BULLDOG

In the present letter Elgar would appear to be referring to the rehearsals for his cantata 'Caractacus', the first performance of which Elgar conducted at the Leeds Festival on 5 October 1898. As the explanatory note that accompanies the letter explains, Elgar took inspiration from Sinclair's bulldog Dan, described by him as 'a well-known character'. For example the eleventh of the Enigma Variations was, Elgar explained, suggested by Dan 'falling down the steep bank into the River Wye; his paddling upstream to find a landing-place and his rejoicing bark on landing'. 1p, 12mo.

2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse. Folded twice. Addressed to 'F. P. Bernard Esq M.A.' (a mistake for the barrister Francis George Bernard?) Written in purple ink, with signature and name of recipient faded as written at the end of the pen's load. He regrets to find that he has 'inadvertently omitted' to answer his letter, 'which had been put among many other papers'.

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and spotted, with traces of mount adhering to reverse. Reads: 'My dear Jones | Montagu II is in the Fruit Room | You have Montagu I I think? | Yours sincerely | T H Huxley'. Note: A Google search throws up the Fruit Room in the Topkapi Palace (Istanbul) associated with Lady Mary Wortley MONTAGU. Would the association be presumptious.