[ George Howard, 6th Earl of Carlisle. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Carlisle'), giving his reasons, in indignant terms, for declining the office of Vice-President of the York Central Diocesan Society.

2pp., 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. The recipient (who dockets the reverse of the second leaf) is not named. He has received the letter in which the recipient, as Chairman, has requested him 'in pursuance of the 8th Resolution agreed to at that Meeting, to accept the office of Vice-President'. He continues indignantly: 'To every plan that tends to promote the general education of the People of this country, and to impart to them the advantages & blessings of Religious instruction, I am decidedly friendly, but to a system purporting to be National, virtually excluding the children of those who may differ from the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England, I cannot given an unqualified assent.' He concludes: 'I might add some reasons of a private and personal nature which would preclude me from accepting the proposed honor in the capacity of Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of the County of York, but with which at this moment it would be unnecessary to trouble you'. The valediction has a studied formality: 'I have the honor to be | with feelings of great respect | your most obedient | and faithful Servant | Carlisle'.