MANUSCRIPT

[ Rev. Henry George de Bunsen, Vicar of Lilleshall. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('H G de Bunsen') to 'Mr Clarke | Hodnet', discussing the motives behind collecting autographs.

Author: 
H. G. de Bunsen [ Henry George de Bunsen ] (c.1819-1885), Vicar of Lilleshall, 1847-1869, son of Christian Karl Josias Bunsen [ Baron Bunsen ] (1791-1860), Prussian ambassador in London, 1841-1854
Publication details: 
Donington Rectory, Albrighton, Wolverhampton. 15 September 1875.
£56.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Replying to a request for autographs, he is sending 'an Envelope addressed by my Father' and (writing in a postscript) another 'addressed to me by the Dean of Westminster', but he 'cannot give you one of the great Niebuhr'. He agrees with Clarke's 'feeling as to possessing something coming from, or belonging to some great or good man. It is a link - as is the signature of a loved friend or companion, with the unseen world.' He enquires after Clarke's health, and recalls 'calling at your School once - & another time at your house'.

[ Joint V. A. D. Committee (British Red Cross and Order of St. John of Jerusalem), ] Printed 'Certificate of Enrolment in a Voluntary Aid Detachment and Permit to wear the Uniform', signed by two officers (Henry Gandy and John Mason MD).

Author: 
[ Joint V. A. D. Committee, London; British Red Cross Society; The Order of St. John of Jerusalem; Dorothy Marion Cameron Bower; Henry Gandy; John Mason, M.D. ]
Publication details: 
Headed: 'J. V. A. D. 24. | Joint V.A.D. Committee. | The Territorial Force Association. | The British Red Cross Society. | The Order of St. John of Jerusalem.' [ 83 Pall Mall, London. ] Dated 1 November 1916.
£50.00

4pp., 16mo. Bifolium. A scarce piece of First World War ephemera, on creased and aged paper. The certificate has been made out in order to enroll 'Dorothy Marion Cameron Bower' into 'Detachment [8] in the County of [Westmorland]', but has not been signed by her. The first page carries the conditions of use, the second a declaration by the signatory, and the third the permit itself, with facsimile signatures of Arthur Stanley, Chairman, and Louis Pearson, Hon. Secretary, and the actual signatures of Henry Gandy, County Director, and John Mason M.D, Commandant.

[ Manuscript; Glamorgan villages, statistics ]

Author: 
[ Glamorgan Villages c.1700 ]
Publication details: 
Leases commencing (years columnised) 1648-1701
£400.00

7pp., 42 x 32cm approx., fold marks, edges frayed with minor textual loss, staining, but all legible. Places names in margin (names might not be spelt correctly!): CoyChurch, Languynes, Glyncomeg, Llangunwyd, Betws Langonryd, St Bride's Minor, all in Glamorgan. Information columnised under following headings: Place| Tenants names| Commencement of Leases| Messuages & number of acres| lifes of [yeares?] in being| fines pd| Reserved rent yearly| Dayes Work| [Capons??]| Pulletts| herriotts| Improved rent or value att [?] yearely : wth any further information." See photos.

[ Maria Ellen Reeks, wood carver and director of the School of Art Wood-Carving, South Kensingon. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('M E Reeks') to 'Mr. White', describing the relocation of the school to new premises. With printed ticket announcing the move

Author: 
Maria Ellen Reeks (1858-1929), wood carver, teacher and director of the School of Art Wood-Carving, South Kensington
Publication details: 
Letter from 38 Thurloe Place, on letterhead of the School of Art Wood-Carving, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, S.W. [ London ] 27 December 1908.
£65.00

Letter: 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. After discussing his relocation to Paris, she asks whether he has heard 'the news about our School and how we have just moved?

[ Neville Rogers, editor of Shelley. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Neville') to 'Marjorie', gossippy and satirical, esp. about Nancy Cunard, with offprints of two of his articles ('Shelley and the West Wind' &'Lauro de Bosis'), inscribed to the recipient

Author: 
Neville Rogers (1909-1985), academic, editor of the works of Percy Bysshe Shelley [ Nancy Cunard (1896-1965), poet, patron and eccentric ]
Publication details: 
Letter dated from 5 Beaumont Street, Oxford; 11 February 1954. Inscription to 'Lauro de Bosis' (1963) dated from Waltham, Massachussetts, 10 March 1964. Inscription to 'Shelley and the West Wind' (1956) undated.
£220.00

The three items in good condition, with light signs of age and wear. LETTER: 2pp., 8vo. A splendidly waspish missive. Topics include: her 'letter to Mickie' ('masterly diplomacy'); 'dear Miss Massey, wounded on active service for the BIS' (with references to 'Mrs.

[ Catherine Stepney, Lady Stepney, 'Silver Fork' novelist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('C Stepney'), inviting 'Mr Westmacot' [ Sir Richard Westmacott or his son ] to a reunion. With engraved portrait of her by A. E. Chalon.

Author: 
Catherine Stepney, Lady Stepney [ born Catherine Pollok; also Catherine Manners ] (1778-1845), 'Silver Fork' novelist [ A. E. Chalon [ Alfred Edward Chalon ] (1780-1860), artist and engraver ]
Publication details: 
Letter: 'Friday Night'. [ No date or place. ] Engraving: 'London. Published by Henry Colburn. Decr. 1837.'
£65.00

The letter is 1p., landscape 12mo. In fair condition, with light signs of age, placed in a windowpane mount in the remains of a leaf from an album. The letter reads: 'Dear Mr Westmacot [no doubt the sculptor Sir Richard Westmacott or his son] - I have a little reunion - on Monday evening 1st Feby - pray come - I am desired by <?> to present you to her especially - that she may invite you to her next Fete'. The engraving is on a 21.5 x 13.5 cm piece of paper. Similarly-mounted as the letter, above it on the same leaf. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn.

[ Princess Helena, daughter of Queen Victoria. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Helena') to 'Mrs. Lowther'

Author: 
Princess Helena [ Helena Augusta Victoria; Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein by marriage ] (1846-1923), daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Clouds, Salisbury. 8 April 1891.
£65.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. She agrees to give her 'name as Patroness' to Mrs Lowther's 'theatricals', but 'cannot promise to be present at them as I have so very many engagements in May'. She concludes by noting the weather: 'glorious sunshine & cloudless blue sky'.

[ H. H. Asquith, Prime Minister. ] Autograph Signature ('H. H. Asquith').

Author: 
H. H. Asquith [ Herbert Henry Asquith ] (1852-1928), Liberal Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, 1908-1916
Publication details: 
Without place and date.
£30.00

On 3 x 9 cm piece of card, cut from the end of a letter. Reads: 'Yours sincerely | H. H. Asquith'. In poor condition, heavily creased and marked.

[ Henry Fox, 1st Lord Holland. ] Autograph Signature ('H Fox'), with those of George Lyttelton ('G Lyttelton') and Richard Arundell ('R Arundell').

Author: 
Henry Fox, 1st Baron Holland of Foxley [ Lord Holland ] (1705-1774); George Lyttelton, 1st Baron Lyttelton [ Lord Lyttelton ] (1709-1773); Richard Arundell; John Lesingham
Publication details: 
Orford, 27 May 1746.
£60.00

On 16 x 6.5 cm strip of paper, cut from financial document. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Addressed to 'Mr. Townshend' on one side, with signature of witness 'Jno. Lesingham', with the signatures of 'H Fox', 'R Arundell' and 'G Lyttelton' on the other, with date 27 May 1746, next to the word Orford, and below part of a sentence relating to 'Duty on Candles'.

[ Offprint of essay, inscribed by the author E. W. F. Tomlin to Michael Cullis. ] 'The Philosophy of R. G. Collingwood'.

Author: 
E. W. F. Tomlin [ Eric Walter Frederick Tomlin ] (1913-1988), philosopher and essayist [ R. G. Collingwood ]
Publication details: 
From 'Ratio', vol. 1 no. 2, December 1958. [ Basil Blackwell, Broad Street, Oxford, England. ]
£35.00

20pp., 12mo., paginated 116-135. Side stitched in grey card wraps with cover including contents on front. In good condition, lightly aged, in worn wraps. Inscribed at head of front cover: 'To Michael Cullis | "30 Years After" | from | E. W. F. T. | 24. viii. 43'. No copies of this offprint traced on OCLC WorldCat or on COPAC.

[ Lord Russell of Killowen, Lord Chief Justice of England. ] Autograph Note Signed ('Russell of Kn.') to 'Mr. Williams', regarding the correct arrangement of dinner guests.

Author: 
Charles Arthur Russell, Baron Russell of Killowen (1832-1900), Lord Chief Justice of England
Publication details: 
On embossed letterhead of the Royal Courts of Justice. 'Monday' [ no date ].
£56.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Reads: 'Dear Mr. Williams, | Pray arrange Guests in the correct order whatever that is. I shall have frequent opportunities I hope of meeting the good Bishop.'

[ Slade School, University College London. ] Black and white school photograph titled 'University College, London, Slade School | June, 1947'. With names of 45 of the subjects on reverse in the autograph of student Beatrix Blake.

Author: 
[ Slade School, University College London, 1947; Beatrix Blake ] [ Randolph Schwabe; Alfred Gerrard; Aelred Bartlett; Allan Gwynne-Jones; George Charlton; Peter Alfred Brooker; Richard Beer ]
Publication details: 
[ Slade School, University College London. June 1947. ] Print by Panora Ltd, London, WC1.
£200.00

Black and white photographic print on 20 x 82 cm piece of paper, with image size 14.5 x 78 cm. In good condition, with light signs of age and wear, tightly rolled. Printed caption below image, and photographers' details at bottom right. The year's intake and the tutors are placed in five rows on the grass in front of the main building.

[ Victor Jamaer, Belgian architect. ] Heavily-corrected draft manuscript proposal (by Jamaer?) to 'Monsieur le Bourgmestre', for adding statues of Albert and Isabelle to the facade of the Maison du Roi in the Grand Place.

Author: 
Victor Jamaer [ Pierre Victor Jamaer ] (1825-1902), Belgian architect [ Maison du Roi, Brussels, Belgium ]
Publication details: 
[ Belgium. ] Undated [ circa 1868? ].
£200.00

3pp., 8vo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged, worn and brittle paper. 66 lines of closely-written text, heavily revised with additions, deletions and emendations. The author describes his scheme as 'un projet qui contribuerait a l'embellissement de le grand plan de Bruxelles, sans qu'il coutait rien a la ville'. He describes the renovation of the facade of the Maison du Roi, and suggests the placing of 'Statuettes d'Albert et d'Isabelle' in a 'niche gothique'. Jamaer reconstructed the Maison du Roi in 1868.

[ Jefferson Miles, Proof Master General of Ordnance. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Jeaffreson Miles') to Robert Eddowes, Ordnance Storekeeper at Portsmouth, directing him to have all his receipts signed.

Author: 
Jeaffreson MIles [ Jefferson Miles ] (d.1763), Proof Master General of Ordnance [ Robert Eddowes, Ordnance Storekeeper at Portsmouth; Royal Navy ]
Publication details: 
Office of Ordnance [ London ]. 17 July 1753.
£250.00

1p., folio. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with postmark, 'To | Robert Eddowes Esqr | Ordnance Storekeeper | at | Portsmouth'. 24 lines of neatly-written text. An unusually emphatic communication, the possibility of fraud clearly being in the air.

[ Cuban slave trade, 1856. ] Document in Spanish, signed by both parties: 'D. Domingo Rodriguez' selling 'un negro nombrado Andres' to 'la Sra. Da. Conception de Velasco de la Forre' for 'cuatrocientos pesos'.

Author: 
[ Cuban slave trade, 1856 ]
Publication details: 
'Habana 28 de Octubre de 1856'. [ Havana, Cuba. 28 October 1856.]
£75.00

1p., folio. On aged and worn paper. In top right-hand corner: 'N. 4.' Twelve lines of text, followed by signatures 'Domingo Rodrigz.', 'Conception de Velasco de la Forre' and 'Pose Ma. de la Forre'. Begins: 'D. Domingo Rodriguez vende a la Sra. Da. Conception de Velasco de la Forre, un negro nombrado Andres de oficio calesero y cocinero [ by trade a coachman and cook ], sano y sin tachas [ healthy and without blemishes ]'.

[ Campbeltown Special Constables, 1823. ] Manuscript Document, signed by 71 men, by which they are 'Constituted and Ordained Constables' by 'The Magistrates of the Burgh of Campbeltown', with the text of the oath taken by them for the purpose.

Author: 
Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland [ Special Constables ]
Publication details: 
'At Campbeltown the Twenty first day of April Eighteen Hundred & Twenty three years' [ Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland. 21 April 1823. ]
£450.00

2pp., folio. A 41.5 x 33 cm. piece of wove paper folded three times to make a 20.5 x 8cm. packet. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Headed: 'At Campbeltown the Twenty first day of April Eighteen Hundred & Twenty three years'. Reads: 'The Magistrates of the Burgh of Campbeltown having this day Nominated and Appointed, the persons hereto subscribing, Special Constables in the Burgh of Campbeltown, They are hereby Constituted and Ordained Constables within the said Burgh accordingly, And in terms of Law have taken, and hereby take, and subscribe the following Oath Vizt.

[ Sir John Simon, Lord Chancellor. ] Three Autograph Letters Signed, two Typed Letters Signed (variously 'John Simon' and 'J. A. Simon'), and one Autograph Note Signed ('J. A. Simon') to Sir Robert Ernest Dummett, on legal and political matters.

Author: 
Sir John Simon [ Sir J. A. Simon; John Allsebrook, 1st Viscount Simon ] (1873-1954), Lord Chancellor, Liberal politician and lawyer [ Sir Robert Ernest Dummett (1872-1941) ]
Publication details: 
Two on letterheads of the Solicitor General, two from 57 Kensington Court, London, one from 4 Brick Court, Temple, one from All Souls College, Oxford. Between 1900 and 1912.
£150.00

The collection in good condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: ANS ('J. A. Simon'). 17 January 1908. 1p., 12mo. From 4 Brick Court, Temple. Giving notice that he is that day 'applying to the Lord Chancellor for silk'. Accompanied by an undated Autograph Memorandum by Frederick Allan Wilshire (1868-1944), Recorder of Bridgwater, stating that it is 'of particular interest. When a Barrister applies for silk he has to write a similar letter to this to all members of the circuit who are his senior. | Simon recommended me to the King for the Recordership of Bridgwater. | F. A. W.' TWO: ALS ('J. A.

[ Sir Joseph Austen Chamberlain, Conservative politician. ] Autograph Signature ('Austen Chamberlain') on duplicated 'Agenda' of a meeting of the Coalition Liberal Organisation meeting.

Author: 
Sir Joseph Austen Chamberlain (1863-1937), Conservative politician, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize
Publication details: 
With stamp of the Conservative Liberal Organisation, Headquarters Western Group, 28 Baldwin Street, Bristol. Undated, but dated to December 1920 in manuscript.
£65.00

1p., folio. On aged and creased paper. With Coalition Liberal Organisation stamp at bottom right, and manuscript date 'Decr 1920' at head. The agenda is in four numbered parts, including an 'Address by the Right Honourable J. Austen Chamberlain, M.P. (Chancellor of the Exchequer)', and the proposing by T. W. H. Inskip, M.P., of F. A. Wilshire, 'Prospective Coalition Candidate Thornbury Division', with Sir George Davies in support.

[ Ruth Ellis Messenger, hymnologist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Ruth E. Messenger') to 'Mr. Wilshire' [ Frederick Allen Wilshire ], thanking him for providing her with an 'open sesame' to the Inns of Court in London.

Author: 
Ruth E. Messenger [ Ruth Ellis Messenger ] (1896-1993), American hymnologist [ Frederick Allan Wilshire (1868-1944), Recorder of Bridgwater ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch, London W1. Undated, but marked as 'Rec[eive]d 17 . 7. 39. [ 17 July 1939 ]'
£120.00

4pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper, with minor rust marking from a paperclip. She writes that she and her sister have that day 'worshipped at the Temple Church and enjoyed to the full all the delights that were spread before us, in that rare environment'. His cards have 'proved an "open sesame" wherever we went', and they have 'enoyed the Hall with its associations, and indeed, every bit of the section. Just to look at the courts and walls was an experience not to be forgotten'.

[ Sir Edward George Clarke, barrister who represented Oscar Wilde. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Edward Clarke'), reminiscing about a trial at which he considers his client was wrongly convicted, and commenting on his son William Francis Clarke.

Author: 
Sir Edward Clarke [ Sir Edward George Clarke ] (1841-1931), Conservative Solicitor-General who represented Oscar Wilde against the Marquis of Queensbury [ William Francis Clarke (1883-1961) ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Peterhouse, Staines [ Middlesex ]. 22 December 1927.
£90.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. He begins by expressing pleasure at having been asked to write his name in Tyrrell's copy of his book (probably 'Benjamin Disraeli', published in 1926). He also thanks him for 'the kind things said about me in your letter'. He has 'tried to be useful in various ways', and remembers 'the case you mention.

[ Sir Hugh Jamieson Elles, first commander of the Tank Corps, during the Battle of Amiens, 1918. ] Duplicated Typed Circular 'SPECIAL ORDER No. 15 | by | Major-Genl. H. J. ELLES, CB, DSO, Comdg.', thanking 'all ranks' during 'the present battle'.

Author: 
Major-General H. J. Elles [ Lieutenant General Sir Hugh Jamieson Elles ] (1880-1945), first commander of the Tank Corps [ First World War; Battle of Amiens, August 1918 ]
Publication details: 
'Tank Corps in the Field. [ Battle of Amiens] | 13th August, 1918'
£45.00

From the papers of Lieutenant Colonel William Otter Gibbs (1883-1960), Sixth Tank Battalion. Duplicated Typed Circular headed 'SPECIAL ORDER No. 15 | by | Major-Genl. H. J. ELLES, CB, DSO, Comdg. Tank Corps in the Field. | 13th August, 1918.' With facsimile signature of 'H. J. Elles. | Major-General, | Commanding Tank Corps in the Field.' 1p., landscape 12mo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper.

[ Raymond Asquith, son of Prime Minister H. H. Asquith and member of 'The Corrupt Coterie'. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'Raymond Asquith') to 'Dummett' [ Sir Robert Ernest Dummett ], regarding speaking at a political meeting.

Author: 
Raymond Asquith (1878-1916), son of British Prime Minister H. H. Asquith, barrister and member of 'The Corrupt Coterie' [ Sir Robert Ernest Dummett (1872-1941) ]
Publication details: 
The first on letterhead of 1 Paper Buildings, Temple, EC [ London ]. 14 December 1908. The second (with mourning border) on letterhead of 49 Bedford Square, WC [ London ]. 8 January 1909.
£100.00

Both items in fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. ONE: 2pp., 12mo. He complains of having done 'no political speaking for 2 or 3 years now', and of being 'a poor hand at it even when in practice'. Dummett is nevertheless invited to 'command' him on 29 January. TWO: 3pp., 12mo. Circumstances having arisen, he has to apologise for 'crying off'. He is certain that 'in the 3 weeks which remain' Dummett will have 'no difficulty in securing a substitute who will be much more effective'. From the papers of Sir R. E. Dummett.

[ George Hudson, 'The Railway King'. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Geo Hudson'), complaining to an unnamed party within a few months of his death of the non-arrival of a portmanteau at Kirkham Railway Station.

Author: 
George Hudson (1800-1871), 'The Railway King', railway promoter and fraudster
Publication details: 
Kirkham Station [ Yorkshire ]. 9 October 1871.
£180.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly aged paper, tipped in onto part of a leaf from an album. The main body of the letter reads: 'I am sorry to say the portmanteau has not arrived - will you enquire about it - I hope you addressed it to the Kirkahm Station on the North Eastern railway.' In a postscript he gives the full address as 'Mr Hudson Kirkham Station on the North Eastern railway York', adding that he will pick it up 'in a few Days when we return'. The letter may result from a mix-up with Kirkham Station in Lancashire.

[ Sir George Otto Trevelyan, historian. ] Autograph Note Signed ('G O Trevelyan') to 'Herbert' [ Sir Robert Herbert ], describing his canvassing activities in the 1892 General Election, and his longing for 'society'.

Author: 
Sir George Otto Trevelyan (1838-1928), historian and liberal politician [ Sir Robert Herbert (1831-1905), Premier of Queensland ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Central Station Hotel, Glasgow. 5 July 1892.
£45.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and lightly-ruckled paper. The letter begins: 'Dear Herbert, | My address will show you why I cannot have the pleasure of breakfasting with you. My poll is tomorrow [Trevelyan was MP for Glasgow Bridgeton], and the evening of the 7th. I am to speak in Inverness, and then have to come South to take part in our two South Northern Ireland contests'. He will be 'from 3 to 600 miles from London for some time to come', and will 'miss the sort of society of which the breakfast club is the quintessence'. From the papers of Sir Robert Herbert.

[ Eric Gill and the Spoil Bank Association Limited. ] Printed First and Second Mortgage Debentures, signed by Eric Gill, H. J. Cribb, Hilary Pepler, Charles L. Waters, Edgar Holloway, with printed transfer slips, all signed by Valentine KilBride.

Author: 
Eric Gill; The Spoil Bank Association Limited; Ditchling; H. J. Cribb [ Herbert Joseph Cribb ]; Hilary Pepler; Charles L. Waters; Valentine KilBride [ John Valentine Denis KilBride ]; Edgar Holloway
Publication details: 
Both items: The Spoil Bank Association Limited, 'Registered Office S. Dominic's Press, Ditchling Common, Hassocks, Sussex.' Both dated 23 February 1922, the first printed and second in manuscript.
£450.00

The Spoil Bank Association was the limited company which acted on behalf of the Guild of St. Joseph and St. Dominic, the group of Roman Catholic craftworkers centred on Gill and based on Ditchling Common in Sussex. Each of the present two items in good condition, with light signs of age and wear. Both bifoliums on good deckled-edge paper, and both 3pp., folio, with the customary covering information on the reverse of the second leaf. Attractive typographic productions, printed in black and red on deckled-edge watermarked laid paper. Both with tax stamps and the Association's seal.

[ Florence Warden ('Mrs. G. E. James'), novelist. ] Autograph Note Signed ('Florence James'), an invitation to dinner.

Author: 
Florence Warden [ 'Mrs. G. E. James', née Florence Alice Price ](1857-1929), novelist
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 21 Addison Road North, Kensington, W. [ London. ] 26 March 1889.
£45.00

On one side of a 9 x 11 cm piece of grey paper. In a minuscule hand, with the recipient's name has been scored through: 'Dear Mr. <?>, | Will you come to supper on Thursday? | Yours sincerely, | Florence James'.

[ Walter John Coulson, urologist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Walter J Coulson'), a sick note for 'Mr. Turner'.

Author: 
Walter John Coulson (1834-1889), FRCS, urologist
Publication details: 
On his embossed letterhead, 2 Frederick Place, Old Jewry. 27 June 1869.
£45.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. The note reads: 'This is to certify that Mr. Turner has been under my care; and will be unable to return to business for the next ten days. | Walter J Coulson | Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.' For more on Coulson, see his obituary in the British Medical Journal, 14 September 1889.

[ William Griffin, Secretary to the Board of Ordnance. ] 'Copy' circular letter, in secretarial hand, signed by him ('W: Griffin.'), to the 'Officer Commanding the Oldham Regiment of Local Militia', calling in their 'Arms and Accoutrements'.

Author: 
William Griffin (d.1827), Secretary to the Board of Ordnance, London [ John Crossley of Scaitcliffe, near Rochdale, Lancashire, collector; Napoleonic Wars ]
Publication details: 
Office of Ordnance [ London ]. 10 April 1816.
£220.00

1p., folio. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper, with some chipping and a few closed tears to edges. Addressed 'To | The Officer Commanding | the Oldham Regiment of Local Militia. | Oldham Lancashire' (i.e. John Crossley of Scaitcliffe near Rochdale, who built up a notable collection of military memorabilia, dispersed after his death). Attached to a leaf of paper with a note by the recipient concerning the permission he has been granted to retain a 'Musquet and Set of Accoutrements'.

[ Thomas Noon Talfourd, judge and author. ] Autograph draft of part of his opening speech to the jury on behalf of the defendants in the Court of Exchequer libel case 'Richmond versus Marshall and Miles'.

Author: 
Sir Thomas Noon Talfourd (1795-1854), English judge and author, friend of Charles Dickens [ Alexander Baillie Richmond ('Richmond the Spy'); Tait's Edinburgh Magazine; Simpkin and Marshall ]
Publication details: 
[ Court of Exchequer, London. December 1834. ]
£600.00

The background to this document is ably explained in an article in the Spectator, 27 December 1834, 'The Spy System: Richmond versus Marshall and Miles', which begins: 'The Court of Exchequer was occupied the whole of Saturday and Monday last with the trial of an action of libel, brought by Alexander Baillie Richmond, the individual for many years known in Scotland by the title of "Richmond the Spy," against Messrs. Simpkin and Marshall, the London publishers of Tait's Edinburgh Magazine.

[ Sir Henry Irving. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('H Irving') to 'Lord Gray', regarding a theatre box.

Author: 
Sir Henry Irving (1838-1905), eminent Victorian actor-manager
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 15A, Grafton Street, Bond Street, W. [ London ] 15 February [ no year ].
£45.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. In a difficult hand. He hopes there is 'no misunderstanding about the box for tonight', which is reserved in the recipient's name at the theatre: '& you have only to ask for your box'. He ends: 'We shall meet tonight I hope after the play.'

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