[ The original 'Big Ben'? Sir Benjamin Hall [ Lord Llanover ], Welsh civil engineer and politician. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('B Hall') to London solicitors Platt & Hall, stating his determination to defend 'the Petition presented against my return'

1p., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Franked on reverse of second leaf, with broken seal in red wax, to the firm of London solicitors 'Mess. Platt & Hall | New Boswell Court | Carey Street', with Halls signature ('B Hall' between two horizontal lines) at bottom left. The letter itself reads: 'Gentlemen/ | I have just received a letter from Mess: Prothero & Philipps who state that you will call here to know my intention respecting the Petition presented against my return. I have now determined on defending it & as I may probably be from home when you call I send this not to your office'. Hall oversaw the later stages of the rebuilding of the Houses of Parliament, including the installation of the 13.8-tonne hour bell, "Big Ben", in the clock tower. He was a tall man and many attribute its name to him.