Autograph Letters

Scottish journalist, editor of The Star, Biblical writer and inventor (of the stereotype) (1759-1825). One page 8vo, trimmed, text clear and complete. "Dear Sir/ Have the kindness to lend me the Appendix to Aikens Chem. Dicy. for about a week - I wish to give some Notice of it in the Phil. Mag. . . ."

English chemist. States that he will be happy to sign his correspondent's nephew's application for the Fellowship of the Chemical Society. '[F]rom personal knowledge I have no doubt that my friend Mr Hake [Thomas Gordon Hake, 1809-95, DNB] will do the same.' Docketed by recipient on otherwise blank second leaf.

Is not sure whether he can find a ground plan of the Abbey before his alterations, but provides a detailed description of them, e.g. 'I took down some parts which were not old but added by Sir Godfrey Webster, built very badly of brick & cemented over to look like stone, and have rebuilt it of stone with a slight alteration so as to render it more in character'. He refers in detail to the rebuilding of the library 'which is 76 feet long is substantially the same building as the former one erected by Sir Anthony Brown after the dissolution of the monastery and its cession to him'.

Long and unusually entertaining account 'Re Varnish', addressed to an American correspondent. A fascinating insight into the nature of Victorian entrepreneurship. 'It has long been an idea of mine that of all the Trades the most profitable one is Varnish [...] the Germans, clever as they are, can't make Varnish at all [...] nor for that matter can the Americans'.

In the first letter Eccles thanks Mackenzie for his congratulations on Eccles' 'scheme for forming a national collection of works of art'. Any help the EAC can give will be welcome, 'as the need for pictures and works of art for Government buildings, both at home and overseas, is really great'. In the second letter he thanks him for his telegram of congratulations 'on the Coronation decorations. Everyone in the Ministry of Works has tried hard to produce something worthy of the Queen and of our contemporary art'. Two items,

English Whig statesman, relation of Princess Diana and of Prince William. The envelope is in very frail condition, torn, frayed and discoloured, with some loss. Addressed 'Leamington Oct twenty six | 1834 | John Browning Esq | Viscount Althorp | Downing Street | London | Althorp'. The postmark on the front is in red ink, with a crown topping a circle containing 'FREE | 27OC27 | 1834'; the postmark on the reverse is in black ink, with 'LEAMINGTON' in a circle containing 'OC26 | 1834'. Red wax seal bearing Althorp crest on reverse.

American actor. In the first letter he says he has Mackenzie's letter of 22 November inviting him to become vice-president of the Empire Art Council. 'I am deeply sensible of the honour you offer me and I am touched by the gesture. I accept most heartily and gratefully. | I have known the Empire Art Council for some time and have been keenly interested in its aspirations and have applauded its progress.

Henry Howard Molyneux Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon, British statesman who made Canada a confederation but failed to create a federation of South Africa; Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Interesting matter relating to South African affairs. He encloses (not present) a passage of Lanyon's from the Government Gazette.

English army officer and agent in the film business. Long and informed summary of 'the necessary points of our conversation'. Begins with description of Indian film industry: 'I have checked with India House these figures, and discovered that my sources of information are far more up to date than the Government's'. He encloses (not present) one of the stories he has found to 'make into Arabic films': 'Enslaved' by the Poet Laureate John Masefield. 'I have his written permission to make it into an Arab film'.

English playwright. 'Faithfully yours | Henry Arthur Jones | Feby 4/28'. Pasted to a piece of docketed card. Damp stained.

Whig statesman. 'Sir | I find that some persons have been to see Colonel Fox's house in Addison road & objected that the number of bedsteads, & quantity of kitchen utensils & crockery were scanty - I <...> & effects [last word deleted] common ware goods with [last word deleted] from which they may be supplied - I would sooner buy a <?> him such common things than lose a rest [last two words deleted] the opportunity of letting his house to a respectable tenant - | Vassall Holland'. Recto discoloured by glue from attachment to album. Several crease lines. With closed tear.

British statesman, several times Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (DNB). Intimate and interesting communication beginning 'I have only time to say in answer to your obliging note, that I shall be most happy to take you by the hand as soon as is convenient to you, as I trust in God that my poor wife after a most severe fever is this day beginning to recover.

Sct.-Belg. writer (DNB) Perhaps divided in preparation for publication. The following scored through: 'My dear Sir | The above transaction (bien bizarre), I had viva voce from Mr Troyaux - perhaps you will think it worthy of a place in the Chronicle - | I rejoice to find from your friend Mr Thomas Hill [bookcollector, DNB] that you continue going on well & I hope you will be able to make your intended trip to the <...>'.

She 'cannot apologise enough for having left his letter of May 29th so long unanswered'. It was supposed to be answered 'on her return from Italy' but was mislaid. She hopes Slocombe will 'forgive the unintentional rudeness'.

Victorian novelist (Mrs Henry Reeves). Docketed 'Authoress of "Coming thro' the Rye"'. Signed 'Helen Reeves' and docketed 'nee Mathers'. Closing two lines of letter above signature, and on reverse five lines (referring to "the dreadful time of yours", partly covered by glued-on piece of paper. Creased and discoloured.

Director and Principal Librarian of the British Museum (DNB). The first on dusty discoloured paper with closed tears to edges. Thanks Slocombe for having 'thought of me' and apologises for writing in pencil. Has been 'knocked over by a rather severe attack from which I am only slowly recovering'. The second and third letters are both replies to the Slocombes for seasonal expressions of goodwill and both are docketed in pencil by Slocombe. Three items,

Victorian geologist (DNB). 'Amongst the many pleasant recollections which the Members of the British Association will retain of their visit to Norwich will be that of their hospitable reception by Sir Robert Harvey. The Lecture over which I had the honor to preside (C.) has to be directly grateful, for we were twice guests at Crown Point.'

Pen name of Frances Elizabeth McFall, novelist (1854-1943). 'Very sincerely Yours | Sarah Grand'. Fold line across middle of paper not affecting text. Remains of four small pieces of gummed paper on reverse.

English politician. 'Are not the editors of the Sporting & Dramatic News going to make any use of your drawings? & if not, would there be any possibility of your being able to let my sister have the pencil sketch you made of her? She would value it very much. | We have been hard at work acting here, & all went off very well.'

Sister of the M.P. Francis Bingham Mildmay. 'I am afraid we shall not be able to avail ourselves of your most kind invitation to view your portraits as we leave town for good on Friday. I shall hope to see your Portrait of Lady Milton, later on.' In a letter of 9 January 1898 F. B. Mildmay refers to Slocombe's 'most kind invitation to view your portraits'.

Scottish divine and author (DNB). Returns thanks for two letters. Reached London via Glasgow and Liverpool on Saturday. 'Friends in the Committee rather in better spirits. Dr Cook was expected last night & is to be examined to-morrow. My day is Friday'. 'Your Suggestions are quite to the point. The field is perplexingly wide, & has been so crossed & re-crossed, that it is not easy to draw a distinct line of evidence' 'Dr Walsh & Mr Cunningham, & even Dr MacGill have, I understand, given very good evidence.' Says he will call on Mrs Martin if he can.

Victorian novelist and satirist of the Raj. 'Dear Madam | I regret that I shall be away from England all winter | Yours truly | F. A. Steel." Creased, disoloured and docketed in pencil. Writing offset by folding of letter.

Victorian writer and humorist. Difficult handwriting. 'My dear Sir/ | Will Monday be equally convenient to you? If no I shall be happy to see you either here or in town, as shall best suit your leisure.' Docketed with large underlined '2' in blue pencil, creased and discoloured. Blank second leaf damaged by removal from album, and with glue stains and remains of blue paper.

Surgeon and medical writer (1826-1895). Two pages, 8vo. As follows: "Let me acknowledge the pleasure with which I have read your paper on the obstacles to Science teaching in school. It is by such efforts as yours, and I think in this way only, that the obstacles will be overcome."

One page, 8vo. "My dear Sir, / I have dined with the Prince alone & well weighed all that can happen at Plymouth, & am prepared to meet it. / The most material Point seems this Will L. vacate on Monday? for as the House has now adjourned till that day, He cannot now accept Office before that day. / Gl Baker breakfasts with me at ten, & if you will meet him or as soon after as shall suit your convenience I shall be most happy to see you. / Very truly yours / Thomas Tyrwhitt". Tyrwhitt was knighted in 1812, and was Usher of the Black Rod from that year until 1832.

English actor-manager (1862-1951). 3 pp, 12mo. "Things are so terribly 'uncertain' with me just now. I am exceedingly busy every day arranging about a Syndicate which is to back us in a Theatre this Autumn added to this the latest play at the Comedy is not a success & we may be plunged into Rehearsals any day. When things 'calm down' a bit I will let you know if we can come. I should like to very much if we can manage it."

Actor (1848-1907). One page, 12mo. He thanks him for sending a book. "I shall hope to read much of it on Sunday next". Two strips of paper glued to the reverse.

Actor (1850-1921). A storm in a teacup. "I am sorry to say I must decide against you in reference to the cups & saucers, the history of them was this, Jack asked me as I had nothing to do to go & buy him some coffee cups &c / I went, bought the ones you refer to & begged Jack to accept them as a present, I am sorry that you should lose them, but am glad that you both wished to possess them".

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. "I find that Mrs Wyndham & I am assured myself also, pledged ourselves not to see The Two Roses without Mrs Sabrialli & Mrs. Albery - the same kind of pledge I made to you I have therefore resolved to keep both promises if you have no objection - & shall throw the two boxes I have reserved for all of us into one, so as to make a family party. / We cannot however this evening go to supper with you.

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. 2 pp, 8vo. "I will let you know tomorrow. I have been working towards a certain goal - The T of P with the original cast. There has been a little uncertainty about an artist & I have been tempted to try other actors. I shall know by tomorrow". Smuding to recto, but signature not affected.