PATTISON

See his entry in the Oxford DNB (‘He had the reputation of being the most learned man in England’). 1p, 16mo. On aged, worn and discoloured paper, with minor damage to the four corners (at bottom-left affecting the date) from previous mounting. Reads: ‘Notice / Any Scholar, elected for classics, who does not obtain at least a Second Class in classical Moderations, will forfeit his Scholarship. / by order of / a College meeting / Mark Pattison / Rector’. Date ‘4 June 1874.’ at bottom left.

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. The recipient is not named, but the conclusion of the letter makes it clear it is Poole. Written in a shaky hand a little over a year before Pattison's death. The context of the letter makes clear that as a married man, Poole is attempting to take advantage of the previous year's revision of the Oxford college statutes enjoining celibacy. It begins: 'Dear Sir | You seem to be under a misapprehension as to the historical lectureship for which you wish to become a candidate.

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. She begins with criticism of an article 'which has also appeared in the "World", which she is sure 'will vex Mr Whitmore'. She assures Mrs Lewis that no-one will suspect her of involvement, and thanks her for having 'secured the valuable services of Mrs Jay for Park Walk [...] Her playing has been invaluable to us [...] I want to ask her to come on our sub-committee'. She would like Mrs Lewis and her daughter to 'come down & dine & sleep on our island!', the Thames running under the house's verandah.

The manuscript material is on 109pp. of the 12mo printed diary. On aged paper, with manuscript entirely legible, but some staining to printed matter, in original worn calf binding. The manuscript paints a vivid picture of the life of a prosperous Georgian agriculturalist in all its aspects, from itemised financial accounts to country pastimes and the weather. It is presumably in the hand of George Pattison, whose name is given prominence among those of other members of the Pattison family written out over two pages at the rear of the volume.