An Original Handwritten and Signed Letter from Major John Francis Burn-Murdoch to a General Whilst commanding the Egyptian Cavalry as a Major in the Royal Dragoons. Dated 1896. A good letter discussing a recent engagement with the enemy and the various charges the regiment made upon the enemy. The letter goes on to discuss waiting for another expedition at a train station and the death of a colleague due to cholera. Major John Francis Burn-Murdoch 1859-1931. Son of Rev Canon Burn-Murdoch and educated at Eton. Joined Royal Dragoons, 1878; served Nile Expedition, 1884-1885; action of Abu Klea; commanded detachment of Camel Corps at El Gubat (medal, two clasps, Khedive star); Adjutant, Royal Dragoons, 1886-1888; passed through Staff College, 1889; Brigade-Major of Cavalry Horse Guards, 1890-91; Brigade-Major Cavalry Brigade. Aldershot, 1891-1894; commanded the Egyptian Cavalry, 1894-1895; 4th class Osmanieh; served in the Dongola Expedition under Sir Herbert Kitchener, 1896; commander the Egyptian Cavalry in the action at Akasheh, 1 May; commanded the Desert Column at battle of Firket, 7 June, and the mounted troops in the pursuit which followed; also at the capture of Suada; the engagement at Haffir and at the capture of Dongola (despatches, Brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel, Khedive medal with two clasps); commanded 1st Royal Dragoons, South Africa, 1899-1901, including battles of Colenso, Spion Kop, Vaal Krantz; Brigadier-General in command of 1st Cavalry Brigade, 1900 1901; present relief of Ladysmith, etc. (despatches six times, Queen’s medal 5 clasps, King’s medal 2 clasps, C.B.); Brevet-Colonel, 1902; Brigadier-General on Staff, commanded Newcastle (Natal) Sub-district South Africa, 1901-1902; Brigadier-General commanding Standerton District, and Inspector of Cavalry Regiments in Transvaal Colony; command of 1st RoyalDragoons,1898-1902; commanding troops at Standardton, 1902-1904; at Potchefstroom, , 1904 1906;Brigade Commander Eastern Mounted Brigade,1908-1912; retired 1912;employed recruiting, Sep. 1914; Commandant Remount Depot, December 1914; Commander Notts and Derby Mounted Brigade, 1915; a Mounted Division, 1915-1 918; Temporary Major-General, 1916 (despatches); Staff Officer Volunteer Services, Northern Command,1918-1919. Size is 200mm x 128mm. Condition is good. Light folding creases. Light foxing.