[Esmé Cecil Wingfield-Stratford, historian.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Esmé Wingfield-Stratford') to an unnamed recipient, giving a positive assessment of Archbishiop Laud.

2pp., 8vo. In good condition, on lightly aged and creased paper. He explains that it was not he who wanted 'the print of Laud's execution (or cold-blooded murder), but Father Fowler', adding 'I am not directly engaged on Laud, though naturally he comes a good deal into the 3 volume life of Charles I I am bringing out as soon as my publishers can get the paper to print it on.' After returning briefly to the print, he continues: 'I am fond of little Laud whom I regard as one of our greatest social reformers and one to whom the Church of England owes a great deal tho he could have done better with a little tact, and a great deal more of the Pax Dei. | A human, lovable, brave little man, and everyway superior to the gang that brought him down - Pym, Hampden & Co, but I can't see him, as Newman did, as of the stature of the elder Fathers of the Church. However there are others doubtless better able to judge than myself of these things.' Wingfield-Stratford signs the letter in florid style.