ROYAL

[ Earl St Vincent; Duke of York C in C ] Valediction only of Autograph Letter Signed "St. Vincent" to HRH Field-Marshal The Duke of York. reporting a promotion (Nelson?)

Author: 
Earl St Vincent [ Admiral of the Fleet John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent (1735–1823) ]
Publication details: 
Admiralty, 17 May1803.
£150.00

Valediction only, 15.5 x 7.5cm, cut from letter, as follows: "to give him the command of -| I have the honor to be with very high respect | Your Royal Highness | Dutiful | and Obedt. Servant | St Vincent". Note that Nelson had been given the command of the Mediterranen Fleet three days earlier (14 May 1803). Docketed by HRH or secretary "The late Earl St Vincent" and from a large collection of similar valedictions, so often to the Duke of York ("Royal Highness" etc) that they may reveal the fate of his incoming correspondence, or part of it..

[John Philip Kemble, actor and manager of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden.] Autograph Memorandum, signed 'J. Kemble.', regarding the 'Caducean Trident' of Albion, with an ink drawing of the same (a dragon with intertwining serpents).

Author: 
John Philip Kemble (1757-1823), distinguished actor and manager of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, brother of Sarah Siddons and Charles Kemble
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£180.00

The text is on one side of a 13 x 16 cm piece of laid watermarked paper. The signature 'J. Kemble' is at bottom left, in slightly-darker ink than the fifteen lines of text. Lightly aged and with short closed tears at edges of two folds. Slight traces of brown-paper mount at top corners on reverse, which carries a capable ink drawing of 'the Caducean Trident' mentioned in the text: a dragon with two sets of wings, body stiff as a rod, encircled by two snakes.

[Ármin Vámbéry [Hermann Wamberger; Árminius Vámbéry], Hungarian Jewish traveller and authority on the Ottoman Empire.] Autograph Note Signed ('Armin Vambery') to 'Mr Blacket', asking 'how many pages of print are in the first volume'.

Author: 
Ármin Vámbéry [born Hermann Wamberger; also Árminius Vámbéry; Armin Vambery] (1832-1913), Hungarian Jewish authority on Ottoman Empire, made Honorary Commander of Royal Victorian Order by Edward VII
Publication details: 
'Wedesday' [no date]. On monogram letterhead combining the letters C and A.
£220.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Reads: 'Dear Mr Blacket | I should wish to know in the course of the day how many pages of print are in the first volume.' Despite the spelling of the name, the recipient is presumably either Henry Blackett (1825-1871) of the publishers Hurst and Blackett, or one of the four of his sons to become publishers. There is no record of a book by Vámbéry being published by a Blacket or Blackett, but he may be referring to an essay or article published in a periodical or compilation, or an anonymous or pseudonymous work.

[Bombardment of Copenhagen, 1807.] Printed pamphlet: 'An Examination of the Causes which led to the late Expedition against Copenhagen. By an Observer.'

Author: 
'An Observer' [Second Battle of Copenhagen, 1807; Bombardment of Copenhagen; Royal Navy; Napoleonic Wars]
Publication details: 
'London: Printed for J. Hatchard, Bookseller to Her Majesty, Opposite Albany, Piccadilly. 1808.' ['Brettell & Co. Printers, Marshall-Street, Golden-Square.']
£180.00

Although ostensibly neutral, Denmark participated was participating in the Continental Blockade, and under heavy pressure from the French and their Russian allies to pledge its fleet to Napoleon. As a consequence a Royal Navy fleet, under Vice-Admiral James Saumarez, bombarded the Copenhagen for a period of days in August and September 1807. The controversial action succeeded in its aims: the Dano-Swedish fleet was seized, and the sea lanes of the Baltic and North Sea were secured for the use of the British merchant fleet.

[George Douglas, 16th Earl of Morton, Queen's Chamberlain.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Morton') to Viscount Sidmouth, transmitting an address to the Prince Regent on the death of his mother Queen Charlotte.

Author: 
George Douglas (1761-1827), 16th Earl of Morton [Henry Addington (1757-1844), 1st Viscount Sidmouth; Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of George III; George IV (as Prince Regent)]
Publication details: 
25 December 1818. 39 Wimpole Street [London].
£80.00

1p, 4to. Bifolium endorsed on reverse of second leaf: 'Ansd. 30th. | Transfg. an Address of Condolence from the County of Fife'. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. The subject of the address is the Prince Regent's mother Queen Charlotte (1744-1818), and is addressed to him rather than her husband George III as the king is incapacitated. Morton served as Queen Charlotte's Chamberlain between 1792 and her death in 1818.

[Earl Talbot, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.] Manuscript (Secretarial) Document Signed ('Talbot'), transmitting condolences to the royal family on the death of the heir to the throne Princess Charlotte from Wexford, Armagh, Limerick.

Author: 
Earl Talbot, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland [Charles Chetwynd Chetwynd-Talbot, 2nd Earl Talbot, 2nd Viscount of Ingestre, 2nd Baron Dynevor (1777-1849)] [Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales (1796-1817)]
Publication details: 
'Dublin Castle 9th December 1817'.
£280.00

2pp, folio. In fair condition, aged, worn and with chipping to extremities. Several folds. Begins: 'My Lord, | I hae the honor of transmitting the following Addresses of Condolence to Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and His Serene Highness the Prince Leopold of Sax Cobourgh'. A list of six addresses follows, variously sent to different members of the royal family from noblemen, gentlemen, clergy, freeholders, burgesses, inhabitants. sheriffs, aldermen, of the county of Wexford, and cities of Armagh and Limerick.

[Vice-Admiral Sir George Strong Nares, Arctic explorer and commander of first ship to pass through the Suez Canal.] Autograph Note Signed ('G. S. Nares.') regarding his 'delicate instrument for Alert or Discovery'.

Author: 
Sir George Strong Nares (1831-1915), Royal Navy Vice-Admiral, commander of first ship to pass through the Suez Canal, Arctic Explorer with Challenger Expedition and British Arctic Expedittion
Publication details: 
No date or place [1875?].
£250.00

See Nares' entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded three times. Clearly and boldly written, reading: 'Please give the bearer my delicate instrument for Alert or Discovery | G. S. Nares.' (Wikipedia) "Because of his previous experience in the Arctic, he was summoned from this assignment to take charge of another Arctic voyage in search of the North Pole in Discovery and Alert in 1875, the British Arctic Expedition."

[Edmond Brock, painter.] Five Autograph Letters Signed (four signed 'Edmond Brock' and one 'E. Brock') to Colonel F. H. L. Oldham, regarding a commission to paint his wife Christabel Josephine Oldham.

Author: 
Edmond Brock [Charles Edmond Brock] (1882-1952), painter [Colonel Frederick Hugh Langston Oldham Overley Hall, Shropshire]
Publication details: 
Four from 1920, the other undated but from the same period. Four from 2 St John's Wood Studios, Queens Terrace, [London] N.W.8., three of them on letterheads; the other from Merrieweathers House, Mayfield, Sussex.
£250.00

An interesting correspondence, casting light on the practicalities of early twentieth-century English portrait-painting. The recipient is Colonel Frederick Hugh Langston Oldham, D.S.O., D.L., of Overley Hall, near Wellington, Shropshire, eldest son of the Archdeacon of Ludlow, and the letter concerns Brock's portrait of Oldham's wife Christabel Josephine Oldham. The five letters in good condition, lightly aged. The four dated letters are dated between 25 February and 13 July 1920. The total 9pp (seven in 8vo and two in 12mo).

[Samuel Pepys, diarist.] Two albums containing a collection of more than 500 cuttings on Pepys from English newspapers, begun by W. H. Whitear, completed by Edwin Chappell, with a few by David Dale, with collection of 57 lantern slides for lecture.

Author: 
Samuel Pepys, diarist; Edwin Chappell (1883-1938), Pepys scholar and maritime historian, lecturer at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich; Walter H. Whitear (c.1853-1932); David Dale; Royal Navy
Publication details: 
Two volumes containing cuttings from Fleet Street and provincial newspapers, dating from between 1906 and 1939. Lantern slides undated, but collection includes advertisement for lecture in 1938.
£500.00

Three items, including two substantial albums containing in excess of 500 newspaper cuttings. The first album was commenced in 1906 by Pepys scholar Walter Henry Whitear, and completed by Chappell after Whitear's death in 1932, the last cuttings in it dating from the following year.

[Frederick Burnaby, British traveller and national hero.] Engraving by Elizabeth Adela Forbes, of a drawing of Burnaby by Mary Blanchard Reed, signed by both women ('Mary B Reed' and 'Elizabeth A. Armstrong').

Author: 
Frederick Burnaby [Frederick Gustavus Burnaby] (1842-1885), soldier, traveller and balloonist; Elizabeth Adela Forbes [née Armstrong] (1859-1912), Canadian artist; Mary Blanchard Reed; Sidney Redrup
Publication details: 
'London Published July 8th. 1885 by Sidney Redrup. 175. New Bond Street. Copyright Registered.'
£1,500.00

See the Oxford DNB entry on Burnaby ('He was commemorated in verse, song, and Staffordshire pottery').

[Verney Lovett Cameron, African explorer.] Autograph Letter Signed ('V. Lovett Cameron'), with initialled postscript ('V. L. C.') to 'Mrs. Marshall', regarding difficulties in setting up a tennis club in Croydon.

Author: 
Verney Lovett Cameron (1844-1894), African explorer, the first European to cross equatorial Africa from sea to sea [Croydon; lawn tennis]
Publication details: 
9 December 1887. Kwinhata, Espom Road, Croydon.
£250.00

See Cameron's entry in the Oxford DNB. 4pp, 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once. Having traversed the African continent from East to West in 1875 (the first European to do so), Cameron now turns his attention to the establishment of tennis club in Croydon. He has received a letter 'from Mr. Jaques about the tennis ground. The fencing is nearly finished and he seems in a hurry'. There is a problem however: lack of members.

[Frederic Yates, English artist active in America.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Fred Yates') to Mrs Oldham, describing his examination of the wreck of HMS Foudroyant, for a painting she has commissioned. With sketches of the ship in ink and pencil.

Author: 
Frederic Yates [born Frederic Keeping] (1854-1919), English artist who found fame in America before settling in the Lake District [Oldham family; HMS Foudroyant; Royal Navy; Plymouth; Devonport]
Publication details: 
Letter: 'Sunday noon' [no date]. On letterhead of the Royal Hotel, Devonport. Pencil sketches without date or place.
£450.00

Yates studied in Paris before setting up a successful practice in San Francisco, also teaching there at the Art Student League. His portraits include the educator John Haden Badley and the only president of Hawaii, Sanford Ballard Dole. He returned to England in 1900, but was invited back to America to attend the inauguration of Woodrow Wilson and to paint his portrait. Wilson presented Yates with the flag that his hand rested on whilst he took his oath of office. The Oldham family moved in artistic circles, and Constance Oldham was John Ruskin's god-daughter and corresponded with him.

[John Baldwin Buckstone, comedic actor and playwright.] Five Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Jno B Buckstone') to M. H. Simpson, lessee of the Theatre Royal, Birmingham, regarding arrangements, benefits, and Mrs Fitzwilliam.

Author: 
John Baldwin Buckstone (1802-1879), dramatist and actor-manager of Haymarket Theatre, London [Mercer Hampson Simpson (1801-1877), actor-manager, Theatre Royal, Birmingham; Mrs Fitzwilliam (1801-1854)]
Publication details: 
From the Adelphi and Haymarket in London, and the Theatre Royal in Liverpool. 20 August August 1839, [November 1839], 29 April [1840], 29 November 1842, and undated.
£320.00

See the appreciative entry on Buckstone by Donald Roy in the Dictionary of National Biography. Interesting and informative letters, shedding vivid light on the day-to-day workings of early-Victorian theatre, written by a leading London actor-manager and dramatist and sent to a provincial actor-manager, regarding the arrangement of engagements, benefits, and plays. Of particular interest is the fourth letter, which refers to Mrs Fitzwilliam [Fanny [Frances Elizabeth] Fitzwilliam, née Copeland] (1801-1854), with whom Buckstone toured New Orleans and the South, c. 1840-1841. Five items.

[Vice Admiral Thomas Brodrick.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Thos: Brodrick') to the Board of Ordnance, renewing a request for an armorer for his ship the Phoenix, 'now that I am going to Longreach and my Smallarms Coming on Board'.

Author: 
Vice Admiral Thomas Brodrick (died 1769), Royal Navy officer who served with distinction in the War of the Austrian Succession, the War of Jenkins' Ear and the Seven Years' War [Board of Ordnance]
Publication details: 
Deptford; 24 August 1743.
£150.00

For Brodrick's distinguished and eventful career, see his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, folio. In fair condition, aged and worn, with chipping to one edge carrying traces of grey paper mount, and closed tear at foot repaired on reverse with archival tape. Addressed at bottom left 'To the Honle: Board of Ordnance'. Reads: 'Gentlemen | I wrote you the 7th Inst: to desire that you would please to appoint an Armorer for his Majestys Ship the Phoenix under my Command and now that I am going to Longreach and my Smallarms Coming on Board I beg you Will appoint for me'. Endorsed: 'answer'd 26 August'.

[ Gerald Kelly; Winston Churchill ] Autograph Note Signed "Gerald Kelly" to "My dear Honorary Academician Extraordinary" (Winston Churchill).

Author: 
Gerald Kelly (1879-1972), portrait painter
Publication details: 
[Headed Notepaper] Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly, London, W1 [1948?]
£160.00

One page, 20.5 x 17cm, very good condition. "My dear Academicain Extraordinary | May I offer - on hehalf of the whole Academy - our most sincere good wishes to Sir Winston Churchill K.G. | There will be a Guard of Honour - from the 21st S.A.S. Regt. Artists) T.A. which I hope you will be pleased to inspect at 7.55 p.m. before the Dinner on 30th April."

[Philharmonic Society, London.] Engraved Certificate electing Lord Alverstone a fellow, signed by Sir Edward German, Francesco Berger, Waddington Cooke, William Hayman Cummings, Myles Birket Foster the younger, Stanley Hawley, Alberto Randegger.

Author: 
Royal Philharmonic Society, London; Sir Edward German, Francesco Berger, Waddington Cooke, William Hayman Cummings, Myles Birket Foster the younger, Stanley Hawley, Alberto Randegger, Lord Alverstone
Publication details: 
Philharmonic Society, London. 17 May 1909. Engraved by Warrington & Co., London.
£120.00

An attractive artefact, printed in black on one side of a 46 x 34 cm piece of thick paper, with the embossed circular 'lyre' seal of the Society added in red ink in the left-hand margin. Completed in manuscript with the details of the election as a fellow of 'The Right Honourable Lord Alverstone G. C. M. G.', on 17 May 1909. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Ornate heading of the Philharmonic Society, with royal crest (the society being 'Under the immediate patronage of | Their Most Gracious Majesties The King & Queen Alexandra') and the engraved names of the principal officers.

[Admiral John Markham, Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty and First Naval Lord.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J Markham') to John Atkins, regarding the 'general drunken habits' of 'Mr [Miles] Burn', and the impossibility of reinstating him 'to his rank'

Author: 
Admiral John Markham (1761-1827), Royal Navy officer who served in the American and French Revolutionary Wars, Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty and First Naval Lord, MP for Portsmouth [Miles Burn]
Publication details: 
Admiralty [London]. 21 August 1806.
£100.00

The letter is 1p, 12mo, and is accompanied by the covering 8vo leaf, addressed to 'John Atkins Esqre | Duke Street | Westminster', with a second signature for franking. The covering leaf is endorsed: 'Admiralty August 21 1806 | Adml. Markham concerning Miles Burn that it would be impossible to get him reinstated'. Both letter and covering leaf in good condition, lightly aged and worn, with fold lines. Markham could hardly be more decisive.

[King Edward VII: marriage to Princess Alexandra, 1863.] Printed souvenir booklet titled: 'Come to the Marriage! A Memorial of the Marriage of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, to H.R.H. The Princess Alexandra, of Denmark, March 10th, 1863.'

Author: 
'F. G.' [marriage of the Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII) to Princess Alexandra of Denmark, 1863; The Book Society, Paternoster Row, London]
Publication details: 
'London: The Book Society, 19, Paternoster Row, And Bazaar, Soho Square.' [1863.]
£120.00

No other copy of this royal memento has been traced, either on OCLC WorldCat or on COPAC. It is 29 + [3]pp, 32mo. Stitched with white thread into shiny white paper covers, with title duplicated within border in black on front, and back cover carrying an advertisement for a 'New Series of Packets of Books, for the young'. The final three pages carry a catalogue of 'Publications of The Book Society, 19, Paternoster Row, London.' In fair condition lightly aged, with faded front cover and dogeared corners.

[Admiral Peter Rainier; "Boatswain's stores" ] Document Signed 'Peter Rainier' "To The Masters of His Majesty's Ships Victorious Intrepid Leopard and Alabatross or any three of them | By Command of the Commander in Chief | Fredk Hawke | pro secrs."

Author: 
Admiral Peter Rainier (1741–1808) , "Vice Admiral of the Blue and Commander in Chief of HIs Majesty's Ships and Vessels in the East Indies." [Jas [Bonnard]; Joseph Corbyn; [W?] Briggs; Jn Wheatay
Publication details: 
"[O]n board His Majesty's Ship Victorious Back Bay Trincomaley [sic] the 19th June 1802."
£350.00

Four pages, folio, bifolium, leaves partly separated, sl. grubby, text clear and complete. Rainier states that he has been informed by letter by Captrain Charles Adam of "La Sybille" that "a quantity of sails and other boatswains stores [...] which are worn out, rotten, decayed and totally unfit for their proper use".

[Sir Henry Halford, President of the Royal College of Physicians.] Autograph Letter in third person to [G. J. Guthrie] President of the Royal College of Surgeons, explaining non-attendance at the coming Hunterian Oration.

Author: 
Sir Henry Halford [born Henry Vaughan] (1766-1844), Physician Extraordinary to George III, George IV, William IV and the young Victoria
Publication details: 
Curzon Street [London].14 February 1833.
£60.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, aged, but with closed tear along inner edge of leaf caused by removal from mount, and affecting a couple of words of text. The letter reads: 'Sir Henry Halford assures the President of the Royal College of Surgeons that it grieves him to forgo the pleasure of being present at the Hunterian Oration today, and of waiting upon Him at dinner, but a most important engagement at King's College to meet the Council at half past two compels Sir Henry to relinquish his fixt intention -'.

[Charles Kean and his wife Ellen Tree prepare to return from America.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Rt. Clarke.') from Robert Clarke to Benjamin Webster, asking on Kean's behalf for 'information respecting Theatres in England', discussing Kean and wife.

Author: 
Robert Clarke, actor-manager, Theatre Royal, Liverpool [Charles Kean (1811-1868), actor-manager, son of Edmund Kean, husband of Ellen Tree (1805-1880); Benjamin Webster (1797-1882), actor, dramatist]
Publication details: 
2 Bladud Buildings, Bath. 27 December 1846.
£80.00

2pp, 12mo. Bifolium, endorsed 'Clarke' on reverse of second leaf. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded three times. The letter begins: 'My dear Webster, | Charles Kean has requested me to give him information respecting Theatres in England, in which it is probable he may form engagements on his return from America, as he wishes his plans to be arranged if possible previous to his departure from the United States, so as he may see his way clearly on his arrival in England.' He asks whether it would answer Webster's purpose 'to make any proposal to him'.

[Lady Pamela Mountbatten, daughter of Earl Mountbatten of Burma.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Pamela Mountbatten'), as Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen on her royal tour, to 'Mr. McCrindall',

Author: 
Lady Pamela Mountbatten [later Lady Pamela Carmen Louise Hicks] (born 1929), younger daughter of the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma by his wife, Edwina Mountbatten, Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Elizabeth
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Admiralty House, Valletta, Malta. 27 August 1953.
£36.00

2pp, 4to. She begins by apologising for the tardy response to his letter, explaining: 'During these past months we have been very busy and I have found it almost impossible to find time for writing private letters beyond those to my immediate family.' She apologises for the fact that she was 'just going out when I met you in London last November. I did not then realise that you had come especially to see me.' The letter ends: 'Your tour of Canada and The States must have been extremely interesting.'

[Dame Margot Fonteyn, ballerina.] Typed Letter Signed to 'Mr. Duncan' [the bookseller Barry Duncan], regarding a playbill.

Author: 
Dame Margot Fonteyn [stage name of Margaret Evelyn Hookham, later de Arias] (1919-1991), ballerina [Barry Duncan (1909-1985), theatre historian and bookseller]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. 11 January 1947.
£40.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. She sends her thanks for 'the playbill': 'You know already how much I liked it, as I remember admiring it when I was in the shop.' She will 'value it highly' and will thank him personally: 'you may be sure I shall be looking in again one of these days'.

[Sir Fleetwood Edwards, Keeper of the Privy Purse, and an executor of Queen Victoria's will.] Autograph Note in the third person, as 'Lieut: Colonel Sir Fleetwood Edwards', informing 'Miss Hogarth' that the Queen has instructed him to return a letter

Author: 
Sir Fleetwood Edwards [Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Fleetwood Isham Edwards] (1842-1910), Keeper of the Privy Purse, Extra Equerry, and an executor of Queen Victoria's will
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Privy Purse Office, Buckingham Palace, S.W. [London] 25 February 1898.
£35.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with stub from mount adhering to one edge. Reads: 'Lieut: Colonel Sir Fleetwood Edwards begs to thank Miss Hogarth for her letter of the 22nd. Inst. and to return the enclosed letter, which The Queen did not desire to keep, as Her Majesty has the one which she intended to retain.'

[Sir William Rothenstein, artist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Will Rothenstein'), to 'Horder', i.e. the architect Percy Morley Horder, giving a humorous spoof autobiographical entry, as a jokey suggestion of how Horder should approach the topic.

Author: 
Sir William Rothenstein (1872-1945), painter, printmaker, draughtsman, lecturer, and writer on art [Percy Richard Morley Horder (1870-1944), architect ]
Publication details: 
'Chelsea – Glebe Place | Sunday'. No place.
£220.00

1p, 8vo. Text clear and complete, on heavily chipped and worn thin paper, with loss to extremities. An unusual and revealing letter, in which Rothenstein gives his own jokey suggestion of how Horder should approach a biographical entry he has been asked to write, begins: 'My dear Horder – of course you will do it! “Mr W. R.

[Theatre Royal, Williamson Square, Liverpool: details of benefits.] Autograph Letter from 'Edwd. Murray' to Vernor & Hood, proprietors of ''The Monthly Mirror', giving a 'correct Statement of Benefits at the Liverpool Theatre (this season)'.

Author: 
Theatre Royal, Williamson Square, Liverpool [Edward Murray; Vernor & Hood, London publishers]
Publication details: 
[Theatre Royal, Williamson Square] Liverpool. 20 September 1800.
£120.00

1p, 4to. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, and folded several times. The main text reads: 'Gentn | By inserting the following correct [last word underlined] Statement of Benefits at the Liverpool Theatre (this season) in your next Mirror you'll particularly oblige your most obt. Servt. | Edwd. Murray'. Beneath this is a list of the names of 15 individuals, with the amount of money made by each one's benefit, coming to a total of £2665. The list begins with 'Miss Murray £263' and ends with 'Mr Simmons 101'. The penultimate entry is for 'Mr Wild (Prompter) 103'.

[John Fawcett, actor and playwright.] Autograph Letter Signed ('John Fawcett'), as Treasurer of the Covent Garden Theatrical Fund, to 'C Perkins Esq', regarding money 'intended for the Widow Paulo', and the sending of account books.

Author: 
John Fawcett (1769-1837), actor and playwright associated with the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden
Publication details: 
'Botley Southampton | (The proper way to direct to me) | 9 Sepr 1835'.
£50.00

1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight wear at head repaired on reverse with archival tape. The context of the letter is explained in Fawcett's entry in the Oxford DNB: 'In September 1829 Fawcett was superseded in the management of Covent Garden […] the theatre in which he had been a main prop for thirty-nine years. With a salary of £100 a year allowed him as treasurer and trustee of the Covent Garden Theatrical Fund he retired to a cottage at Botley, near Southampton.' The letter begins: 'Some weeks back I enclos'd you a draft for £10 intended for the Widow Paulo.

[Princess Victoria of Schleswig Holstein, granddaughter of Queen Victoria.] Autograph Signature ('Victoria of Schleswig Holstein').

Author: 
Victoria of Schleswig Holstein [Princess Helena Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein; Victoria Louise Sophia Augusta Amelia Helena] (1870-1948), granddaughter of Queen Victoria
Publication details: 
Dated by her to 2 August 1902.
£25.00

Written within one of three red rectangular squares on a page on one side of a leaf detached from 'The Meredith Birthday Book'. In good condition, lightly aged. The Princess's inscription reads 'Victoria of Schleswig Holstein Aug. 2. 1902', and the rest of the page is blank. The word 'Victoria' is underlined, and the upper part of the flourish to the 'V' extends over the top of the rectangle, and the date projects into the margin. On the reverse to the leaf are printed quotations from Meredith for the days 4 to 6 May.

[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.

[Lady Louisa Hardy, wife of Sir Thomas Hardy, Captain of HMS Victory at Battle of Trafalgar.] Autograph Letter in the third person to 'Mr Lahee' (the auctioneer Samuel Lahee), concerning Hardy's consent to requirements in a new house

Author: 
Lady Louisa Emily Anna Hardy (1788-1877), wife of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy (1769-1839)], Royal Navy officer, Captain of HMS Victory at Battle of Trafalgar [Samuel Lahee]
Publication details: 
9 Queen Street, Mayfair [London]. 15 October [no year].
£250.00

Hardy is immortalised in Nelson's dying request 'Kiss me, Hardy.' Lady Hardy was the daughter of Admiral Sir George Cranfield Berkeley (1753-1818). 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with parts of red wax seal and traces of glue from mount on reverse of second leaf, which is addressed 'To | Mr Lahee | 65. New Bond Street'. Folded once.

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