PROBYN DIGHTON: (1833-1924) British General, Victoria Cross winner for his numerous actions during the Indian Mutiny 1857-58. A small group of three signed letters by Probyn comprising an A.L.S., D M Probyn, four pages, 8vo, n.p. (London), 27^th April 1915, to Lady Campbell, on the printed stationery of Marlborough House, stating that he had sent a mutual acquaintance a service pocket unity book 'which I hope may perhaps be of use to him, dear Boy - He is so keen, he is sure to do well', continuing 'My goodness if I had a son fit to go out, and I thought rather hesitated to go, I am afraid I should pray that he quickly might come to some untimely end at home. Better for him that he should do so, than that he should live to be jeered at, as he deservedly would be to the end of his days wherever he might be, and this big war was talked about'; a T.L.S., D. M. Probyn, with holograph salutation and subscription, two pages (separate leaves), 4to, n.p. (Norfolk), 5^th September 1910, to Thomas H. Thornton, on the printed stationery of Sandringham [House], replying in haste to his correspondent's letter ('I am starting to-night for the North, in attendance on Queen Alexandra') and continuing to inform Thornton 'During our late King's reign, all Patronage questions had to be dealt with through my office. I am not quite certain now whether the Hampton Court Patronage is dealt with by Sir Arthur Bigge, the Private Secretary, or by Sir William Carington, my successor, as Keeper of the Privy Purse', adding that the list of individuals seeking rooms at Hampton Court is a very long one, and remarking 'The distribution of the Hampton Court Patronage I looked upon, in my day, as one of the most painful and disagreeable duties which fell to me: So many were the applicants and so good the cases, but yet so very few could possibly be given favourable replies to their requests'; and a partially printed L.S., with his initials, two pages, 8vo, Pall Mall, London, 25^th August 1877, on the printed stationery of Marlborough House, informing Mrs. Storey that her application on behalf of her son has been noted for consideration by the Prince of Wales. Some very light, minor age wear and a few paperclip rust stains to the typed letter. VG, 3