[ David Murray, 2nd Earl of Mansfield. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Mansfield') to the Duke of Portland, sometime Prime MInister, regarding the resignation of 'Dr Campbell' and the arrangements for his pension.

Author: 
David Murray, 2nd Earl of Mansfield (1727-1796) [ The Viscount Stormont between 1748 and 1793 ], politician and diplomat [ William Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland; Dr Thomas Campbell ]
Publication details: 
'Kenwood Tuesday afternoon | July 28 [ 1793 ]'.
£120.00
SKU: 18127

2pp., 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'D. of Portland'. The date '93' has been added in a contemporary hand beside 'July 28'. Knowing Portland, he feels that 'Dr Campbells Interests cannot be safer' than in his hands. He is transmitting a letter of resignation, to be used whenever Portland thinks proper. 'I know you will agree with me in thinking that theh Distinguished Manner in which Dr Campbell has filled the Station he now offers to resign, the Motives to his Resignation and his whole Conduct with regard to Dr Brown entitle Him to a liberal and handsome Pension fully adequate at least to all that He resigns.' Campbell 'cannot expect to enjoy His Pension long, and it is surely just as well as wise to make Him comfortable for the Remainder of His day'. He understands that 'Mr Dundas' (Henry Dundas (1742-1811), later 1st Viscount Melville) has enquired about the 'best Mode of granting this Pension which will of course go pari passu with the Resignation'. He will call on Portland the following day. The subject of the letter may be the Church of Ireland clergyman and traveller Dr Thomas Campbell (1733-1795), remembered for his 1775 London diary describing his encounters with Dr Samuel Johnson. Portland was Prime Minister between 1807 and 1809.