Eleven (11) Autograph Letters Signed to Swan Sonnenschein, publishers.

Historian (DNB). Total thirty (30) pages, 8vo (10) and 4to (1). The subject is his book "Our Great Naval Commanders" published by his correspondents, Swan Sonnenschein, in 1884, from its inception to the proof stage. He begins (16 Dec. 1882) "It is not quite easy to decide whom it would be best to include in such a volume as you propose - Nelson of course stands at the head of all sailors. Next to him, I think, comes Rodney . . . but there are no materials to be procured for a sketch of Hawke . . ." Topics include: his researches; the fate of Admiral Hawke's papers; Anson; Rooke; Drake, Cook; Cochrane; suggestion of discoverers like Flinders for variety; introductory chapter; honorarium; copyright; published price;schedule; 91 March 1883) format; choice including arctic or antarctic explorers (Ross/Frankin - "the public interest is more attracted to the North than to the South"); repeats earlier suggestions; writing plan; requests book for research; terms; (19 Marck [1883] an advance; progress with the writing; anticipates publication in June (!); parallels with earlier book on heroines; prefers Parry to Ross; estimates length of his sketches; the protion he has sent is "ready for the press"[underlined]; (14 May 1883) expectes proofs; further progress; pleased with his Nelson piece; (2 June 1883) he sent the concluding lives but they are unacknowledged; when acknowledged he will send the "Envoi"; no proofs received yet; (22 May 1883) "I found it necessary to leave out Lord Cochrane, partly because after Nelson all battles must seem tame"; ideas for a similar book with military heroes (Black Prince, Wellington, etc.); discusses information about Wellington's anticipation of the importance of Waterloo in his biography; nothing to endanger British Maritime supremacy - concluding page; seeks news of book. Eleven items,