Although he never witnessed a championship game, Frederick Arthur Stanley, Governor General to Canada, purchased for the price of ten guineas a trophy bearing his name for presentation to the amateur hockey champions of Canada. The Stanley Cup has since become the symbol of professional hockey supremacy. As Lord Stanley died in 1908 his autograph is usually absent from even the most complete of Hall-of-Fame collections. This single-page letter is entirely in Stanley’s hand and has been elegantly signed at the bottom "Derby" and dated Feb 19, 1899. It is on letterhead from the Derby estate at Knowsley and is addressed to Colonel Mountbatten. Stanley signed as Derby from the time he gained the title in 1892 until his death. In addition, the content of the letter also contains the word “Derby”, in handwriting nearly identical to the signature below. One slight fold, otherwise in perfect condition.