cricketing Life", which was published in 1921. I am afraid you may find it difficult to get today as it is said to be out of print. Publishers never print enough copies of books by cricketers!'. He closes by bemoaning the lack of cricket, 'A big match for the Red Cross which we had arranged for yesterday and today had to be cancelled. I feel like joining the Corps which takes in men up to 60. With a hat on I might pass for less than hat though I am 66'. Signed in ink 'Plum'. Rust marks to corners, small scorch mark to the first page, horizontal and vertical folds affecting the signature, otherwise in good condition. An interesting wartime letter
Stanhope Henry Shekell Haynes was a lawyer who had been at Oxford University around the same time as Warner