DUNDAS

[C. Dudley Langford, chemist and mathematician whose discussion of ‘Langford pairing’ (Langford sequence) is of importance in computing.] Two Autograph Letters Signed to ‘Sir Richard [Dundas Hamilton]’, one about his health, the other about a theorem

Author: 
C. Dudley Langford [Charles Dudley Langford] (1905-1969), chemist and mathematician [Sir Richard Dundas Harington (1900-1981), 13th baronet]
Publication details: 
27 March and 2 October 1945; both from 16 Henrietta Street, Girvan, Ayrshire [Scotland].
£120.00

Langford trained as an industrial chemist and was a member of Royal Chemical Society. In later life he turned to mathematics, and published thirty articles in the Mathematical Gazette. One of these (‘Problem’) appeared in 1958 and concerned what came to be known as the Langford Sequence. Its significance is discussed by Martin Gardner, in his ‘Mathematical Magic Show’ (1978). Both items aged and creased, with closed tears, but with text complete and legible. Both are addressed to ‘Dear Sir Richard’ and signed ‘C Dudley Langford’. ONE: 3pp, 12mo. On two leaves.

[Duke of Montrose [James Graham, 3rd Duke of Montrose], Scottish nobleman and Tory politician.] Autograph Letter Signed to Robert Saunders Dundas (the future Viscount Melville), regarding the amending of a ‘very insufficient’ act of parliament.

Author: 
Duke of Montrose [James Graham, 3rd Duke of Montrose; until 1790 Marquis of Graham] (1755-1836), Scottish nobleman and Tory politician [Robert Saunders Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville (1771-1851)]
Publication details: 
5 January 1809; Grosvenor Square [London].
£65.00

See the two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB. In good condition, lightly-aged, with small triangle cut away from letter in opening red wax seal, of which minor traces remain. Folded and addressed in the customary manner. Franked to ‘Right Honble / Robert S: Dundas &c &c &c / Downing Street / Montrose’, sent from ‘Grosvr: Sq: 5th Jan 1809’ and signed ‘Montrose’. Begins, without salutation: ‘I wish you would look to this act, as it appears to require attention.

[12th (The Suffolk) Regiment of Foot.] Manuscript 'Assignment Offreckonings [sic]' to Messrs John, Nicholas & Brice Pearse, with Clothing Board certification, signed by 3 British Army Generals: William Picton, Sir William Fawcett, Sir David Dundas.

Author: 
General William Picton (c.1724-1811); General Sir William Fawcett (1727-1804); General Sir David Dundas (1735-1820); 12th (The Suffolk) Regiment of Foot; British Army; J. C. Pleydell
Publication details: 
'From 6th July 1800: | To 5th July 1801' With certification by three General Officers of the Clothing Board, from Horseguards [Whitehall, London], 18 November 1801.
£300.00

See E. A. H. Webb, 'History of the 12th (The Suffolk) Regiment, 1685-1913' (1914). Picton was the uncle of 'the illustrious Picton', Lt-Gen. Sir Thomas Picton (1758-1815), who was his sole executor and residuary legatee. The year of Picton's birth is variously reported, but the Monthly Magazine, December 1811, is among several sources reporting his death in Bond Street at the age of 87. 4pp, folio. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and with closed tears along the three fold lines. Endorsed on reverse of second leaf: '12th.

[Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Dundas, Royal Navy officer who distinguished himself at Trafalgar.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Thomas Dundas') to Sir John Philippart, regarding his writing of an article for the Naval and Military Gazette.

Author: 
Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Dundas (1765-1841), Royal Navy officer in American War of Independence, French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, and at Battle of Trafalgar [Sir John Philippart]
Publication details: 
Falkirk. 11 January 1832.
£220.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with traces of mount, and red wax seal, adhering to the reverse of the second leaf, which is franked (the franker's name and signature illegible) to 'Sir John Phippart [sic] | &c &c | No 8 New Burlington St'. Slight loss to one corner of second leaf, from breaking open of seal, with damage to one word of text.

[Royal College of Surgeons.] Document with ten Signatures: Thomas Keate, Master; Sir Charles Blicke, Sir David Dundas, Governors; Sir William Blizard; Henry Cline; Sir James Earle; Sir Everard Home; George Chandler; Thompson Forster; Charles Hawkins.

Author: 
Royal College of Surgeons: Thomas Keate; Sir Charles Blicke; Sir David Dundas; Sir William Blizard; Henry Cline; Sir James Earle; Sir Everard Home; George Chandler; Thompson Forster; Charles Hawkins
Publication details: 
Royal College of Surgeons [London]; 6 July 1810.
£800.00

The document bearing the ten signatures is 1p, 8vo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to blank reverse of document. Folded twice. A printed form, completed in manuscript, with the ten signatures of leading figures in the medical world of Georgian London in a column at bottom right, the first two grouped as 'Governors' and the other seven as 'Examiners': 'Charles Blicke | David Dundas | C Hawkins | J Earle | G Chandler | T Forster | Everard Home | William Blizard | Henry Cline'.

[ Eric Harold Neville, mathematician. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('E. H. Neville') to 'Sir Dundas' [i.e. Sir Richard Dundas Harington ]

Author: 
E. H. Neville [ Eric Harold Neville ] (1889-1961), English mathematician, of Trinity College Cambridge and the University of Reading, who convinced Srinivasa Ramanujan to come to England
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The Copse, Sonning on Thames. 26 October 1944.
£320.00

See W. J. Langford's glowing obituary of Neville (described as 'the greatest of them all' from a pedagogical point of view) in the Mathematical Gazette, May 1964. 2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. He begins by reassuring Harington that his books are 'safely here', but continues: 'I fear that every book I possess on numerical equations is on duty for the time being in the computing department of one of the RAF establishments.' He does not know of 'any book which gives an account of the processes actually used nowadays.

[ Kennet and Avon Canal Company. ] Two printed circulars, by Dundas and Page respectively, each including reports of the committee of management and statements of accounts; second featuring lithographed map by Cartwright and notice of Lord Amesbury.

Author: 
Kennet and Avon Canal Company [ Charles Dundas and Frederick Page, Chairmen; Lord Amesbury; R. Cartwright, London lithographer; Sir John Edward Harington of Ridlington, 8th Baronet (1760-1831) ]
Publication details: 
[ Kennet and Avon Canal Company. ] Marlborough: 20 July 1830 and 17 July 1832.
£300.00

The 57-mile canal section of the two rivers was constructed between 1794 and 1810. In the face of competition by the Great Western Railway it fell into disuse in the latter nineteenth century. A process of restoration began a hundred years later, and the canal is now a popular amenity. Both items in good condition, lightly aged and worn. Both headed on first page 'Report of the Committee of Management, of the Kennet and Avon Canal Navigation.' Both are 3pp., 8vo, on bifoliums.

[ Sir Charles Dundas and the British East Africa Protectorate. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Charles Dundas') to his sister Hilda [ Whitaker ], sending news regarding his posting.

Author: 
Sir Charles Dundas [ Sir Charles Cecil Farquharson Dundas ] (1884-1956), colonial administrator, Governor of the Bahamas, 1933-1940, and of Uganda, 1940-1943
Publication details: 
'Kilim' [ Kilimanjaro, British East Africa Protectorate. ] 6 February 1909.
£180.00

Dundas and his sister Hilda Guilhermina Whitaker were children of the 6th Viscount Melville. See his entry in Who Was Who, and his obituary in The Times, 11 February 1956. The present item was written during his first posting, as Assistant District Commissioner in the British East Africa Protectorate, 1908-1914. He would go on to publish a book on the region, titled 'Kilimanjaro and its People' (1924). 7pp., 4to. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. He has 'just returned from a trip to an uninhabitated [sic] place in search of people who do not exist.

[ Lafayette photographic studios, London. ] Eight proofs of portrait photographs [ of Selina, Lady Hamilton, daughter of Viscount Dundas ].

Author: 
James Stack Lauder (1853-1923), Lafayette photographic studios, London [ Selina, Lady Harington (1874-1945), wife of Sir Richard Dundas Harington (1861-1931), daughter of 6th Viscount Melville ]
Publication details: 
All eight stamped 'LAFAYETTE, LONDON'. October 1905.
£80.00

The eight range in size from 14 x 10 cm to 11.5 x 10 cm. Most are heavily faded, almost to the point of indistinguishableness, but presumably recoverable using modern computer techniques. Each is stamped on the front 'PROOF TO BE RETURNED TO LAFAYETTE, LONDON'. Each with pencil note on the back identifying the sitter as 'Mrs. Harrington', with reference number and date in October 1905. From the papers of Sir Richard Harington of Ridlington, the sitter being identified by reference from other material therein.

[ General John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, Scottish politician and soldier. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Hopetoun') to Viscount Melville, respecting the fitting up of a part of the Old Palace at Linlithgow for the county meetings.

Author: 
General John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun [ Lord Niddry ] (1765-1823), Scottish politician and British Army officer [ Robert Saunders Dundas, Viscount Melville ]
Publication details: 
Hopetoun House. 23 May 1819.
£150.00

3pp., 4to. In good condition, lightly-aged, on two leaves each neatly cut out of a windowpane mount. Headed 'Private'. Docketted by the recipient: 'Resp[ectin]g. the fitting up a part of the Old Palace at Linlithgow for the County Meeting'. He describes the applications he has made to the Lords of the Treasury and the Prince Regent, and a correspondence between the Keeper of the Palace and the Secretary of State. 'Your Lordship is aware that the Building is a complete Ruin; & of no use whatever, it its present state to any one [...]'.

[ David Murray, 2nd Earl of Mansfield. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Mansfield') to the Duke of Portland, sometime Prime MInister, regarding the resignation of 'Dr Campbell' and the arrangements for his pension.

Author: 
David Murray, 2nd Earl of Mansfield (1727-1796) [ The Viscount Stormont between 1748 and 1793 ], politician and diplomat [ William Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland; Dr Thomas Campbell ]
Publication details: 
'Kenwood Tuesday afternoon | July 28 [ 1793 ]'.
£120.00

2pp., 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'D. of Portland'. The date '93' has been added in a contemporary hand beside 'July 28'. Knowing Portland, he feels that 'Dr Campbells Interests cannot be safer' than in his hands. He is transmitting a letter of resignation, to be used whenever Portland thinks proper.

[Lawrence Dundas, 1st Marquess of Zetland.] Thirty-three Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Zetland') to the portrait painter Shirley Slocombe. With eight letters from Lady Zetland, and drafts of two of Slocombe's letters and two accounts by him.

Author: 
Lawrence Dundas (1844-1929), 1st Marquess of Zetland, of Aske Hall, Richmond, Yorkshire, British Conservative politician [Charles Llewellyn Shirley Slocombe (1872-1935), portrait painter]
Publication details: 
Twenty-two on letterhead of Aske, Richmond, Yorkshire; eight on letterhead of 10 Arlington St, London SW. The other eleven from various addresses. Between 1897 and 1911.
£450.00

The collection is in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Zetland's letters total 26pp., 8vo; 19pp., 12mo; 1p., 16mo. The theme is the painting and engraving of a portrait of Zetland by Slocombe, and the correspondence casts an interesting light on the relations between patron and artist in late nineteenth-century England, with the drafts of Slocombe's two letters, and his accounts for painting and engraving, adding to its value.

[Dr Robert Steavenson of Newcastle upon Tyne.] Manuscript copy of his bill to the trustees of Lieutenant James Boyd, itemising disbursements (mainly clothing). With signed note by David Williamson [later Lord Balgray] and signatures of two trustees.

Author: 
Dr Robert Steavenson (1756-1828) of Newcastle upon Tyne [John Dundas, WS, and James Bruce, Trustees of Lieutenant James Boyd; Lieutenant General Robertson]
Publication details: 
Dated from Northumber[land] Street [Newcastle upon Tyne]. With short signed note by David Williamson [later Lord Balgray], dated Edinburgh [Scotland], 4 August 1813.
£40.00

1p., foolscap 8vo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Headed: 'Trustees of Lieut. J. Boyd or Executors of Lieut. Genl. Robertson on account of Mr. Boyd | To Dr Stevenson'. Docketted on reverse: 'Copy | Account | Due by the Trustee of Lieut: J. Boyd to Doctor Steavenson | 1813 | Compd. J.W.' and 'Genl. Robertsons Trustees Order | by you for Remitting

Autograph Letter Signed ('L: D: Campbell') from Captain Lawrence Dundas Campbell [to either of his publishers Thomas Cadell or William Davies], concerning the placing of advertisements for two of his books.

Author: 
L. D. Campbell [Captain Lawrence Dundas Campbell], editor of the Asiatic Annual Register [Thomas Cadell, jnr (1773-1836); William Davies (d.1819)]
Publication details: 
St. Alban's Hotel, St. Alban's Street [London]. 'Wednesday' [circa 1808].
£45.00

1p., 4to. Spike hole. In good condition, on aged dusty paper. The letter reads: 'Dear Sir, I must request, as a particular favour, that you will advertise both the "Reply" and the "Letter on the Charges &c" in all the Morning and Evening papers both on Friday, and on Monday next. | I am | Dear Sir, | Very faithfully yours | L: D: Campbell'.

Autograph Letter Signed from 'Chas. Hamilton', informing Henry Dundas that 'Doctor Morris of Parliament Street' has cured three men 'labouring under the same disorder which now afflicts our gracious Sovereign [King George III].

Author: 
Charles Hamilton (1753-1828), 8th Earl of Haddington [Michael Morris (d.1791) MD; Henry Dundas (1742-1811), 1st Viscount Melville; the madness of King George III; John Sheldon (1752-1808), anatomist]
Publication details: 
Without place or date, but written during the King's first attack, 1788-1789.
£220.00

2pp., 4to. Bifolium. Text complete, on aged paper with a number of closed tears repaired with archival tape. The second leaf of the bifolium, lacking a strip at the top, is docketed 'Dr. Morris of Parliament Street's Success in curing Persons afflicted with Complaints similar to that which His Majesty labours under'. Considering the political content at the end of the letter, the author is probably Charles Hamilton, at the time of writing known by his courtesy title of Lord Binning.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Melville') from Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville to Lady Popham, widow of Admiral Sir Home Riggs Popham, described by her as a 'cold hearted answer'.

Author: 
Robert Dundas (1771-1851), 2nd Viscount Melville, First Lord of the Admiralty, 1812-1827 [Admiral Sir Home Riggs Popham (1762-1820)]
Autograph Letter Signed ('Melville') from Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville
Publication details: 
Melville Castle; 23 September 1820.
£175.00
Autograph Letter Signed ('Melville') from Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville

4to, 2 pp. On bifolium. Twenty-two lines. Text clear and complete. In good condition, on aged paper. Lady Popham has written her opinion of the letter on the reverse of second leaf: 'Lord Melvilles cold hearted answer -'. To modern eyes the letter would appear to be a model of tact. Melville begins by expressing 'deep regret' at 'the late most afflicting addition to the loss you had already sustained' (the Admiral had died three weeks before).

The Abbotsford Subscription.

Author: 
R. A. Dundas, Secretary, Royal Society of Literature [Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), Scottish novelist and poet]
Publication details: 
St. Martin's Place, Dec. 7, 1832.'
£80.00

Disbound. Octavo: four pages. Good: slightly aged and with some creasing to extremities. Thirty-one lines of text, followed by a double-column list of subscribers, and amounts subscribed.

Autograph Letter Signed to William Smith.

Author: 
Robert Saunders Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville
Publication details: 
2 July 1820; Wimbledon.
£135.00

Statesman (1771-1851); First Lord of the Admiralty, 1812-27, after whom Melville Sound was named. Three pages, quarto. Very good if a tad grubby.

Autograph Note Signed to unnamed male correspondent.

Author: 
Henry Dundas, Viscount Melville
Publication details: 
Downing Street | Saturday. 12. O Clo | 2. 3. 1799'.
£65.00

Scottish advocate and statesman (1742-1811). One page, quarto. Bifoliate on good laid paper watermarked 1798. Grubby and somewhat ruckled, and with small printed notice neatly pasted in bottom right-hand corner. 'My Dear Sir | I have your letter, and should be glad to see you before you see Lord Liverpool or any other Person. Will you dine with me tomorrow. | Yours sincerely | Henry Dundas'.

Syndicate content