Autograph Letters

Statesman and antiquarian (1792-1865). He thanks Sharp for "Works on Antiquarian subjects".

Politician. 1 and 2pp., 8vo. He discusses an anonymous witness ("la Dame Blanche") in a confidential matter. Later letters discuss a trickster operating in Berkeley's constituency (selling gas without coal with a magnet). He seeks information from Manby whom he believes will have the contacts to get it. Six items,

Political economist (1807-1888). Price appears to be responding to a work of Young's (probably " Imperial Federation of Great Britain and her Colonies. In letters edited by F. Y., (London, 1876)". He admires Young's enthusiasm but cannot himself "go into a definite Federated scheme as <?> as you do". He explains why, dintroducing the Great Powers, the Turks rotting, Russia advancing to the Bosphorus, and so on.

Statesman. 2pp., 4to. He discusses his wife's health (fever) and the treatment his correspondent has received from the elder brother of a "Dr Vassor" ("scandalously & wickedly used").

Scottish author (1784-1842). One page, 12mo, remnants of laying down, chipped, without loss of text. He is having to return a book which he had intended to review in an "Oxford Literary Journal" which "died a <> death some days ago".

Founder-member of the Fabian Society (1857-1955). 12pp. total, 8vo (3) & 4to (1), (1891) He asks Grinling to work with Henry Snell (M.P. for Woolwich) on preparing a Fabian Tract, suggesting a draft could be shown to the S.E. Committee, outlining what they should say. He also wants a leaflet for "the Guardians Elections", and announces that Sidney Webb on Poor Law will be Tract 17. (1901) His opinion on the "Housing Loan question", a meeting on Boards of Guardians, and the disordered office.

Mother of Rupert, but apparently distinguished in her own right. She sympathises with Connard's "dreadful" life, but her family "feel very troubled that we are so well off for everything and can do almost nothing to help". She goes on to discuss the portrait Connard painted of Rupert and Helen (presumably sister) which "now graces our drawingroom mantelpiece" among distinguished company (John, Sickert, etc.). She mentions finally her two little daughters.

Antiquarian and art connoisseur (1857-1929). 3pp., 8vo. He wishes to clarify the view he and his colleagues at the British Museum are taking on "the Thompson memorial", ignoring it since it is a British Academy matter not British Museum.

Caricaturist (1861-1945). He declines taking up a suggestion since he is "no longer doing that kind of illustration for 'Punch'".

Artist. One and 2pp., 8vo. (1899) He suggests the steps she must take to arrange the loan a a "miniature table" from the Royal Academy. (1904) He gives permission for his "Diploma Picture" to be reproduced in the "Windsor Magazine", revealing its history (an illustration to Tennyson's lines in "Break, break!"). He later appears to allude to a collection of moutaineering pictures(?). 2 items,

Bishop of Oxford and theologian (1851-1911). One page, 8vo. He would like his correspondent to let Max Muller know when a deferred luncheon is to be held. He will be writing to Dean Liddell (presumably on the same subject).

German-English singer, composer and conductor (1850-1934). One page, 8vo, anticipating a meeting and Pollock receiving something illegible, adding that the concerts are going well.

Statesman (1802-1869). He will be happy to promote a friend of Lady Leicester's if a vacancy occurs at Fakenham. As to Mr Payne, his brother has received an appointmen, and his would cause jealousy. He will respond to such requests in future if he can.

Song writer (1849-1912). 2pp., 8vo. He expresses fulsome gratitude for being allowed to set a lyric (unnamed) to music.

Bishop of Oxford and theologian (1851-1911). One page, 8vo. He has enclosed a cheque as an instalment of his contribution to the Dr Pusey Memorial Fund.

Shakespearian critic and author ((1823-1886). 2pp., 8vo. He declines an invitation from the Lord Mayor of London on the grounds of ill health, and announces that he is off to Holkham Hall to visit the Napiers. "We must have a special no of the Reporter for reports of all the speeches". He would also like "all the complete & bound vols of the Reporter . . . out here", guaranteeing immediate payment.

High Master of St Paul's (1830-1910). One page, 8vo. He gives thanks for a book, adding that "In my younger days I used continuously & valued your abstracts of Gk & Roman History & notes on Herodotus".

2pp., 8vo, chipped, not affecting the text. He expresses a liking for a photograph and tells of a "job" involving the "Immortalite".

Writer on natural history. One page, 8vo. He thanks his correspondent for his "interesting pamphlet" and discusses rough drawings of swans he is sending him.

Archbishop of Westminster and writer (1802-1865). One page, 8vo, laid down, page from an album, some staining but text clear. "Madam / I have the oleasure of hereby complying with your request. / Yours sincerely / N. Card. Wiseman / Mrs Brewster". The request must have been for an autograph. Suitable for framing. Mrs Brewster was an autograph-collector who was fed with autograph letters by her father-in-law, Sir David Brewster, natural philosopher (see DNB). On this occasion she has made the approach herself.

One page, 8vo, signs of having been laid down text clear and complete. "Lord Clanricarde will be much obliged if the Librarian of the London Library will send him by the bearer, the Life & Memoirs of Lieutenant Drummond [over excision], some time Chief Secretary in Ireland."

Traveller, discoverer of manuscripts, diplomat and author, fourteenth Baron Zouche (or de la Zouche) of Harringworth (1810-1873). One page, 12mo, good condition though name of correspondent removed. "I shall have great pleasure in accepting your kind invitation to dinner on the 6th of June. If I am not at Paris at that time. I do not expect to be there, but am not quite certain. I will write again in case I should go."

Bishop of Oxford, Dean of Christ Church, theologian (1851-1911). Two pages, 8vo, good condition. He thanks his correspondent for his letter "concerning Charlton Church". He will bring his proposal before the Governing Body, anticipating a meeting.

Man of Letters (1801-1884). Two pages, 8vo, good condition. He has the repeated misfortune not to be able to visit Wilton beause of a prior engagement, but thanks her for the invitation. "I have been reading your trip up the iIle with great interest" and sends his latest publication the subject of which she might not like but some of her friends might. Perhaps he is referring to her "Cradle Lands" (1867). His latest publication is presumably "More about Junius" (1868).

Publicist, Man of Letters, editor (1830-1909). One page, 8vo, good condition. He presents his compliments and thanks him for "his exceedingly kind offer", and requests "two or three forks & spoons".

Politician, anti-slavery (1756-1835). Two pages, 4to, fold marks, good condition. He congratulates the Lord Mayor "for the very exemplary exertions You have made to diminish & correct the licentiousness & riot of the Smithfield Fair - Everybody bears witness to the activity & intelligence with which your Magistrates Duties in general are executed; but it requires much more than ordinary Zeal to devote the Night as well as the Day to such objects . . . to the temporary quiet of the Metropolis at a season otherwise dedicated to Uproar . . .".

Tractarian (1804-1893). Two pages, 12mo, good condition. "I learn this morning that Mrs Keble's funeral will not take place till Friday - I shall hope therefore to be at the meeting tomorrow - If you have [?] one to take my place do not trouble to alter things again - I am [but?] a poor speaker - and should be of but little use to you but I am heartily friend of the Society ".

German-English Musical Composer (1804-1885). One page, 8vo, good condition. "Should Miss Maddy be well enough to be able to take her lesson to-morrow Thursday at four o'clock it would afford me great pleasure to give her an hour's instruction then in lieu of to-day."

Scottish novelist (1828-1897). Two pages, 12mo. She is discussing a puppy which her correspondent is getting for her to pass on to a firnd a "Miss Fitzmaurice". "The puppy is destined to a sort of heaven upon earth for puppies". Some further hasty news. With: a part of an ALS, mainly the signature and text with little interest.

Miscellaneous writer (1800-1881). 3pp., 12mo, good condition. She thanks him for some verses which she thought "amonst the sweetest, the most touching I ever had." Then she tries to enlist his help for a bazaar to be held to contribute to a fund for the erection of an Asylum for Aged Governesses. "If you would take charge of it, I would forward you a silver collecting card, . . . or if you could set any of your lady friends to work for it . . .".