Autograph Letters

Novelist, dramatist and journalist (1831-1894). One page each, 8vo, good. In the first, he is sorry that “Fred” has been bothered in a particular“matter”. In the second, he says simply “Here is the Valentine you askfor”.

Statesman, father of Winston (1849-1895). One page, 8vo, good, saying that, although he agrees with a Bill, his official position will not allow him to put his name to it.

Lord Houghton, poet and politician (1809-1885). 2pp., 8vo, damp-staining not obscuring text, inviting his correspondent and wife to the debate on the occupation of Cracow at the House of Commons, giving directions for a meeting afterwards.

Politician (1786-1863). One page, 4to, good, , damp-staining but text clearsaying that he will “defer the Borough meeting” and hope to meet hiscorrespondent at the Budge Hotel.

Governor-General of India. 5 & 2pp., 8vo. Some illegible. (1830) he asks himself whether the "Board" should reply to "the Statements and Assumptions of the . . . Secret Committee in the subject of the Secret Letters relating to the Treaty with . . .(?)". He continues on the theme, concluding that ther documents in question had been perused by Lord Clare, the intended successor of Sir John Malcolm" (Governor of Bombay). (1841) he is trying to arrange a meeting.

Painter. 4 ALSs, 2-3pp., 8vo, good. He asks for payment for a picture so that he can pay rent arrears, reports of his progress with his pictures, “the two Dartmoor streams”. He later talks of other pictures in which Roberrts has an interest (“Mermaid”, “Kennack Bay”, “Cadgwith [Cove]” and others) and his constant need for money. 4 items,

India Office. 2pp., 8vo, good, accepting an invitation to visit her at Devonshire House, if he “can get away from my Committee”.

Statesman (1826-1902). One page, 8vo, good, confirming a dinner appointment.

Novelist (1861-1955). 3pp. ea., 8vo, good. He cannot accept Bill’s invitation because he has arranged to play in a cricket match. He has been accumulating material for a book on Brittany(“By ‘serious’, I mean not a novel!), and reports on the success of The Face of Clay (published 1906).

Professor of Chemistry, Cambridge University (1827-1924). 2pp., 8vo, good. He finds “syllabuses” a reflection of what was considered important at a certain time, and is pleased to have been sent a plan of Wollaston’slectures. He goes on to discuss Wollaston (a predecessor of his in theChair) and the change wrought by his becoming Jacksonian Professor.

French composer. 2pp., 8vo, , referring to a list he has added to the letter of 8 pieces he would like to publish if his correspondent can cooperate. He has the proofs of To the Hills “a votre disposition”, and describes in a postscript a “fantaisie” he has justfinished.

Lawyer (1841-1931). One page, 8vo, good, anticipating exclusion from the House of Commons, but determined to serve his country nevertheless.

Ist Baron Glenesk, newspaper proprietor (1830-1908), 4pp., 8vo, stained but not obscuring text, giving his reason for not seeing Yates’s “representation”, and planning a pre-luncheon conversation about Napoleon, Palmerston and the like. He is pleased to be given a place in Yates’s “Gallery”.

Russian emigre (1914- ?). ANS, 8vo, to “Miss Bentley”, envelope present, postmarked 24 April 1958. He asks her to cash a cheque for him to save him time.

(Peace Society (1893)). 2pp., 8vo, H.(?) Evans Darby to the Chevalier Dr Karl de Scherzer, He informs his correspondent that the last “universal Peace Congress” in Chicago decided to invite eminent jurists “to form a Committee for thepurpose of considering the question of an International Court of Arbitration”. As a member of the provisional committee, he has beenasked to prepare a list for this committee for Europe. He invites hiscorrespondent to join it (“I should not think that it would involve muchlabour or responsibility”).

Spanish author. Two pages, 4to. He writes concerning the World Unity Movement of which Polak is a sponsor, criticising the Chairman, James Avery Joyce. With: a TLS, 2pp., 4to, from Joyce to Polak referring to a note he has received from de Madariaga (copy enclosed) and describing his difficulties in finding a speaker. He also asks for his expenses from an American trip which de Madariaga found offensive.

Collector (1760-1830). One page, 8vo, good, giving himpermission to view his pictures.

Architect (1814-1895). 1 and 2pp., 8vo, good, discussing Murray’s specifications for the St Bride’s Foundation which, initially, he has to study. He eventually decides that, subject to minor changes, he will be able to recommend them. Christian was the architect for the National Portrait Gallery and architectto the Ecclesiastical Commission.2 items,

Founder of Toynbee Hall (1844-1913). 4 ALSs, 2pp. ea., 8vo,good, three to C.H. Grinling, socialist, , the fourth to “Trevelyan”. He describes a model of a curate, invites Grinling to a retreat of sorts,discusses a conversation he had had with Ramsay Macdonald on booksand workmen and how Macdonald wants to discuss the matter withothers.

Poet and journalist (1797-1864). 2pp., 8vo, good. Watts accepts an invitation and gives his excuse for not responding earlier in rather more words than appear necessary.

Politician (1821-1899). 2pp., 8vo, reporting that Gladstonehas given their “resolution” a positive response and that expressions of“strong feeling” from the north create a good effect in Parliament.

Writer on natural history (1780-1868). One page, 8vo, good. He thanks his correspondent for his “interesting pamphlet” and discusses rough drawings of swans he is sending him.

Canon of St Paul’s and wit (1771-1845). One page, 4to, good. some damage, slightly affecting the text, traces of mounting. Smith outlines his travel plans, including a visit to his correspondent. He continues, “We talk of nothing now but bombarding & it is supposed that Troy would have been under such a Cannonade have been taken in 15 or 20 minutes”.

Baron Taunton, statesman (1798-1869). 2pp., 4to, good. He has been sent some material relating to the Merchant Seamen’s Billand relates it to his own views on the matter.

German jurist and historian (1792-1879). In English. 2pp., 8vo, good. He discusses difficulties with a passport which he can help with.

Corsican-Russian diplomat (1764-1842). One page, 12m,, in French, some damage to one word, traces of mounting. He accepts an invitation in gracious terms.

2nd Earl Granville, statesman (1815-1891). One page, 8vo, small portion cut out (place name prob.), ow. good. He claims a prior engagement, presumably after receiving an invitation, and hopes Clarendon is not tired after a long journey.

Irish author and editor (1800-1889). One page, 8vo, good. He is thanking his correspondent on behalf of his wife for his contributionof a “little picture . . . in aid of the governess asylum”.

Politician and critic (1759-1835). One page, 12mo, good. He regretfully declines her invitation claiming a prior engagement.

Novelist and biographer, daughter of W.M. Thackeray (1837-1919). 2pp., 12mo, good. She commends a doctor to May’s mother, Mrs Irving.