Young Freda Hewlett wrote to the Secretary of State for War begging him not to call up her 17-year-old pony Betty for active duty at the outbreak of hostilities in 1914.
She appeals to Kitchener's softer side, pointing out that the pony is in foal, reminding him that her family have already given two horses to the Army while three family members have responded to his famous "Your Country Needs You" poster and joined the Navy as the Great War got under way.
His private secretary replied within two days to reassure Freda and her family that there was no danger of Betty being needed, not least because she was too small.

The correspondence features in a new exhibition at the Imperial War Museum North called The Animals' War, highlighting the roles various four-legged and winged friends have played in a variety of conflicts.
Organisers are hoping that descendants of Freda might get in touch.
Her address in August, 1914, was given as The Cottage, Haigh.
The first letter, which included a photo of Betty, was signed by P, L and Freda Hewlett.
A second letter to the War Office mentions a Poppy and Lionel.
Whether or not they are the siblings of Freda is not clear, but they firstly signed themselves off as "worried little Britishers."
They beg him: "Mother and all will do anything for you but do do please let us keep old Betty and send official word quickly before anyone comes."
The Private Secretary's response reads: "Lord Kitchener asks me to say in reply to your letter of the 11th August, that if you will show the enclosed note to anyone who comes to ask about your pony, he thinks it will be left to you quite safely.

"Lord Kitchener has directed that no horses under 15 hands shall be recruited belonging to the British Family P, L and Freda Hewlett."
A delighted Hewlett family wrote back: "You are indeed kind to allow us to keep our dear old Betty. We met every post and hardly dare hope you, who have so much to do, had had time to read our request – so little to you – so much to us.
"Thank you ever and ever so much. We have your photo and will never forget your kindness and hope to do each and all 'our little' for you and all the brave men who are working for and fighting for dear old England and all of us.
"Always and ever your grateful British servants, Poppy, Lionel and Freda Hewlett and also Betty. God save Lord Kitchener and the King."

Imperial War Museum North spokesman Victoria Emms said: "It's a lovely exchange between a little girl and one of the First World War's biggest figures.
"We would very much like to hear from anyone who knows of surviving members of the Hewlett family. If they or the people who live in that house today get in touch with us now, we will gladly give them a special tour of the exhibition."

The Manchester museum's Animals' War exhibition runs until January. Admission is free and the display is open daily from 10am to 6pm until October 31 and from 10am to 5pm from November onwards. For more information click here to visit the wesbite.

Anyone with information about Freda and her family may contact Victoria on 0161 836 4040.