VAROPRAKAR DEVAWONGSE: (1858-1923)

VAROPRAKAR DEVAWONGSE: (1858-1923) Siamese Prince, the son of King Mongkut (Rama IV), who served as his country's Minister of Foreign Affairs 1885-1923. A.L.S., Devawongse, two pages, 8vo, Bangkok, 19th May 1898, to Frederick Verney. The Prince states that he has received his correspondent's letter with great pleasure and thanks him 'very sincerely for all the kindnesses you have invariably shown to my two sons and the arrangements you have made for their education', further remarking 'Had I not such a good friend like you in England where I am not there myself my two boys could not have a proper education' and concluding 'I am very glad to hear of their successes in the studies they are pursuing'. VG Frederick Verney (1846-1913) English clergyman, politician and Siamese diplomat. Prince Devawongse had no fewer than 48 sons and daughters and was himself one of the 82 children of King Mongkut.