RUDGE

The name of the recipient is not clear: it would appear to read 'Wriggles', and the letter suggests that this is a pet name for Melchers' close friend Henriette Lewis-Hind, who wrote the foreword to 'Gari Melchers, Painter', published that same year in New York by W. E. Rudge. An excellent letter, full of content, beginning: 'My dear [Wriggles?]. | We only returned from the West Indies a week or two ago – had a fine time'.

1p., foolscap 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. The document is signed at the end 'Robert Gardiner', beside his seal in black wax. It reads: 'These are to certify, that The Revd Dr. Rudge, is appointed Chaplain to His Royal Highness The Prince Leopold – to have, hold and enjoy the said office, together with all rights, privileges and advantages, thereunto belonging. | Claremont, August the Sixth – One thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty. | Robert Gardiner'.

The fifteen items are in good condition, lightly aged and worn. Totalling 19pp., 12mo; 4pp., 8vo; 1p., 4to. Eleven signed 'Rudge', three 'J. Rudge Harding', and one 'J. Rudge H.' Ten addressed to 'My dear Alderson', four to 'My dear Horne', and one to 'My dear Alderson Horne'. A friendly, chatty correspondence.