Autograph Letters

Writer and M.D. (DNB) Two pages, 12mo, good condition. "I return the proofs herwith. It is much improved by the Editorial Notes and will [?] in this moment in the M. & N. Gaz [ Naval & Military Gazette?] It was very kind of you to admit it so promptly - & I feel assured it will be much read in Paris. A note from the author (Paris 17th) says - "Several officers here in the main agreed with me (in conversation) & others have sincerely thanked me for opening their eyes.

Scottish lawyer and politician, friend of Walter Scott (1751-1839). 2pp., 4to, good condition. He is submitting letters to his correspondent for him to "peruse" and plans a discussion of "the matter" in a carriage. A note has been added "Of Sir Walter Scott" ( Scott died 21 Sept. 1832, and Adam was a friend), but there is no internal evidence of this.

Scholar, ed. Pepys Diary, etc. One page, 8vo, good condition. "I enclose subscription for Philological Society I am sorry to miss you in London - I hope you are comfortably settled at Glasgow."

Novelist. Four pages, 8vo, good condition. She responds to a question by revealing that she is working on a new novel called "Scarlet Sials" (pub. 1924, BLC) "all about the Isle of Wight and a rather fascinating love intrigue and social tragedy". She says it's "full of the sea . . . (Solent, Spithead) and the drifts of orange flower scented air form the Lotus Island, and is a great delight to write in the midst of fogs & General Elections". She mentions the Redwing Yacht Club ("cherry-coloured sails") but is torn from them by her being a speaker at election meetings ("blue" - Tory).

Merchant and banker (1773-1848). 2 pages, 8vo. Creased, grubby and discoloured. 'The proclamation has been made this morning and the Poll [presumably a parliamentary election, as Baring sat in the Commons from 1806] will open on Thursday next. I request therefore that our counsel may be here at latest Wednesday evening. The officers appear very & have sent for an decidedly in the interest of Mr Seymour. We may expect therefore a hard struggle & every of attempt against us.' In a postscript he asks his correspondent to 'fix the fee'.

Born 1781, died 1848. Dimensions approximately four inches by five inches. In good condition. Neatly mounted on a larger piece of paper, which is docketed 'Baron Hormayr is still famous for the part he had in the revolt of the Tyrol in 1809. Four lines in closely written gothic scrip, with signature. Scan on application for contents.

John and Charles Baring were the brothers of Sir Francis Baring (1740-1810), Charles being the head of the Exeter branch of the banking house and John, an Exeter merchant, the nominal head of both arms. 1 page, 8vo. Grubby but in good condition. Mounted on larger piece of paper. An interesting insight into eighteenth-century trade practice. 'Inclosed you have Invoice double sets of patterns & double bills of loading of eight bales No. 55 - 62 value £583 .. 4 ..

Poet and Journalist (DNB). Three pages, 8vo, evidence of having been laid down, minor damage not affecting text, ow good condition. "My terms for a [?] Lecture at Hull would be Ten guineas and my travelling expenses". He suggests an approximate date, and outlines the subjects of his lectures on offer: "1. Poetry and Song: - and the influence of songs upon the character & fortunes of nations. 2. The popular & national Songs of England 3. The popular & national Songs of Scotland." He gives reasons for advising the first.

George Byrom Whittaker (DNB), bookseller and publisher (BBTI). In the papers of J.T.J. Hewlett (described below). "I cannot acquiesce in your wish of sending copies of Books on Sale, it being contrary to our custom." Originally from a larger archive, the residue of which is described in #3157 (Hewlett's papers), this and other items appear in my ABE inventory in book id#s 3124-3156.

English artist. 'Life has been one continual rush since we returned from the States. I have been hoping for a chance to get down to see you. When you are in Town & this way do call in & see us.' Describes a window memorial in a church, dedicated to 'your dear Father'. 'How lovely to think of the two dear souls their memories yet more precious as the years advance'.

English artist (1842-1921). 2 pages, 16mo, on the rectos of the two leaves of a bifoliate, the first leaf bearing a mourning border. In good condition, but with remains of mount adhering to blank verso of second leaf. 'Re candlesticks. | The dean does not want candlesticks for the Altar. | But, in the place of those hideous bronze things in fornt of the Altar I have designend, and Pegram the sculptor has modelled a sketch, a really fine thing.

English portrait-painter (1803-81; DNB). Piece of paper approximately three inches by five. Slightly discoloured but in good condition, and attached to piece of brown card. Reads 'Remember me very kindly to the Ladies, and after to your Sons, and believe me | Every yours most sincerely | John P. Knight'

Artist (DNB). Two pages, 8vo, fold marks but good condition, partly laid down alongside photograph, c.2" x 3". He expects Roberts to attend the same event and asks to share his "conveyance". He concludes that he "found Callcott in much the same state I left him."

Historical painter (1816-1879). 3 & 2pp., 8vo. (4 Sept.) He is doing his best to facilitate the sale of a painting through a friend ("Haynes"), "the de Witt picture", owned by a Col. Gordon. The market for "luxury" items is affected by the depression, but he hopes for an upturn. He admires both the de Witt and "the portrait of Mary". (28 Sept.) He will do his best with regard to both pictures but outlines problems. 2 items,

Antony Vandyke Copley Fielding. Watercolour artist (1787-1855). One page, 12mo. "My dear Miss Coates, / Pray be so good as to give my kind Compliments to your mama, & say that I shall have great pleasure in coming to Bedford Place on Tuesday eveg. & with my best remembrance to your Aunt Julia, & many thanks to you for your obliging note, / I remain / very sincerely yours / Copley Fielding". One very small hole at head and slight creasing, but in good overall condition.

Artist. One page, 4to, tears on folds, but text clear and complete. He is annoyed at not meeting up and discusses his much-felt loss of a brother. "His death was as tranquil as his life." He sends good wishes to the Smiths.

Sculptor (1814-1877). 2pp. & one page, 8vo. He initially discusses the "distresses" of someone called Hone, presumably an artist, how £50 would enable him to provide for himself and his family. Advertisements about Hone's situation have been placed and presumably they hope for contributions. The second letter appears to concern contributions from Wigram and Tupper. 2 items,

Irish artist and writer (DNB). One page, 8vo, good condition. He cannot accept an invitation because the event clkashes with a meeeting of the Dilettante Society to which he is committed.

Painter, essayist and critic (1841-1902). He explains why he cannot go on an excursion. He expects to have to paint a python on the point of shedding its skin.

Victorian landscape and genre painter. The conclusion of a letter cut away for the signature: 'the Silk covering with the Red but I believe they could be changed for blue if preferred | I have the honour to be | Madam | Your obedient Servent | J. J. Chalon'. Slightly discoloured by the glue with which it was stuck to the album.

Historical painter (1799-1879). Landseer's signature with others (Crowly, Ross, Graves, Lewis, Cury), probably cut from document relating to the Artist's Benevolent Fund. A line has been drawn thorugh Landseer's signature and the words "not eligible" added.

Painter (1785-1841), two pages, 12mo, bifolitate leaf (damaged (adress intact), staining but text clear and complete. Text as follows: "Dear Macdonald/ I forgot to say yesterday that if you wanted a table for the room you should send to Mr Demoy Duke Street. I beg you will see about the bills at Reynells[?], and let me know what you did about the advertising last night and the night before. Put down in the list of subscribers the name of Samuel Whitbread Esq. 35 Dover Street. Proof. [name and following underlined].

English sculptor (1799-1872; DNB). On piece of paper 4 inches by 3 1/2. Somewhat grubby, and with remains of glue on blank reverse. Difficult hand. 'Dear Sir Martin | I am just returned from & shall have much pleasure in dining with You tomorrow. | believe me | very sincerely Yours | Richd Westmacott | '. The foot of the note has been cropped but this does not affect the signature.

Two pages, 4to, chipped, spike-hole, small loss, mainly readable.

Robert Williams Buchanan, Author (see Dictionary of National Biography). One page, 8vo, good condition, thanking his correspondent for a letter and a book (to come) which he will check, adding "Macmillan's edition was full of atrocious 'misprints', but I presume Mr Bell and Mr Nichol had read the proofs this time carefully?" In the Postscript he asks for "local help" for an edition of his collected poems just issued by King & Co.

M.P. for Thirsk, d. 1831. Document A, two page, 4to, chipped, one hole, with marginal textual loss, headed "York Courant / Tuesday Aug. 23d 1785 / City of York", measures taken against "Highwaymen, Housebreakers, Pickpockets, Horse--stealers, Common Thieve, Cheats, Sharpers, and other offenders with their confederates, resort topublic places & Fairs to meet their accomplices, & perpetrate their villainies . . ." described (presumably in the newspaper in the heading) by "Geo. Townend / Common Clerk".

Miscellaneous Writer (see Dictionary of National Biography). Two pages, 12mo, faint foxing, other minor defects, but mainly good condition and text clear. "Allow me to congratulate you & the Conservatives of Manchester on your great triumph - a double victory, since it not only brings you into the House, but keeps Jacob Bright out!"

Admiral (see DNB). 4 pages, 8vo, small piece of tape masks the month and another word, ow good and clear. His correspondent's letter to him has depressed him because it underates the "immense appriacation we as Seamen have for the patriotic line you have lately taken up." He is "delighted" with Maurice's book [prob. "Military History of the Campaign of 1882 in Egypt" published this year, 1888]. "I quite agree with you in all you say & consider your views the real statesmanlike Views of that immensely important point.

English aristocrat and military commander (1819-1904; DNB), grandson of George III and cousin of Queen Victoria. 2 pages, 16mo. In good condition despite minor discoloration and one ink stain. He asks her to forgive him for being unable to come to her house the previous day 'as I had most fully intended to do'. Signed 'George'.

English ecclesiastic (1729-77; DNB). 2 pages, 8vo. On paper stained and discoloured, with several small closed tears. Amusingly bad-tempered missive.