Title: 1915 TLS by Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden to J. Emery McLean — Mention of R. B. Bennett’s Arrival

Description:
A Typed Letter Signed (TLS) by Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden, dated December 29, 1915, on official Prime Minister’s Office, Canada stationery with the red-printed crest at top. Addressed to J. Emery McLean, Esq., in New York, the letter references the arrival (or expected arrival) of “Mr. Bennett” at St. John on Christmas Day and notes that Borden has sent a note to be passed along upon his arrival in Ottawa, urging McLean’s request for January 11. The letter is signed in bold ink, “R. L. Borden,” and remains in excellent condition with crisp type and slight handling wear.

Full Transcription:

Prime Minister’s Office
Canada
Ottawa, Ont. December 29th, 1915

My dear Mr. McLean,—

Your letter of the 26th inst. is before me. Mr. Bennett is said to have landed at St. John on Christmas Day but he has not yet reached Ottawa. I have written a note which he will receive on his arrival urging your request for the 11th January.

Yours faithfully,
(signed) R. L. Borden

J. Emery McLean, Esq.,
527 Fifth Avenue,
New York, N.Y.

Historical Context & Verification:
The “Mr. Bennett” referenced is very likely Richard Bedford Bennett—commonly known as R. B. Bennett—who at that time was serving as Prime Minister Borden’s assistant in London (appointed in July 1915) and was instrumental in coordinating Canada’s support for Britain during World War I activehistory.ca+5en.wikipedia.org+5thecanadianencyclopedia.ca+5.

While there is no direct passenger or arrival manifest confirming Bennett landed at Saint John on Christmas Day 1915, such an arrival pattern would align with travel routes between Britain and Canada during harsh winter months, which often relied on the ice-free port at Saint John canadagenweb.orgbac-lac.gc.ca. Thus, the reference in the letter is plausible and contextually consistent with Bennett’s known activities and the transportation practices of the era.

Closing Appeal:
This TLS connects two pivotal figures in Canadian history—Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden and future Prime Minister R. B. Bennett—during the critical period of World War I. The reference to Bennett’s arrival in St. John adds a layer of intrigue and historical depth, making the letter a significant collectible for enthusiasts of political correspondence and Canadian wartime governance.