Journals of Sir Basil Thomson, 1880-1917 [manuscript]
- Bib ID:
- 6005779
- Format:
- Manuscript
- Author:
- Thomson, Basil, 1861-1939
- Access Conditions:
- Available for research. Not for loan.
- Description:
-
- [1880-1917]
- 0.15 metres (1 box)
- Summary:
-
MS Acc12.090 comprises four bound volumes relating to early European contact in the Pacific Islands. Volume 1 is a log book of a voyage aboard the barque Fred P. Litchfield from New York to Sydney, 22 August 1885-22 October 1886. Volume 2, labelled "New Guinea 1888", is the account of Thomson's expedition to the east of New Guinea as well as the d'Entrecasteaux Islands and the Louisiade Archipelago with Sir William Macgregor, first administrator of British New Guinea. The volume also contains photographs of Thomson's party and Papuans.
Volume 3 is titled "Journal of a mission undertaken by Basil Thomson to Tonga and Niue as envoy plenipotentiary in 1900". The journal records Thomson's negotiations with the King of Tonga to gain his consent to establish a British protectorate. The journal also contains photographs from Thomson's journey around Tonga and Niue. Volume 4 is a bound volume of essays by Thomson relating to his time in the Pacific Islands. The volume also includes essays by Charles O. Waterhouse and H.B. Tristram relating to the Pacific Islands (1 box).
- Biography/History:
-
Sir Basil Home Thomson was an English colonial administrator and civil servant. He spent some years in the Pacific region, notably Fiji and Tonga. He was deputy premier of Tonga during 1890 and British plenipotentiary in 1900. Later positions included governor of Dartmoor Gaol, head of the CID at New Scotland Yard and director of British Intelligence. He was also an able writer, publishing 17 works, including an autobiography, The scene changes (1937). Thomson died in London in 1939.
- Notes:
-
- Manuscript reference no.: MS Acc12.090
- Associated materials: Papers of Sir William MacGregor, 1885-1916 MS 10484.
- Subject:
-
- Thomson, Basil, 1861-1939 -- Diaries
- Thomson, Basil, 1861-1939 -- Travel
- Frederick P. Litchfield (Ship)
- Colonial administrators -- Great Britain -- Diaries
- Papua -- Description and travel
- Niue -- Social life and customs
- Tonga -- Social life and customs
- Tonga -- Politics and government
- Islands of the Pacific -- Description and travel
- Great Britain -- Officials and employees -- Diaries
- Time Coverage:
- 1880-1917
- Occupation:
- Other authors/contributors:
- Copyright:
-
Copyright Undetermined
If you wish to copy or order copies, contact us. For access conditions return to the record display above.
- Reason for copyright status:
- A Manuscript Collection may have a range of formats and dates.
Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Literary Dramatic Musical
Copyright status may not be correct if data in the record is incomplete or inaccurate. Other access conditions may also apply. For more information please see: Copyright in library collections.
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