Autograph Letters

(1861-1945). "First Cartoonist" for Punch (1909-1945). "In reply to your enquiry I am afraid I cannot furnish you with any names of artists wanting ideas for humorous drawings. The only thing would be to apply to any artists who do such work & take your chance."

Litterateur and Poet (1757-1833). One page, 4to, fold marks, minor tears and staining, clear and good. Sotheby asks Jerdan "If there be time, l;et the Two last lines of the Proem [underlined] be -/ "And, in his grave while falls a Nation's tears,/ I strow these fading flours on Scott's untimely Bier".The equivalent text published in "the Literary Gazette", 3 Nov. 1832, p.699, runs as follows: "The golden close of F,me's unclouded day --/ Now strew these fading flowers on his untrimely tomb." In other words, Sotheby was too late with his changes.

Poet and man of letters (1884-1958). One page, 4to, fold marks, sl. wear, text readable. " . . . I think the occasion for using that poem by Collins would be the next occasion on which we mention - as we are bound to mention - the Artist's Rifles [last work in ms.]/ It will go in very nicely if you will let me hold it up for a bit. I don't blame Wise about the Swinburne poems; I don't think there is a man in the world who could tell one Swinburne poem from another, once you have ruled out the few best.

Antiquary, advocate of temperance(1786-1867). One autograph letter signed, one page, 4to, to James Savage, fellow-antiquary (see American DNB), founder of one of the first savings banks in America, some damage and heavy-handed repairs with sellotape, but text complete apart from a word. He is arranging a loan ($40000) and mentions his security, discussing the terms of the loan. He requirws the loan urgently. WITH: an autograph note signed, one page, 4to, from James Savage to Sargent, (Nov.

American Crime Writer. One page, 4to. He refers to his just having been welcomed into the Crime Writers' Association but has been too busy to reply sooner. He has ben packing and trying to "finish a novel (which failed)". He very much appreciates meeting CWA members. He adds that "the book is now en route for Crime Club" giving him the opportunity to look about him. He would welcome CWA visitors and prmises a good cup of tea from his Australian mother-in-law".

Novelist. One page, 8vo, good condition. "I am quite willing that you should use the extract from my book "The House of the Arrow", but you should, I think, get also the consent of Mesrs. Hodder & Stoughton before using it."

Author of "Tom Brown's Schooldays", lawyer (1822-1896). One page, 8vo, a little crumpled and marked from having been laid down previously in an album, but text clear and complete. He asks for his next "Court" day to be changed since the "Governor of the Isle of Man has come down on me to fulfil an old promise to preside at the speech day of King William's College". He will have to get there by the "Friday boat". From DNB: " In July 1882 Hughes was appointed a county-court judge, and went to live at Chester.

Poet, wood engraver, and illustrator ((1870-1944). (July) "I shall be very pleased to be represented in the anthology . . . [gives permission for two shorter pieces] / May your venture have so much success as to enable future compilers to repair in some measure the market value of verse. Thanking you for your courteous encouragement." (Sept.) "I am agreeable to your choice of peices for your Anthology namely "On Death" & "That Land". . . ." Two items,

Traveller, antiquary, writer on architecture (1786-1846). One page, 8vo with added page of verse, nick not affecting text, good. He responds to a request by sending an impression of a seal [not present] "which bears the armorial ensigns of the two families which I represent" - which he expands on.

Oxford Bookseller and Publisher (1806-1884). Two pages, 8vo, chipped and sl. marked, but text mainly clear. "Sir/ At the requestof Mr. Hill and Mr. Renand I write you a few lines respecting the books you wished to enquire about -on the Articles I send - but it is the most scarce of 's pieces- The Harmony of Confessions is a very [underlined] book.

Physician (1792-1882). Two pages, 8vo, bifoliate, some marking but mainly good condition. He requests his pamphlets on "hygiene" and "Hints of Remedies". He reveals that he has read that Turner is in Holy Orders, and asks if he is also a Doctor.

Bibliographer and antiquary (1721-1807). One page, 8vo, some marks not affecting text. This letter had been accompanied by two books (note under superscription) which Paton describes in the note ("Logan on Government, - & his first part of the Finishing Stroke", which are all he can lay his hand on at present". When other pieces turn up they will be sent "with what duplicates may be by him."

Author of "The Road to Kashmir" and others. Total seven pages, 8vo (4) and 4to (1), good condition. He discusses "The Road to Kashmir" (sales, etc.) and "A Window on Fleet Street". He discusses at length a circular relating to the latter from John Murray which he sends (not present) in response to Murray's request for him to send it to "good book readers and good book buyers". (Wilson is "the goodest [bookseller] in London".) Frank Mumby describes Wilson as "one of the outstanding booksellers of the day" (1956 ed., p.235). Six items,

Restaurateur/entrepreneur. One page, 4to, "Please forgive me for not having answered your letter earlier. It eally is most generous of you to promise to make our plans widely known, and I shall of course be very grateful for anything you will do in this respect."

Publisher, Oxford University Press. One page each, 8vo (2) and 4to (2), one grubby, fold marks, minor defects, but texts clear and complete. Two are goodhumoured, brief, and concerning social trivia. The one sent in 1932 goes: "This is to introduce Sir Wallis Budge. I have told him you are the best bookseller in London, and would be able to get him all he wanted." (one ms. correction and one ms. addition). The letter dated 1943 discusses the works of Mark Rutherford: "I remember in very old days you were a devoted admirer of my late brother-in-law, Mark Rutherofrd.

Miscellaneous Writer (Poetry Society). Total 4pp., 8vo. He is enlisting Wilson's aid in selling his new book (favourably reviewed by Evelyn Waugh) and requesting a list of distinguished visitors to Bumpus's (bookshop) (Walter) Scott {Centenary] Exhibition to establish who was interested in Scott at that time. Frank Mumby describes Wilson as "one of the outstanding booksellers of the day" (1956 ed., p.235). Four items,

Poet and playwright. Three pages, 8vo, good condition. H has realised that Jerrold is publishing in his "Anthology" two popems which are about to appear in Trench's "New Poems", to be published by Methuen the following day. He requests what he believes in Methuen's customary charge of a guinea a poem. Otherwise, could he return them.

Divine and poet (1780-1825). Three pages, 4to, heavily water-stained but still all legible, tear and nick not affecting text. He tells her that he has at last got round to sending her a book (a postcript reveals that it was a "french Book" which his wife had promised ot loan a long time before). He had hoped she was going to visit. He discusses the parlous health of his son and his wife's "maternal anxiety". He had seen a mutual acquaintance, looking better, and hopes she received his letter of thanks for the drawings of the tesselated pavement she had given as a present to him,.

Lord Mayor of London (Boase). One page, 8vo, some discoloration, text clear and complete. "To the Librarian of the London Institution- You will please to admit The Revd. Saml. Smith to the library & Lectures of the London Institution as my substitute".

Ann[a] Bishop, singer (1814-1884)(DNB). (No date) Three pages, 8vo, fair but legible, edge rough where extracted from an album.. She is sorry not to have been able to see her. She is travelling to Australia on that day and willbe in England in four months. She apologises for the writing, giving the reason. (1868) Four pages, 8vo, good condition but edge rough where extrcated from an album. She would be pleased to meet Mrs Brewster in England and gives her brother's address ("Mr Riviere". She would be happy to give her singing lessons. Two items,

Conservative politician (1818-87). 2 pp, 12mo. In the handwriting of an amanuensis. "I have promised Mrs Moncrieff, the writer of the enclosed letter, to mention the name of Silas to you. / If you could see your way to meeting her wishes, I should feel grateful to you on her behalf. I am not personally acquainted with Mr. Silas." Signed "Iddesleigh". Creasing from paperclip, and with four pieces of gummed paper adhering to the recto of the blank second leaf.

English actor-manager (1853-1937), knighted in 1913. One page, 8vo. Clearly in reply to a request for an autograph, "Yours truly / J. Forbes Robertson." Slight ink staining to one corner.

Dramatist (1836-1917) and editor of Punch from 1862-1906. One page, 12mo. The printed part is laid out like a telegram, with a reference number, and the letter, although signed "FCB" does not appear to be in Burnard's hand. "Dear Sir / I am head over ears in engagements & business next week. [...] to you ce qu'arrivera." With postscript "Just come from Germany". In parlous condition, frayed, and with holes and tape marks from previous mounting.

English actor-manager (1858-1918), knighted in 1911. One page, 12mo. "We will call for you at about 10.30 tomorrow morning. It is very good of you."

2 pp, 12mo. "My dear Archdeacon. / I thank God for your note. It is at least an anapneusis in one's deep anxiety at this moment. How very earnestly we ought to pray & long for our good & beloved Primate's recovery - if even but for awhile. I will write to the Bp. of Lichfield (is he in Town) Mr. Watson, & Jelf. naming 10 on Tuesday at King's College as the hour of meeting. / Should an opportunity occur, will you present my dutiful love to the Archbishop, and assure him, that he is remembered in my prayers. / Ever yours in haste.

General (1773-1865), who distinguished himself as commander of the allied cavalry in the Peninsular War. One page, 8vo. "Although Captn: Martin did not serve under my Command in India, I venture to forward to you his Memorial, and trust you will take an opportunity of bringing his claim under the gracious & favourable consideration of Her Majesty - I have the honor to be / Sir / Yr. most obt. Hble: Sert: / Combermere. Genl. / late commr: in Chief / in India". Paper ruckled, and with glue stains from previous mounting. With biographical cutting adhering to head of recto.

English actor-manager (1853-1937), knighted in 1913. One page 12mo. What is clearly a reply to a request for an autograph, "Yours very truly, / Johnston Forbes-Robertson. / Feb: 1928." Mounted, with slight ruckling, on a piece of pink paper, docketed "Sir J Forbes Robertson / great actor / studied under Phelp / Passing of the 3rd floor back / Knighted June 1913 / Published reminiscences 1925".

Historian of music and critic (1814-1887). Three pages, 8vo. He is finding prior engagements preventing his viisiting. He then discusses his researches into the life of Incledon (vocalist) including early memories (in discussion of first names), tombstone information, and the inaccuracy of a predecessor. The letter has been annotated by a few words (perhaps Marshall), in the most significant entry, giving Grove references.

English actor-manager (1858-1918), knighted in 1911. One page, 12mo, evidently in response to a request for an autograph. "With pleasure / Yours truly / George Alexander". Negligible traces of previous mounting on reverse of blank second leaf.

English actor manager (1841-1926), knighted in 1926. 2 pp, 12mo. "My Lord Bishop / I am sorry I cannot be of any service in the way you wish. My income is severely strained and, with regret, I have to refuse many similar applications." Traces of mounting on reverse.