ADVOCATE

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with slight glue staining on blank reverse of first leaf. The letter begins: 'My dear Mr Rees. | I beg to congratulate you & myself on your elevation to a membership of the Viceregal Legislative Council – you on your well-earned elevation – myself on the pleasure of your companionship while at Calcuttah. [sic]' He is pleased to note that Rees's 'youth & the fact of your being comparatively a junior have not been regarded insuperable obstacles or unpardonable crimes'.

For more information on Marshall Hall's illustrious career, see his entry in the Oxford DNB. Fifteen items, the collection in fair overall condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: Ten original photographic portraits of Hall, ranging in size from 14 x 9 cm. (carte-de-visite by 'The Biograph Studio | 107 Regent St, W.') to 29 x 21 cm (on mount stamped '185 Piccadilly W1', the studio of Kohler & Sons). Eight of the ten are mounted on paper or card, with printed photographers' details, and three of these are signed (two photographs by Carl Vandyk, both signed in pencil by 'C.

3pp., 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, with slight damage to second leaf from breaking of wafer. Addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'Mrs. Scott Moncrieff | 7 Fores Stt. | Edinb.' Docketted on same page: '27 July 1833 | R S M | announcing Joanna's birth'. The letter begins: 'My dearest Mother | I beg that you wd.

2pp., 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged. Reverse of second leaf, with part of red wax seal and Keswick postmark, addressed to Ross at Tadcaster, and forwarded to the Crown Inn, 'Harragate', Yorkshire. He begins by explaining that a delay to his departure for Scotland is the reason for the late reply. 'To morrow or next day we shall set out. The moment I reach Edinburgh I shall see Cathcart & immediately write you most minutely every thing regarding the Richmond Scenery | All this Party send you their best Compts.

2pp., 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and worn. Addressed, with red wax seal, on reverse of second leaf, to 'Mrs. Cockburn Ross | Pooles Hotel'. He begins by explaining why he has not replied to her letter sooner, his clerk having placed it 'with some Letters of Business'. Archibald Black, who was formerly in his service, is 'a good natured honest Creature', but he cannot advise her to hire him. On the poor mans account I would not wish to be more particular than just saying that it is not owing to any objection to his moral Character that leads me to dissuade you from engaging him'.

27pp., 8vo. Unbound stitched pamphlet. Internally fair, on lightly-aged paper, in stained and worn covers. Inscribed at head of title: 'From the Author | 11 March 1873'. At head of first page: 'The publication of this letter has been delayed, owing to a strike among the Edinburgh printers.' Dated in type at commencement of text, 'Paxton House, Berwick, | Dec. 20, 1872.' Scarce: the only two copies on COPAC at the British Library and National Library of Scotland.