[Lord Farnborough (formerly Sir Charles Long), Pittite politician and connoisseur.] Autograph Letter Signed regarding an aggrieved response to ‘the Widows Remonstrance’.

See his entries in the Oxford DNB and History of Parliament. A loyal Pittite (‘publicity agent for the ministry’, and founder of the Tory ‘Sun’ newspaper) who served as Irish Secretary. As a connoisseur he had a strong influence on the taste of the Prince of Wales, besides recommending the purchase for the nation of the Elgin Marbles. He bequeathed fifteen paintings to the new National Gallery. 2pp, 12mo. Signed ‘Farnborough’. The circumstances of the present item are unknown. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded twice. Begins: ‘My dear Sir / I do not send you the accompanying paper, either as a dignified or a very wise answer to the Widows Remonstrance - but the author was so anxious that I should peruse it that I am sure he will not be satisfied unless you see how completely he has succeeded -’. In Farnborough’s estimation the author ‘really devotes himself to the welfare of these Ladies’. He is not surprised ‘that he should feel a little sore that more gratitude is not manifested towards him’. In pencil in a contemporary hand beneath Farnborough’s signature: ‘formerly Sir Charles Long & a great Amateur of the Arts’.