Autograph letter signed by Geologist Sir Archibald Geikie dated 1907

GEIKIE, Sir Archibald (1835–1924). Autograph Letter Signed to British Army officer Sir Frederick Maurice. The Athenæum, Pall Mall, 18 March 1907.
 
Single bifolium on printed Athenæum Club notepaper, written in ink on the first and second pages.
Small tear to lower blank of third page; mounting remnants and light surface disturbance to verso; usual central fold; otherwise, very good.
 
A club letter from Sir Archibald Geikie, geologist and former Director-General of the Geological Survey, later President of the Royal Society, congratulating Sir Frederick Maurice (1841–1912), soldier, military historian, and professor at the Staff College, on his election to the Athenæum Club.
 
Geikie writes “Hooray!” and reports that Maurice was elected “not only at the head of the poll but without a single black ball — an event which has not happened for years”, noting that other candidates received between two and six black balls. Acting as teller, he describes announcing to the expectant company after the barrier the formal declaration of Maurice’s election, followed by applause for the complete absence of opposition. A smart Edwardian club election between these two notables.