Governor of Bermuda from 1977–1980. TLS. (“Peter Ramsbotham”). 1p. 4to. (approximately 8 x 10 inches). Hamilton, 15 September 1980. On embossed Government House stationery. To Dr. Albert Roy (1929–1996), a cancer researcher from Seekonk, Massachusetts.

Dear Dr. Roy,

I have just returned from my vacation in Britain and found your welcome letter awaiting me. I was delighted to hear that you were well pleased with the ceremonies at Government House. It was sad for me, however, that I could not be there myself to greet you and to take part.

Yes, our time in Bermuda is drawing to a close. We leave at the very end of this year – after nearly 3 ½ happy years in these islands. But though I shall be retiring to my home in the south of England, I have every intention of keeping in touch with my friends on the other side of the Atlantic, so I am sure that we will not allow our happy relationship to fade away. 

With warm regards very sincerely Peter Ramsbotham

Ramsbotham worked for the British intelligence agency MI5 during World War II but entered into diplomatic service after the war. He served as ambassador to Iran from 1971 to 1974, ambassador to the United States from 1974 to 1977 and the 124th Governor of Bermuda from 1977 to 1980.

Roy was a frequent visitor to Bermuda, often bringing with him winners of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, established to give young people ‘a sense of responsibility to themselves and their communities’. It is perhaps to ceremonies relating to that award that this letter is referring.

Typed along the top edge is, ‘From: His Excellenc- The Hon. Sir Peter Ramsbotham, GCMG., GCVO’. Accompanied by the original envelope. Folded and in fine condition.

Back to Top