[ 3rd Marquess of Bute ] Two Autograph Letters Signed Bute, one to Sir, the other to Mr Patrick (as perhaps was the first - possibly an editor of a Catholic periodical), concerning his writings on Catholicism and heavy work schedule detail.

Both letters, 4pp., 12mo, bifoliums, very good condition. Letter One (30 Nov. 1887): On carefully re-considering the article you were so good as to send me, I thought it would be better to write a new one, which I now send you. [...] I think it gives a fair idea on the whole, to an outsider, of what the Breviary [which he had translated] is in practise - and I should prefer to leave to you the task of abridging it. Only I would ask you to let me know how you purpose to do so. I have myself marked in pencil some passages which seem to me the less important, but without meaning to control your judgment. I also take the linberty of sending you herewith a little book, which contains nearly everything (except, of course, the changeable prayers & lessons) that is in ordinary use from day to day. If you have time to look over it, and especially to read the Preface & final notes, you will gain a very accurate impression of what the daily office means. | I presume you did not want any analysis of the Kalendar or specimen of the directions in the Ordo Recitandi [phrase underlined][Postscript follows} It occurs to me as possible that by inserting what I have written, you may obviate the necessity of a separate article upon the Canonical Hours [phrase underlined], or, at any rate, be able to reduce it to very small proportions. Letter Two (12 Aug. 1892): I am much obliged by your letter, and should be very glad to write the article in question. I sometime ago studied the subject so much, and made so many notes upon it, that I hope I might be able to do so satisfactorily to you. | My notes however are all at Mount Stuart, and so are all the books of reference to which they refer. I should be obliged therefore, if you would let me know the very latest date at which you must have the M.S. | I have at this moment on hand, besides some other work, the compilation of a speech upon the history of Wales, which I am to deliver at Rhyl before the National Eisteddford on Sept.7. He then details all the obligations of the next few weeks (speech at the triennial music festivals in Cardiff, lecture upon the materials for the history of Llewellyn ap Gryffuyd which I purpose to deliver as my inaugural address as President of the Cymmrodorion Society in London, sit for his portrait as Mayor for Cardiff Town (Herkomer), work for the Universities Commission, as well as multiple tasks when he can eventually go to Mount Stuart.