James Butler

[neddy]

May Blossoms 1895

In connection with the coming visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to Sheffield on May 11th

for the purpose of opening the new building of the Public Hospital and Dispensary,

James Butler,a Sheffield lad, the son of a labourer at the steel works of Mr H Bessemer and Co.

wrote to the Duchess saying that he had read of the visit and adding, " I should think it a great honour

to present you with a bunch of May blossom if you wish so. I am a poor Sheffield boy, aged 14 years old "

The following reply has been recieved:- " York House, St. James Palace S.W. Lady Eva Greville is desired

by her Royal Highness the Duchess of York to acknowledge Mr. James Butlers letter, and to say how sorry

she is that she cannot accept his kind offer of flowers. Her Royal Highness is touched by his kind thought,

but she regrets that she is obliged to refuse so many kind offers that she cannot make an exception.

Mr. James Butler, 6 Haddon-terrace, Woodside-lane, Pitsmoor Sheffield.