COMMISSIONER

[Admiral of the Fleet James Gambier, distinguished Royal Navy officer.] Navy Office document, signed by Gambier, John Henslow and Charles Hope, querying an account submitted by ‘Captain Stanhope / late of L’Achille’.

Author: 
James Gambier [Lord Gambier] (1756-1833), Royal Navy Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty and First Naval Lord; John Henslow (1730-1815); Captain Charles Hope
Publication details: 
'Navy Office 20th March 1799.'
£220.00

See Gambier’s entry in the Oxford DNB. He served during capture of Charleston during American Revolutionary War, at the Glorious First of June, and commanded at Battle of Copenhagen and Battle of the Basque Roads. He was First Naval Lord, three times: 1795-1801, 1804-6 and 1807-8. Henslow was Surveyor to the Navy, 1784-1806, and Hope was Deputy Comptroller of the Navy, 1795-1801.

[Jean Louis Rieu, Commissioner in Sind.] Autograph Letter Signed, providing a reference for ‘Mr. Bhojraj M. Bhambhani’, son of his acquaintance ‘Mr. Mansing Ramsing’, Honorary Magistrate and ‘most loyal subject’.

Author: 
Jean Louis Rieu (1872-1964), Commissioner in Sind between 1920 and 1925 [The Raj; British India; Bhojraj M. Bhambhani, son of Mansing Ramsing, and grandson of Diwan Ramsing]
Publication details: 
1 July 1922; on his letterhead as the Commissioner in Sind, Government House, Karachi.
£90.00

Rieu was the son of Charles Pierre Henri Rieu (1820-1902) of Geneva, Keeper of Oriental Manuscripts at the British Museum, and elder brother of Emile Victor Rieu (1887-1972), both of whom have DNB entries. In 1947 he had privately printed (as’J. L. R.’) a ‘Chronicle of the Rieu Family now settled in England’. 2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Folded twice. Signed ‘J. L Rieu / Commissioner in Sind’. An nice sidelight on the workings of the Raj. He has been asked for a letter by ‘Mr. Mansing Ramsing’, on behalf of his son ‘Mr. Bhojraj M.

[Indian Students' Department, East India Association, London.] Six yearly issues of the printed 'Report on the Work of the Indian Students' Department', variously by C. E. Mallet, N. C. Sen and Thomas Quayle, from between July 1912 and 31 March 1922.

Author: 
Indian Students' Department, East India Association, London (C. E. Mallet, N. C. Sen and Thomas Quayle) [Office of the High Commissioner for India]
Publication details: 
London: His Majesty's Stationery Office [the last published by the Office of the High Commissioner for India]. Six items: a run of four from July 1912/June 1913 to July 1915/June 1916; with: 1 April 1920/31 March 1921 and 1 April 1921/31 March 1922.
£450.00

From the papers held at the headquarters of the National Indian Association and the Northbrook Society, 21 Cromwell Road, London (referred to in the report for 1912/1913 as 'The House in Cromwell Road' and 'The London Bureau' and 'still to a large extent the headquarters of the Student's Department'; and in the report for 1914/1915 as 'Mr. Arnold's Bureau', referring to 'Mr. T. W. Arnold, C.I.E., the Educational Adviser in London'). For the context see F. H. Brown's article 'Indian Students in Great Britain' (with 'Discussion'), Asiatic Review, July 1925, quoting Sir Charles E.

[Indian Students' Department, East India Association, London.] Six yearly issues of the printed 'Report on the Work of the Indian Students' Department', variously by C. E. Mallet, N. C. Sen and Thomas Quayle, from between July 1912 and 31 March 1922.

Author: 
Indian Students' Department, East India Association, London (C. E. Mallet, N. C. Sen and Thomas Quayle) [Office of the High Commissioner for India]
Publication details: 
London: His Majesty's Stationery Office [the last published by the Office of the High Commissioner for India]. Six items: a run of four from July 1912/June 1913 to July 1915/June 1916; with: 1 April 1920/31 March 1921 and 1 April 1921/31 March 1922.
£450.00

From the papers held at the headquarters of the National Indian Association and the Northbrook Society, 21 Cromwell Road, London (referred to in the report for 1912/1913 as 'The House in Cromwell Road' and 'The London Bureau' and 'still to a large extent the headquarters of the Student's Department'; and in the report for 1914/1915 as 'Mr. Arnold's Bureau', referring to 'Mr. T. W. Arnold, C.I.E., the Educational Adviser in London'). For the context see F. H. Brown's article 'Indian Students in Great Britain' (with 'Discussion'), Asiatic Review, July 1925, quoting Sir Charles E.

[James Cowles Prichard, Commissioner in Lunacy who introduced the term 'senile dementia'.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. C. Prichard M.D. F.R.S. | Senior Physician to the Bristol Infirmary'), a testimonial for his student Robert T. H. Bartley.

Author: 
J. C. Prichard [James Cowles Prichard] (1786-1848), physician and ethnologist who published an influentical work on evolution, Commissioner in Lunacy who introduced the term 'senile dementia'
Publication details: 
Bristol; 2 July 1841.
£500.00

1p, 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the reverse of the blank second leaf, the recto of which has laid down upon it the letter's envelope, with penny red stamp and postmarks, addressed to 'Robert T. H. Bartley Esq | Surgeon | West Hackney | London', with manuscript annotation by post official official stating that Bartley is 'not known' in the area. Folded several times. The letter reads: 'I have much pleasure in certifying that Mr Robert T. H.

[Bryan Waller Procter (the poet 'Barry Cornwall'), as Commissioner in Lunacy.] Autograph Letter Signed ('B. W. Procter'), asking a colleague (Harris?] for information about the 'Conduct' of 'some patients', 'particularly about Miss Anne [Lealer?].

Author: 
Bryan Waller Procter (1787-1874), poet under pseudonym 'Barry Cornwall' and Commissioner in Lunacy, 1832-1861, member of London Magazine circle, friend of Charles Lamb, Thackeray and Wilkie Collins
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Office of Commissioners in Lunacy, 19 New Street, Spring Gardens [London]. 12 August 1847.
£120.00

Proctor was a much loved individual in literary circles, from the days of the London Magazine to the mid-Victorian period, in which he was the dedicatee of both Thackeray's 'Vanity Fair' and Wilkie Collins's 'Woman in White'. His reputation as a poet was international: he was thought highly of by Pushkin. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to blank reverse. The letter reads: 'Dear [Harris?] | Pray tell me where [?] I can have some conversation with you about some patients of the name of [Lealer? Lester?], whom you know.

[ Sir Bertram Sausmerez Carey on the Burma Labour Corps: signed presentation copy. ] A Recruiting Speech made by the Hon'ble Mr. B. S. Carey, C.S.I., at Sagaing, on 1st November 1917.'

Author: 
B. S. Carey [ Sir Bertram Sausmerez Carey (1864-1919), Commissioner at Sagaing in the Burma Civil Service; the Burma Labour Corps, First World War ]
Publication details: 
'Printed by order of the Government of Burma. | G, B. C. P. O. [i.e. Government of Burma Central Printing Office ] - No. 867, Chief Secy, 9(a), 19-11-17 [ i.e. 19 November 1917 ] - 150. [i.e. 150 copies ]'
£450.00

11pp., 8vo. Unbound as issued: on three bifoliums attached at one corner with string. In good condition, lightly aged. Inscribed by Carey above the drophead title: 'Mrs. H. Tonkinson with grateful thanks for her work in connection with the Corps | B. S. Carey'. (See p.10: 'I cannot leave the subject without paying a tribute to Mrs. Tonkinson for her untiring and successful efforts as Honorary Secretary of the Committee.

[ Norman Robertson, Canadian High Commissioner in London. ] Typed Letter Signed ('N A Robertson') to Sir Harry Lindsay, Chairman of the Council, Royal Society of Arts accepting an invitation to become a Fellow.

Author: 
Norman Robertson [ Norman Alexander Robertson; N. A. Robertson ] (1904-1968), Canadian diplomat, twice High Commissioner in London, one of Mackenzie King's advisers
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Office of the High Commissioner for Canada, Canada House, London. 22 December 1947.
£35.00

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Robertson's name in capitals in blue pencil at head. In response to the invitation he writes: 'I should be grateful if you would convey to the Council my thanks for the honour which they have done me in extending this invitation. It gives me great pleasure to accept, and I enclose herewith the application form which you were kind enough to forward.' Note in pencil in another hand at bottom right.

[ Captain Basil Cochrane, Commissioner of Customs in Scotland. ] Autograph Signature ('Basil Cochrane') on an Exchequer pension receipt.

Author: 
Captain Basil Cochrane (d.1788), Deputy Governor of the Isle of Man and Commissioner of Customs in Scotland, brother of Thomas Cochrane, 8th Earl of Dundonald
Publication details: 
[ His Majesty's Receipt of Exchequer, London. ] 7 June 1788.
£450.00

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. With printed text, headed 'PENSIONS', completed in manuscript. Recording payment to him of £8 6s 8d. Signature at foot of witness 'A Dickie'. Signed within months of Cochrane's death, and a little shaky.

[ Henry Brougham Loch, 1st Baron Loch, High Commissioner for South Africa. ] Autograph Signature ('Henry B Loch').

Author: 
Henry Brougham Loch (1827-1900), 1st Baron Loch, High Commissioner for South Africa, 1889-1895; Governor of Victoria, 1884-1889; Governor of the Isle of Man, 1863-1882
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£20.00

On 4 x 9.5cm piece of paper. In fair condition, aged, and with rust staining from staple to left of signature.

[Hon. William Torrey Harris, United States Commissioner of Education; Nicholas Murray Butler, Columbia University, New York.] Volume containing thirteen offprints and pamphlets on education, including eleven by.Harris and one by Butler.

Author: 
Hon. W. T. Harris [William Torrey Harris] (1835-1909), LL.D., United States Commissioner of Education, American educator and lexicographer; Nicholas Murray Butler (1862-1947), Columbia University, New
Publication details: 
All published in the United States, including seven offprints from the Education Review, New York. Dating from between 1892 and 1900.
£300.00

The thirteen items bound in a modern grey buckram binding with shelfmark and label of the Board of Education Reference Library. The pamphlets in good condition, on aged paper, in worn binding, with last item disbound. Each pamphlet numbered in red ink at head of title-page, the first with a shelfmark. ONE: [John W. Noble; William T. Harris.] 'In the Senate of the United States. Letter from the Secretary of the Interior, transmitting A report of the Commissioner of Education upon the conditions of the public schools in the District of Columbia.' 15pp., 8vo.

[Hon. William Torrey Harris, United States Commissioner of Education.] Volume containing twelve offprints and pamphlets on education,

Author: 
Hon. W. T. Harris [William Torrey Harris] (1835-1909), LL.D., United States Commissioner of Education, American educator and lexicographer
Publication details: 
All published in the United States (Washington, D.C.; Nashville, Tennessee; Asbury Park, New Jersey; Milwaukee; Chattanooga; Buffalo, New York; St Paul, Minnesota). Dating from between 1889 and 1898.
£400.00

The twelve items bound in a modern grey buckram binding. In good condition, on aged paper, in worn binding, with stamps, shelfmark s and labels of the Board of Education Reference Library, London. ONE: Presented by Wm. T. Harris. 'Report of the Committee on Pedagogics. The Educational Value of Manual Training.' A paper read before the National Council of Education, at Nashville, Tenn., July, 1889. 14pp., 8vo. TWO: W. T. Harris, Chairman; E. C. Hewett; John W. Cook; E. Oram Lyte; N. A. Calkins.

[Printed pamphlet in defence of the British House of Lords.] Civilisation and the Constitution. A Catechism.

Author: 
Graham Bower [Sir Graham John Bower, RN] (1848-1933), Irish-born British colonial official, Imperial Secretary to High Commissioners for Southern Africa, 1884-1897 [Parliament; House of Lords]
Publication details: 
Without place or date. [South Africa, 1880s or 1890s.]
£120.00

2pp., 4to. On the rectos of the two leaves of a bifolium. Signed in type at end 'GRAHAM BOWER.' On laid paper with 'SOUTHERN CROSS | FINE QUALITY' watermark, suggesting, with the typographic style, that it was written during the period of that he served as Imperial Secretary. Very good, on lightly aged and creased paper.

Autograph Letter Signed ('N: Vansittart') from Chancellor of the Exchequer Nicholas Vansittart to Whig MP William Smith, discussing James Walker's 'Letters on the West Indies', and voicing approval for the spread of Walker's 'mild system' of slavery.

Author: 
Nicholas Vansittart, 1st Baron Bexley (1766-1851), Tory Chancellor of the Exchequer [William Smith (1730-1819), Whig abolitionist; James Walker, Commissioner for Crown Estates in Berbice, Guyana]
Publication details: 
Downing Street [London]; 16 February 1818.
£325.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Very good, on lightly-aged paper. An important letter, in which the serving Chancellor of the Exchequer puts his position concerning slavery (a subject of extreme importance to the British Treasury), siding with a prominent apologist for the practice, James Walker, one of the commissioners managing the Crown Estates at Berbice.

[Printed British parliamentary report.] Trade of Canada. Report to the Board of Trade on the Trade of the Dominion of Canada, for the period from July 1st, 1906, to March 31st, 1910. By His Majesty's Trade Commissioner fro the Dominion of Canada.

Author: 
Richard Grigg, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for the Dominion of Canada [Report to the British Board of Trade on the Trade of the Dominion of Canada, 1911]
Publication details: 
London: Published by His Majesty's Stationery Office. Printed by Darling and Son, Limited, London. 1911.
£80.00

Folio, 88 pp. Large fold-out coloured map at rear. Stitched. In original printed wraps. Text clear and complete. Internally good. Map in excellent condition. Wraps worn and chipped. Title-page carrying shelf-mark and stamp of the Bibliotheque du Palais de la Paix. No copy listed on COPAC or WorldCat.

Two Autograph Letters Signed ('Richard Waller' and 'Richard or Dick (Waller)') from the son of British Prison Commissioner Richard Lyndham Waller, to his father's biographer A. S. Baxendale, with copy of biography, and eight family photographs.

Author: 
Maurice Lyndham Waller (1875-1932), Chairman of the Prison Commission, 1921-1928; Prison Commissioner, 1910-1921; A. S. Baxendale
Maurice Lyndham Waller (1875-1932), Chairman of the Prison Commission,
Publication details: 
Waller's letters both from Chagford, Devon, 1991 and 1997. The photographs pre-First World War. The biography published in 1993.
£180.00
Maurice Lyndham Waller (1875-1932), Chairman of the Prison Commission,

Photographs: All black and white prints. The first (21 x 15 cm) a portrait of Waller (reproduced in Baxendale, p. 26, below). The second (23 x 17 cm) a family photograph of six Edwardian individuals, three younger ones (including a woman and with Waller at centre) standing, and three older men seated. The other six (all 14 x 8.5 cm and taken at the same time) showing Waller and family outdoors: one of him rowing, and one with a smiling woman (presumably his wife). Overall condition of the photographs is fair. They are lightly-aged, with a little creasing here and there.

Autograph Letter Signed ('C Fane') to G. Joy, discussing the reform of the Court of Chancery.

Author: 
Robert George Cecil Fane (1796-1864), English Judge, as Commissioner of the Court of Bankruptcy [Court of Chancery]
Publication details: 
19 August 1844; Court of Bankruptcy.
£300.00

12mo, 3 pp. Thirty-three lines. Text clear and complete. Fair, on lightly-aged paper, with traces of mount on reverse of second leaf, which is docketed 'C. Fane to G. Joy | 19 Augt. 1844'. A significant and interesting letter, on a topic later tackled by Dickens in 'Bleak House', by a judge who was an active member of the Law Amendment Society, and whose decisions, according to his entry in the Oxford DNB, 'were frequently the subject of comment', although 'very few of his judgments were reversed on appeal'.

Autograph Signature ('Steph: Waller') on detached flyleaf of a book, with shelfmark in autograph.

Author: 
Stephen Waller (1654-1706), son and executor of the poet Edmund Waller (1606-1687)
Publication details: 
No date or place.
£75.00

On a piece of laid paper, roughly 14 x 9 cm. Good, on lightly aged and spotted paper. Reads 'Steph: Waller | (Eng. 21)'. Docketed in ink on lower part of same page: 'Flyleaf of Book from Library o Stephen Waller - 2nd. Son of Edmund Waller, the poet, and one of t Commisisoners appointed by Quee Anne on the Union between Scotland and England -'.

Typed Letter Signed to 'Miss J. Scott Rogers, | Acting Secretary, | Royal Society of Arts'.

Author: 
Julian Mockford [SOUTH AFRICA]
Publication details: 
11 September 1943; on letterhead of the 'OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR THE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA, | Trafalgar Square, | LONDON, W.C.2.'
£28.00

South African author and journalist (1898-1950), Public Relations Officer at the South African High Commission. One page, octavo. Very good if somewhat grubby. Docketed and stamped. 'Herewith the translation by a colleague, as asked for in your letter dated September 9. I hope "Here are South Africans" does not bore you too much!'

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