[Sir Fitzroy Kelly, judge, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, Tory politician.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Aspinall’, regarding his secretary taking his chance, and prospects in the legal profession.

A spirited and characteristically-forceful letter, casting interesting light on the social side of London legal practice in the Victorian period. See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 3pp, 8vo. On Bifolium with thin mourning border. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with some nicking and light creasing at edges. Begins: ‘D[ea]r Aspinall, / I suppose from my not having heard from you no one knows of a case in point. So, unless you tell me there is some precedent - of danger, I’ll recommend my secretary to take his chance. The more so as the Chamber-clerks especially of the 3 Chiefs, are a superior class of men, generally well-educated & in various ways assisting the Judges. Nevertheless I shd. like a line of Encouragement from you: but looking back upon my own long experience I can hardly conceive that a man once at the Bar whatever may be the casual interruptions in his career, can except from misconduct be in effect disbarred.’ He has ‘known instances of men (two of whom were boot & shoe-makers) being called to the Bar & doing well; John Smith of the Norfolk Court 40 yrs ago, & the late Sergt. Thomas; a very good fellow, but not over-polished; & whose son is now at the Bar & has some practice. One line if you please.’ In a postscript he reports that he met Aspinall’s friend ‘Monsignor Capel at dinner the other day: & he spoke with much & fervid pleasure of your fine entertainment.’