[J. S. M. Fonblanque, legal writer and Commissioner of Bankruptcy.] Autograph Letter Signed

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged, with closed tear (not affecting text) to a fold on second leaf, which also carries traces of mount on its blank reverse. Small printed slip relating to the Court of Bankruptcy, bearing Fonblanque’s name, laid down at head of first page. Folded four times for postage. Signed ‘J S M Fonblanque’. Minuted in another hand: ‘Mr Spence to G Joy / 6th Aug 1844 / enclosing Mr Fonblanque’s letter to him.’ Begins: ‘Dear Spence / I have skimmed Mr Joy’s Pamphlet and I do not find in it anything relating to myself nor indeed can I imagine how there could be. The point before me was wh[ethe]r under Brougham’s [?] Act a Prisoner could be released by the C[our]t of B[an]k[ru]ptcy - I gave Joy the usual protection, leaving the point of release to the Court under proofs of which he was in custody.’ He concludes by stating that the amended act will provide for such cases.