Autograph Letter Signed ('H: B: Fielding') from Henry Borron Fielding, inviting the recipient to join the Earl of Burlington, Earl Stanhope and Professor Owen as trustees on presentation of his herbarium and library to London Royal Botanical Society.

2pp., 12mo. 29 lines. Good, on lightly-aged paper, with minor traces of previous mounting, and the annotation '13/19' in a contemporary hand. A significant letter relating to an important collection. Fielding bequeathed his herbarium and botanical library to the University of Oxford where, as the Oxford DNB explains, they formed for many years 'one of the key resources for the study of botany'. Fielding informs his correspondent that he has been 'lately waited upon by a deputation from the London Royal Botanical Society to whom I have proposed presenting my Botanical Library and very extensive Herbarium'. The deputation have suggested that 'a certain number of Trustees should be appointed, four to be named by myself'. Fielding has 'already solicited the same favour, and obtained the obliging compliance with my wishes from the Earl of Burlington as President of the University of London, Earl Stanhope President of the Medico Botanical Society, & Professor Owen of whose talents Lancaster has so much reason to be proud'. He asks the recipient if he will permit Fielding 'to add the name the name of one who has done so much for the advancement of my favourite pursuit'. He will be 'highly flattered' by the recipient's 'compliance'. He refers him to 'Mr. Sowerby the Society's Secretary', who will be 'happy to afford' information.