CHURCHILL, Winston S. (1874-1965). Typed letter signed ("Winston S. Churchill") as Rector of the University of Aberdeen to F. W. Wilson, [London,] 22 March 1917.

One page, 10 x 8 in. (25.3 x 20.2 cm.), marked "Private" in Churchill's hand.

Churchill asks for additional details for "the occasion you suggest [that] would afford a suitable opportunity for me to pay my debt to the University." In his capacity as Rector, the chief representative of the student body at the University of Aberdeen, Churchill responds to a request from the head of the Student's Union, to speak at a university function. Before making a final decision, he wanted to know more of "the order of proceedings — the place, character, and numbers of the gathering, and any other information which you may be able to give me." On the verso, the recipient has jotted down an outline of the planned occasion at Mitchell Hall to be attended by about 330 women and 200 men. The event was to begin with a prayer followed by an introduction by Churchill, with potential dates in May listed. Churchill, who was then serving as MP for Dundee was elected Lord Rector of the University of Aberdeen in November 1914, replacing Andrew Carnegie, who served in the role from 1911.