[Mark Pattison, Rector of Lincoln College, Oxford.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Mark Pattison') [to historian Reginald Lane Poole], discussing 'the historical lectureship', and encouraging him to settle in Oxford, but not 'as a coach'.

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. | It is not a lectureship in this college, but in the combination Oriel-Lincoln. It is long since it ceased to be held by Mr Kitchin. The present holder, as you can see in the university calendar is Lodge of B[raze]. N[ose]. C[ollege]., and I am not aware that he has any intention of resigning.' He would be glad if the recipient 'could settle here, as there is a great want of real students in the department of history', but he 'could hardly encourage [him] to come merely as a coach, as the [?] is just now pretty well supplied with that article'. He concludes by asking to be kept informed of the recipient's address, so that he can let him now when he thinks 'there is an opening'. The letter concludes 'With kind regards to Mrs. R. L. Poole'. Poole would go on to prosper at Oxford, being appointed Keeper of the Archives and a lecturer in diplomatics.