[Lord Curzon [George Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Marquis Curzon of Kedleston], Conservative statesman and Viceroy of India.] Autograph Letter Signed [to Mr Campbell], declining an invitation as he will not be taking 'any part in public affairs' that summer

See his long and sympathetic entry by David Gilmour in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Curzon acquired the Priory at Reigate after his marriage in 1895, and the letter probably dates from around March to July 1922, when, according to the Oxford DNB, ‘he was laid low by a combination of phlebitis, thrombosis, and lymphangitis which kept him out of action for five months’. 4pp, 12mo. On bifolium. Written in pencil. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with slight spotting at foot of first page. One central fold for postage. Addressed to ‘Dear Sir’ (though the recpient is clearly the husband of the ‘Mrs. Campbell’ referred to at the end of the letter) and with large bold signature at bottom right of final page. The letter begins: ‘Dear Sir / Had you given me earlier intimation I would have spared you the trouble of calling. I regret to say that I am ill in bed and unable to see any visitors[.] Moreover in any case it would be impossible for me to accede to your request since I do not wish to attend any meetings or to take any part in public affairs in the forthcoming summer . and have been compelled to refuse many Scores of invitations in consequence.’ He regrets the trouble to which ‘Mrs Campbell’ and the recipient have been put, and concludes by thanking ‘your Committees [?] for the honour that they proposed to confer upon me’.