Autograph Letters

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.

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.

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.

Extensive corrections in Clementine Churchill's hand.The notes simply acknowledge firstly, a letter about a legal matter in which she cannot intervene, and secondly, she displays sympathy for someone's son who is doing "dangerous work". Two items,

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

British Museum ceramics expert. One page, 8vo, good. He passes comment on a blue and a yellow pot, dating them, and giving the countries of origin of the yellow pot.

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”.

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

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.

French general (1815-1896). On visiting card, two sides, in French. He expresses regret at not being able to see or receive “Mr. Roumieu” inTouraine. He later describes himself as an old friend of England’s.

French politician (1755-1849). 2pp., 4to, sl. creased. In French with official stamp.He recommends to Persil’s attention a “M. Ducon”, lawyer and “sous-prefet”, describing his exemplary character and his achievements, and requesting an extension of his period in office.

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.

Banker and writer (1840-1930). 2pp., 8vo, good. He is asking friends to his home for “chat and supper”, including Bowen.He gives minute directions how to get to his house in Tufnell Park.

Statesman and man of letters (1838-1928). 3pp., 8vo, good. He and his wife are pleased that their son is happy (presumably at aboarding school). He then expresses his detestation of the sort of touristwho does not enter into the spirit of a place (in this instance, Venice).

Painter (1842-1921). 2 ANSs, 8vo, good. In the first letter, he says that he has rested and feels able to continue with the sittings. In the second, he asks if he can exhibit her portrait at the “Grosvenor”. 2 items,

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

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”.

Judge (1796-1880). One page, 8vo, good. He asks for an opinion on whether someone could procure a patent on the basis of some papers he is sending to him.

Social reformer, founder of Hampstead Garden Suburb (1851-1936)(DNB).ANS, on a scrap of packing paper, saying “Given to Ernest Aves[?] inever grateful memory of all he did to and for me. June 17th-21st 1913.Henrietta Barnet”. Her husband, Samuel A. Barnet, has signed another part.

Novelist. Signature with part of subscription ("yours truly / Thos Highes"), on piece of paper c.1.5 x 0.75", good condition.

Daughter of J.F.W. Herschel. Two pages, 8vo, good condition, still attached to part of page from album, expressing her regret at missing her visit and arranging a meeting.

Moncrieff, Sir Alexander 1829-1906, colonel and engineer (DNB). Bold signature and date on part of headed notepaper (Royal United Service Institution), paper, c.4 x 4", slightly stained from having been laid down but clear.

Paper, c.4 x 3.5", good condition, at the top of which the authoress has signed her real name and her pseudonym "Ada Ellen Bayly. / Edna Lyall."

Robert Smith, Ist Baron Carrington (DNB). Two pages, 4to, good condition. He welcxomes news of a marriage, shows a disinclination to pursue a property for wwhich there is competition, and discusses the enclsure of Bledlow.

He has "stopped all orders at T.R.H. [Haymarket?]" and cannot, therefore, ask other managers for favours.

Banker. Bank to Bank transaction. One page, 4to, good condition. "Sir/ Since our last of the 2[0]th Inst we are favour'd with yours of the 23d agreeable to which we have this day bought the undermention'd Bills (listed with numbers, description, date and amount, three "Victualling Bills" and one "Navy Bill"; discount, total given "Charged to the Bank of Scotland £5062.18.10".

Diplomat. Three pages, 4to, poor condition but most of the text legible. "Private". Rumbold discusses the reception of a petition he sent to "Mr Fen[?]" saying that he is to get "immediate indemnification for the losses & expenses occasioned by the seizure of my Person, my imprisonment &c". Vincent is giving him support. He encloses his account, anticipates delay by the Treasury in paying but enlists his correspondent's help. His case was a cause celebre of the time, described in DNB as follows: "On the night of 25 Oct.

Browning has signed his headed notepaper virtually in the centre.

Author and drama critic (DNB). One page, 4to, good condition. He thinks that "the man who alters the view of life of the world is a more important person" than the rose-grower "who makes his neighbourhood fragrant". Those who initiate are few. Hw would rather see wages increased, and the purchasing power of hte masses. He disklikes the tendencu to giving "bad value for money" - e.g. in his childhood the milkman would give extra just iun case of a shortfall. Today, it's exact measure or less.