Two 3pp. holograph letters from John Forbes Watson to Frederick Young by WATSON, John Forbes (1827-1892) & YOUNG, Sir Frederick [1817-1913] (provenance) - 1876

1876. No binding. Very Good. Two 3pp. holograph letters from John Forbes Watson to Frederick Young

#1) Autograph letter signed. Three pages, Flat 9 x 7-1/4 inches, folded to 4-1/2 x 7-1/4 inches on India Office blind embossed logo letterhead, dated 4 January, 1876. To Sir Frederick Young. Thanking him for a volume of writing, that addresses the idea of colonial connection in the moment of Free Trade. Acknowledging Young's appreciation of his work on the India Institute, and sharing that his text on the formation of the Colonial Museum in its final draft (‘as soon as it is printed will send you a copy.' ) Watson shares that he has brought the proposed plans to Lord Carnavon's attention, and that ‘they meet with his full approval."

#2 Autograph letter signed. Three pages, Flat 9 x 7-1/4 inches, folded to 4-1/2 x 7-1/4 inches on India Office blind embossed logo letterhead, dated 22 The Mall, Clifton, 5 October 1876. To Sir Frederick Young. Acknowledging the passage of a policy by the Colonial Institute, offering to reimburse costs, and encouraging continued action.

John Forbes Watson was a Scottish physician and writer on India. initially, from 1850, worked for the Bombay Medical service. In 1858 he was appointed Director of the The India Museum in London, and Reporter for the Products of India at the India Office. He held the appointments until 1879. He was involved in the Indian sections of International Exhibitions held in Europe, including London 1862, Paris 1867 and Vienna 1873.

During his work for the India Office and the India Museum, he developed the idea of a ‘portable industrial museum', which led to the publication of the Collections of the Textile Manufactures of India (first series 1866, second series 1872-1877; London) and its companion volume, The Textile Manufactures and the Costumes of the People of India (1866; London).

Sir Frederick Young K.C.M.G., was born on 21 June 1817 in Limehouse, London, the son of George Frederick Young, M.P. He was educated in Homerton before becoming a merchant in London. In 1869 he began an association with the Royal Colonial Institute that was to last for the rest of his life and saw him become the Institute's Vice-President and Honorary Secretary. He was awarded in 1888 with his K.C.M.G. status. Young served as a J.P. and Deputy-Lieutenant. He promoted the permanent union of the colonies with the Mother Country and published works on imperial federation and the empire. He also travelled widely, visiting Canada, Greece, South Africa and Turkey.