Printed handbill proposing the establishment of the Blamire Memorial. With five Autograph Letters Signed (by the peers Cleveland, Devonshire, Feversham, Lonsdale, Spencer) to Howard on the same subject.

An interesting collection, with some revealing comments within the correspondence. All six items are laid down on a folio leaf of pink paper removed from an autograph album. All clear and complete, in good condition on aged paper, with the Feversham letter somewhat grubby. The handbill (12mo, 1 p), on behalf of the Committee for the Blamire Memorial, and in the names of Henry Londsdale and Henry Dobinson, is headed 'BLAMIRE MEMORIAL', and dated 'Carlisle, Oct. 7th, 1862.' It reports the resolutions of a meeting held on 4 October 1862. Letter One: From Henry Vane (1788-1864), 2nd Duke of Cleveland ('Cleveland'). 29 April 1862; . 12mo, 3 pp. Howard's letter has only just been forwarded to him. He 'left England to come here in the South of France for the benefit of my health the first days in April'. 'I was in the House of Commons with the late Mr Blamire for several years remember him as a very good Country Member, and I have reason to know as you observe that he has been an excellent public servant, as a Commissioner in the various offices he has filled.' On his return to England he will forward £5 or £10. Letter Two: From William Cavendish (1808-1891), 7th Duke of Devonshire ('Devonshire'). 5 April 1862; Lismore Castle. 12mo, 2 pp. Subscribing £5. 'I was slightly acquainted with him many years ago & greatly respected him. I decidedly think he is one of those the memory of whose services ought to be perpetuated by a fitting memorial.' Letter Three: William Duncombe (1798-1867), 2nd Baron Feversham ('Feversham'). 16 April 1862; on letterhead of Duncombe Park, York. He sat with Blamire in the House of Commons for a brief period, but did not have 'the pleasure of being acquainted'. He receives so many 'applications' of the kind Howard has forwarded that he is 'obliged to draw a line, as regards those of a private nature out of this County', and to decline. Letter Four: William Lowther (1787-1862), 2nd Earl of Lonsdale. 13 March 1862; Ventnor. 12mo, 3 pp. 'It is quite true that I had a high opinion of Mr Blamire as Cheif [sic] Commissioner of Tithes enclosures & draining, & also of the manner in which he performed the duties incumbent upon that office. I believe we are indebted to him, principally for the principle as well as the details of the Tithe Formulation Bill, which of all measures that have been passed has proved the most beneficial to agriculture. At the same time Mr Blamire was known in Cumberland principally as a party man & it would appear inconsistent to my Political friends under these circumstances were I to subscribe to his memorial.' Letter Five: John Poyntz Spencer (1835-1910), 5th Earl Spencer ('Spencer'). 14 April 1862; London, on monogrammed paper with mourning border. 'I rarely subscribe to memorials, & having had to do so to more than <?> this year I have refused several applications for assistance to objects that have more claim on me than the one you interest yourself about. | I fear I cannot therefore send you anything.'