Autograph Letters

letter [by amanuensis?] to H. A. West,

Author: 
Sir Francis Cowley Burnand
Publication details: 
no date, on letterhead addressed Hale Lodge, Edgeware.
£20.00

Dramatist (1836-1917) and editor of Punch from 1862-1906. One page, 12mo. The printed part is laid out like a telegram, with a reference number, and the letter, although signed "FCB" does not appear to be in Burnard's hand. "Dear Sir / I am head over ears in engagements & business next week. [...] to you ce qu'arrivera." With postscript "Just come from Germany". In parlous condition, frayed, and with holes and tape marks from previous mounting.

two letters signed to E. S. Gibb,

Author: 
Joseph Rowntree
Publication details: 
6 and 7 November 1890, with letterhead of the Engineering Department of Rowntree & Co., The Cocoa Works, York.
£80.00

The younger. Quaker cocoa manufacturer and philanthropist (1836-1925). Both letters one page, 4to, and written by an amanuensis. The letters deal with a "proposed new siding", for which "Mr Copperthwaite & my Clerk of Works" think it will be necessary to "take down the bridge which connects the north & south portions of my land, & which is situated midway between the road to & the road to ." In the second letter he says he is leaving for Scarborough that morning, and that he fears his two days' absence "might delay operations with the branch line".

Autograph note signed to Mr <Spielmann?>,

Author: 
Sir George Alexander (George Alexander Gibb Samson), Theatre Manager
Publication details: 
"Thursday" (no date), with letterhead 57 Pont Street.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1858-1918), knighted in 1911. One page, 12mo. "We will call for you at about 10.30 tomorrow morning. It is very good of you."

Autograph Letters Signed to unknown correspondent(s?),

Author: 
Walter Crane
Publication details: 
Holland Street and Neufchatel respectively, 3 Nov. 1904 and 31 August 1931
£180.00

Artist and Poet (1845-1915). Two Autograph Letters Signed, 2 pages and one page respectively, 4to, staining and damage especially to 1910 letter, but texts clear. (1904) Crane outlines his understanding of "the terms under which 'The Golden Primer' was produced" based on his co-author's (Meiklejohn) letters - three fifths of the proceeds. He quotes relevant detail from two letters,on of which discusses a cheap edition for schools. "I find a dummy copy of this with a cover design of mine & Blackwood's imprint". He thinks a re-issue in the "original form" a good idea.

Autograph note signed to Sir John Cam Hobhouse (1786-1869, later Baron Broughton), President of the Board of Control,

Author: 
Sir Stapleton Cotton, 1st Viscount Combermere
Publication details: 
4 June 1847, Belgrave Square.
£50.00

General (1773-1865), who distinguished himself as commander of the allied cavalry in the Peninsular War. One page, 8vo. "Although Captn: Martin did not serve under my Command in India, I venture to forward to you his Memorial, and trust you will take an opportunity of bringing his claim under the gracious & favourable consideration of Her Majesty - I have the honor to be / Sir / Yr. most obt. Hble: Sert: / Combermere. Genl. / late commr: in Chief / in India". Paper ruckled, and with glue stains from previous mounting. With biographical cutting adhering to head of recto.

Autograph letter signed to S. Teulon.

Author: 
Samuel Smiles.
Publication details: 
South Eastern Railway, 7 August 1857.
£100.00

South-Eastern Railway secretary, social reformer, author ((1812-1904). Two pages, 8vo. He is presenting one of his books, presumably the "Life of George Stephenson" which was published in July of that year: "The book has been written under great disadvantage, - and has been scraped together as it were out of the scraps & odd bits of my lesser moments. But such as it is I hope it will afford you some pleasure to read." Smiles wrote "Self-Help" among other significant books.

Signature only

Author: 
W.H. Murray Walton
Publication details: 
no date
£75.00

Explorer in Japan. Good signature on pasaper, 3 x 1" approc. With: additional pencil note "Distinguished explorer in Japan made first ascents of many mountains" ascribed on the paper on which the signature is laid sown to "Dr [Howard] Somervell of Mt Everest Expedition" (1953 expedition, Somervelld.1975).

Autograph note signed,

Author: 
Sir George Alexander (George Alexander Gibb Samson), Theatre Manager
Publication details: 
undated, on letterhead of the St James's Theatre, King Street, St James's.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1858-1918), knighted in 1911. One page, 12mo, evidently in response to a request for an autograph. "With pleasure / Yours truly / George Alexander". Negligible traces of previous mounting on reverse of blank second leaf.

Autograph letter signed to a bishop,

Author: 
Squire Bancroft
Publication details: 
4 Nov. 1901, with embossment 18 Berkeley Square.
£18.00

English actor manager (1841-1926), knighted in 1926. 2 pp, 12mo. "My Lord Bishop / I am sorry I cannot be of any service in the way you wish. My income is severely strained and, with regret, I have to refuse many similar applications." Traces of mounting on reverse.

Autograph letter signed to the Rev. William Marshall of Harberton near Totness,

Author: 
John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon
Publication details: 
without date or place.
£50.00

Lord Chancellor of England (1751-1838). 2 pp, 12mo. An interesting sidelight into ecclesiastical preferment. "Sir / The Living in Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire is that, to which I propose to present you, if you are disposed to accept it. Its Value, I am informed, but a Chancellor's Information is seldom correct, is about 280l a year - / It will require much of Residence, as the Parish is populous, & contains very numerous Inhabitants. The Duty must, therefore, be considerable - After what my excellent deceased Friend, Dr Parsons, Bp.

autograph letters signed (x 2) to [Thomas] Bass,

Author: 
Vernon Steel
Publication details: 
1911 and 1913.
£20.00

The first, 6 October 1911, New Theatre London, 4 pp, 12mo: "I was very pleased to have your letter, and was most interested to read in it something of the inner life of the Manchester working-classes, and to hear the views of one who is in them, but not of them. I think you are quite right to seek recreation in art, as I am sure it does more than anything else to brighten existence, and to relieve one's mind from the drudgery and monotony. It is a great pity there are not more who think like you." He encloses a photograph (not present).

Autograph letter signed to J. Dixon Spain,

Author: 
William Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire (1808-1891)
Publication details: 
19 September 1885, with letterhead Holker Hall, Carke-in-Cartmel, Carnforth.
£80.00

One page, 12mo, with mourning border. "Sir / I enclose a cheque for 3£ the amount which I have subscribed during the last 2 or 3 years to the Lichfield Diocesan Church of England Temperance Society. As however Derbyshire is no longer in the diocese of Lichfield I cannot undertake to subscribe to the Society in future. / Yr obedt Servt / Devonshire".

Autograph letter signed to an unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Sir John Duke Coleridge, 1st Baron Coleridge
Publication details: 
17 June 1891, with embossment of the royal crest.
£45.00

Lord Chief Justice of England (1820-94). 2 pp, 12mo. "I could have asked to be silent to-night but I cannot refuse to answer for the guests on an occasion so interesting & on which I am very proud to be present". Postscript: "Can you give me any idea of who the guests are, & about what time I shall have to speak as I am desirious if I can to go on to the Royal Society to-night?". Creased and with four pieces of gummed paper from mounting adhering to verso of blank second leaf.

Autograph letter signed to an unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Thomas Hamilton, 9th Earl of Haddington
Publication details: 
Sunday [no date or place].
£20.00

Nondescript Tory politician (1780-1858). 2 pp, 12mo. "I do not feel right & am naturally apprehensive! / Should it come on - am I - after so short an interval to take the <?> remedy? I am now going out & shall return before hour - / your faithful servt / Haddington".

Autograph letter signed to Lyall Swete,

Author: 
Squire Bancroft
Publication details: 
19 July 1906, on the letterhead of the Marlborough Club, Pall Mall.
£20.00

English actor manager (1841-1926), knighted in 1926. 2 pp, 12mo. "Let me thank you very heartily for all the valuable work you have done for the young people in Gower Street, with a hope that it may long continue." The reference is clearly to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, in Gower Street.

Autograph note signed on card to [the Rev. E.J.F. Davies, autograph-collector)

Author: 
Maud Diver
Publication details: 
31 July [1931].
£45.00

Novelist (1867-1945). Two sides of card, 3" x 3". She says he is welcome to her autograph "for what it is worth, to add to [his] distinguished collection. She adds a postscript saying that she has enclosed her signature on a separate piece of paper in case that is what he requires. She points out that she "is not Miss Diver & never was. My husband Colonel Diver, was in the Royal Warwickshire Regt. I am a mother - & a grandmother! My new book "Ships of Youth [A study of marriage in modern India]" was published a week ago". With: separate piece of paper with her signature and a date.

Autograph postcard signed to Douglas Sladen, author.

Author: 
M.H. Spielman
Publication details: 
24/02/17
£25.00

Author. She asks where Frederic Whyte is. "I've long been wanting to meet him again, but he's unfortunately plunged out of my orbit . . . he's one of the men I should least like to lose sight of". She asks about Sladen's election to the Athenaeum.

Autograph letter from the Secretaries of the (self-styled) Gambia Committee to Gisborne Molineux

Author: 
The Gambia
Publication details: 
29/01/76
£75.00

2pp, 8vo, remains of tape indicating from album, headed "Gambia Committee, 3 King Street, Westminster, "We beg respectfully to inform you that a Deputation to protest against the proposal to cede the River Gambia to France, will wait upon Earl Carnarvon ........" Thjey request Molineux's presence. {In fact, GB retained possession.]

Autograph letter signed to an unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Sir John Eldon Gorst
Publication details: 
29 March 1884, with letterhead 79 St George's Square.
£40.00

Lawyer and politician (1835-1916). "Dear Sir / I have so many calls on my resources & already subscribe to so many Cricket Clubs in Chatham that I fear I shall not be able to comply with your request - / Yrs very faithfully / J. E. Gorst". With traces of previous mounting to the reverse of the blank second leaf.

Typed letter signed to J.G. Wilson, Chairman of Bumpus's, booksellers

Author: 
John Johnson
Publication details: 
18/08/32
£45.00

OUP. One page 8vo. A brief note about unpacking "Buenos Aires material" which had presumably been there for an exhibition.

Autograph letter signed to Mrs [?] Hill,

Author: 
Squire Bancroft
Publication details: 
7 July 1895, with letterhead 18 Berkeley Square.
£20.00

English actor manager (1841-1926), knighted in 1926. 2 pp, 12mo. "I am terribly over worked just now but must snatch a moment to tell you how truly grieved I am to know of your sad accident and illness. / I fear too, it will keep you from us on the 20th which will be indeed a regret." Signed "S. B. Bancroft".

Autograph postcard signed, to Kathleen Shackleton, dau. of the explorer, and autograph letter signed to Douglas Sladen.

Author: 
Ruby M. Ayres
Publication details: 
[1923] and 13 May 1931
£45.00

Popular novelist. She announces to Kathleen Shackleton that they "go on to Cairo tomorrow. ALS, 2pp., 8vo to Sladen, regretting not being able to accept an invitation but inviting the Sladens to the "Authors Dinner" where she is to be a hostess. Two items,

Autograph letter signed to an unnamed reviewer,

Author: 
Sidney Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Lea
Publication details: 
23 May 1838, Wilton House, Salisbury.
£45.00

Politician (1810-61), friend and supporter of Florence Nightingale. 4 pp, 12mo. Difficult handwriting. "[...] I feel that I cannot undertake to do what you proposed to me; in such a manner as it ought to be done to do justice to the Review and to the subject. I must therefore ask you to cut me off at any rate for the next number. I hope this will not inconvenience you." Creased and grubby.

Autograph letter signed to a member of the family of the civil engineer and politician Sir Charles Lanyon (1813-89),

Author: 
Sir William MacCormac
Publication details: 
May 4 [no year], with the letterhead 13 Harley Street.
£45.00

Surgeon (1836-1901). "My dear Lanyon, / The young woman who has been working for me for some time past comes here when I want her to work, very well knowing my writing &c. I should not like to change without Cause but if an opportunity occur would be glad to assist your friend. I am sorry I missed seeing you, but I hope I shall be fortunate when you call again." Signed "W. MacCormac". With four pieces of gummed paper from mounting still adhering.

Autograph letter signed to the actress Hilda Trevelyan (1880-1959),

Author: 
Squire Bancroft
Publication details: 
31 October 1908, with letterhead of the Marlborough Club, Pall Mall.
£20.00

English actor manager (1841-1926), knighted in 1926. 2 pp, 12mo. Congratulating her on her performance in J. M. Barrie's "What Every Woman Knows". "Dear Miss Trevelyan / I had the pleasure to take Lady Bancroft to-day to see your admirable performance of a very difficult part: she was as pleased as I told her she would be. / With sincere congratulations, believe me, truly yrs: / Squire Bancroft".

Autograph letter signed to unknown (part of name torn off)

Author: 
Thomas Welsh
Publication details: 
07/02/24
£100.00

English actor, vocalist and composer (1781-1848). On epage, 4to, creased and chipped with loss only of part of correspondent's name (which ends "...uin"). A significant letter about the Argyll Rooms, the major musical venue of its time. Letter as follows: "If the Licence formerly held by Col. Greville can thus [?] the interest of his family be obtained for the purpose of acting French plays at the Argyle Rooms.

Autograph note signed to unnamed correspondent

Author: 
Philip Pusey
Publication details: 
Pusey, 12 Nov. 1843
£25.00

Agriculturalist (1799-1855). He is pleased that his correspondent's book is making its way (which is "a work of time"). He hopes it will be as useful as his correspondent "could wish".

Autograph letter signed to "Revd Mr Hoare".

Author: 
Legh Richmond
Publication details: 
11 Nov. [n.y.]
£35.00

Divine and author (1772-1827). He discusses the timing of the next "clerical meeting" and suggests a friend who could take pupils, "a serious brother".

Autograph postcard signed to J.G. Wilson, Chairman of Bumpus's, booksellers

Author: 
R.H. Bruce Lockhart
Publication details: 
21/02/33
£35.00

Author. Two sides of card used, thanking Wilson for obtaining for him an invitation from John Buchan to be a guest at the National Book Trade Dinner and for the "splendid showing" he arranged for his book (probably "British Agent") at Bumpus's.

Autograph note signed to the solicitor [Sir John] Hollams (1820-1910),

Author: 
Sir George Essex Honyman
Publication details: 
17 January [1873], no place.
£30.00

Judge (1819-75). One page, 12mo. "Jany 17. / My dear Hollams / I have with some hesitation accepted the Common Pleas." Honyman became a judge in the Court of Common Pleas on 23 January 1873. Dreadful sprawling handwriting. Paper worn, torn, grubby and creased, with blank second leaf repaired and with four pieces of gummed tape adhering to it from previous mounting.

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