Autograph Letters

[Eleanor Rathbone; women's rights] Autograph Letter Signed to indecipherable name ("L.A.C." initials at the end of the accompanying typescript text of an "interview" with Rathbone, title "Women of Merseyside", with her annotations and corrections.

Author: 
Eleanor F. Rathbone (1872-1946), independent M.P. and long-term campaigner for family allowance and for women's rights
Publication details: 
[Letter; printed heading] Oakfield, Penny Lane, Liverpool, no date; [Typescript] no date.
£250.00

Letter, 2pp., 12mo, some aging and a fold mark, but mainly good; Typescript, 6pp., 4to, fold mark, good condition. In the letter she writes, in a hurried difficult hand, that she has made a "few corrections" and thinks the author/interviewer has done her best to give interest with sparse material. She concludes "Don't let them cut out the bit about the Local Gov. [Franchises?]" which she thinks the most "new & interesting".

[Tania Long of the New York Times writes from wartime London on 'queue psychology' in Britain and America.] Typed Letter Signed ('Tania Long Daniell') to Punch editor E. V. Knox, in connection with an article being commissioned from him.

Author: 
Tania Long [Tania Long Daniell] (1913-1998), American journalist and war correspondent [E. V. Knox [Edmund George Valpy Knox] (1881-1971, 'Evoe'), editor of Punch]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the London bureau of the New York Times, Savoy Hotel, London WC2. 24 May 1943.
£250.00

Long's obituary in the New York Times, 6 September 1998, describes her as 'war correspondent for The New York Herald Tribune and The New York Times who covered the London blitz and the Nuremburg trials' and 'one of only a few women who were correspondents in World War II'. She had joined the New York Herald Tribune's London bureau in 1941, and subsequently married Raymond Daniell, chief of the New York Times's London bureau, joining that newspaper as a reporter in February 1942.

[Pavel Tchelitchew, Russian surrealist painter.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Pavel') to 'My dear, dear Sweet Stephen' [Stephen Tennant?], regarding his love of Italy, theatre design in America, Lincoln Kirstein and Osbert Sitwell.

Author: 
Pavel Tchelitchew (1898-1957), Russian émigré surrealist painter, set designer and costume designer [Lincoln Kirstein; Osbert Sitwell; Stephen Tennant]
Publication details: 
'Lecourbe 43 – 65, 2 rue Jacques Mawas, Paris.' 23 April 1953.
£350.00

2pp., 4to. Aged and worn, but legible. A splendid effervescent letter, highly characteristic, written in demotic English in a close unruly hand. Tchelitchew was a close friend (lover?) of Edith Sitwell, and in addition to her brother Osbert, the letter contains references to Lincoln Kirstein (1907-1996), influential figure in New York culture, founder with George Balanchine of the New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet, and the book he was writing on Tchelitchew, as well as to Tchelitchew's partner the writer Charles Henry Ford (1908-2002).

[ Reginald Hill, crime writer ] Five Autograph Postcards and Cards Signed (all pictorial) "Reg" to Hunter Davies, author and journalist, and friend since childhood

Author: 
Reginald Hill, crime writer (1936-2012)
Publication details: 
'Oakbank'. Broad Oak, Ravenglass, Cumbria, 3 dated (1994, 2000, 2011).
£150.00

Three Postcards Signed, and two (folding) cards) with between 6-21 lines of writing. Good-humoured tone, with references to a novel published by "Margaret" [Forster, Davies's wife] which has given him an idea for a detective novel, a self-deprecating comment ("insecure jumped up northern grammer school lad"), reflection on how well he and friends have dome (no "jail-bait failures"), news of a death, a White Christmas, a plan for a "double-act at Keswick", treatment for illness (2011), etc.

[Admiral Sir George Back, explorer of the Canadian Arctic.; his Arctic Mission; Ross] Autograph Letter Signed ('G Back') to 'Captain Maconochie' [Alexander Maconochie], regarding packing for a journey.

Author: 
Admiral Sir George Back (1796-1878), explorer of the Canadian Arctic, naturalist and artist [Alexander Maconochie (1787-1860), Scottish naval officer, Governor of Norfolk Island, penal reformer]
Publication details: 
8 February 1833. No place.
£280.00

1p., 12mo. Bifolium. Addressed on blank reverse of second leaf to 'Captain Maconochie'. In good condition, lightly aged. Begins: 'My dear Maconochie | I have not yet done packing - Have they sent the Books &c from the Ad[miralt]y.?' He next refers to 'the Almanack for 34', and his plans for the following day's 'Journey' [to Arctic - see NOte below]. From 1830 Maconochie was the first secretary of the Royal Geographical Society. In 1833 he became the first professor of Geography at the University College London.

[Sir William Edward Parry, Arctic explorer.] Autograph Letter Signed ('W E Parry.') to unnamed recipient, soliciting a vote in a charity election for a 'poor girl' named Maria Jones.

Author: 
Sir William Edward Parry (1790-1855), Royal Navy Rear Admiral, celebrated Arctic explorer who made attempts on the Northwest Passage and North Pole
Publication details: 
Admiralty [London], 12 August 1828.
£100.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with small spot of discoloration. He explains that he is 'requested by a particular friend' to solicit the interest of the recipient 'in favor of the poor girl mentioned in the accompanying note, who was an unsuccessful Candidate at the last Election'. He knows that 'the applications in such cases are extremely numerous', but hopes that the recipient 'can give Maria Jones your vote on the ensuing occasion'.

[Lord Denman describes House of Lords 'progress in Women's Suffrage', 1894.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Denman') to 'Sir Thomas [Roe]', sending him a gift on his being knighted, and discussing political affairs.

Author: 
Thomas Denman, Lord Denman [Thomas Aitchison Denman, 2nd Baron Denman] (1805-1894), Liberal politician, pioneer of women's suffrage [Sir Thomas Roe [later Lord Roe] (1832-1923), Liberal politician]
Publication details: 
'Alderston | Haddington | N[orth] B[ritain] [i.e. Scotland]' 27 January 1894.
£280.00

Denman was noted for his eccentricities. From 1884 he sat as a crossbencher, and introduced a number of bills on women's suffrage, none of which gained a second reading. 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. The first page heavily-spotted, and with the cross-written signature over-written, probably by a child; otherwise lightly-aged and worn.

[Seán MacEntee, Fianna Fáil politician and Tánaiste.] Typed Letter Signed ('Seán MacEntee') to T. J. Hickey, editor of 'The Statist', commending an article on Hilaire Belloc by Collin Brooks. With Autograph Note Signed from Hickey to Brooks.

Author: 
Seán MacEntee [Seán Mac an tSaoi] (1889-1984), Irish Fianna Fáil politician, Tánaiste [Thomas J. Hickey; Collin Brooks (1893-1959), Fleet Street journalist; Hilaire Belloc; Easter Rising, 1916]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Oifig an Aire Airgeadais, (Office of the Minister for Finance) Baile Átha Cliath. (Dublin). 27 July 1953.
£220.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged, with punch holes at margin. MacEntee begins his letter to Hickey: 'In the tribute which “The Statist” pays to the late Hilaire Belloc a reference is made to his essay on usury. I read this some time ago but cannot recall the title of the volume in which it appeared. I should be grateful, indeed, if you would be kind enough to make good the lacuna by supplying the missing title.' He congratulates Hickey 'on the article itself'.

[Hall Caine's brother Ralph threatens Lord Northcliffe's Amalgamated Press with legal action for 'stealing my idea' on popular publishing.] Two Typed Letters Signed from 'Ralph' to his 'Papa & mama', with his Typed 'complete [solicitors'] statement'.

Author: 
Ralph Hall Caine (1865-1939), Isle of Man author and journalist; brother of novelist Hall Caine [Alfred Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Northcliffe; Sir Harold Harmsworth; Amalgamated Press]
Publication details: 
Letters on letterhead of 2 Tudor Street, London E.C. [Amalgamated Press Ltd offices] 15 March and 18 April 1907. Statement without place or date.
£120.00

The three items are in good condition, lightly aged. ONE: TLS, 15 March 1907. 4pp., 4to. He is sending a copy (i.e. Item Three below) of 'a complete statement of what has taken place up to date. In fact it is the actual statement I placed before my Solicitor this afternoon […] Of course this is what we might have expected from these people, and it does not come as a very great surprise. | It is a direct attempt to get out of their obligations, as they have done before, as they can get this new man, and have got him – at something like £500 a year without an interest'.

[James Bertrand Payne, editor and author.] Three Autograph Letters Signed to H. Cholmondeley-Pennell, written around the time of his prosecution by the London publishers Edward Moxon & Co., and launch of his magazine 'The King of Arms'.

Author: 
James Bertrand Payne (1833-1898), editor, author and fraudster [Henry Cholmondeley-Pennell (1837-1915), poet and writer on angling]
Publication details: 
All three on letterheads of Tempsford House, the Grange, Brompton, S.W. [London] One from 1871 and two from 1873.
£220.00

The three letters are in good condition, lightly aged. All three signerd 'J Bertrand Payne'. The first has a letterhead in red, the other two have a different letterhead in blue. Both designs feature exuberant monograms and lettering in Victorian Gothic type, which, together with Payne's exuberant handwriting (the last letter also being written in purple ink), accurately reflect the character of the man Tennyson angrily dismissed as 'peacock Payne'. Three excellent letters, the background to which is of interest.

[Enid Bagnold, author and playwright, to celebrity wig-maker Stanley Hall.] Nine Autograph Letter Signed, written in ebullient tones to 'Dear Stanley', discussing dramatic failures, Lady Diana Cooper, Harold Pinter, Dame Sybil Thorndyke, and others.

Author: 
Enid Bagnold [Enid Algerine Jones, Lady Jones] (1889-1981), author and playwright [Stanley Hall (1917-1994), celebrity wig-maker]
Publication details: 
On letterheads of North End House, Rottingdean, Sussex. Two from 1965, the others from 1967, 1968 and 1969..
£300.00

The nine letters are in good condition, lightly aged. They total nineteen pages, on a mixture of 4to and 12mo leaves, and cards. A chatty and gossipy correspondence, written in a flowing loose hand, going well beyond business matters. The first letter, 9 May 1965, is signed 'Enid B.', the others being signed 'Enid'. It is the only letter in its envelope, which is marked 'Private' by EB and addressed by her to 'Stanley Hall Esq | Wig Creations | 25 Portman Close | Baker Street | London W.1'. The tone of the first letter is representative.

[ Sean T. O'Kelly, Republican ] Autograph (brief) Curriculum Vitae Signed "With best wishes from | Sean T. O'Kelly"

Author: 
Sean T. O'Kelly, sometime President of the Republic of Ireland (1882-1956)
McBride
Publication details: 
No date, printed address in Irish.
£350.00
McBride

One page, 4to, edges sl chipped. mainly good condition, complete. He follows his best wishes (see above) with information about the (formal) political positions he has occupied from President (giving dates of inauguration and retirement ); place of birth (Wellington St, Dublin); when elected to the Dublin Council and Parliament; when Minister for Local Government; and for Finance; when Deputy Prime Minister; current residence at Roundwood Park. Overleaf his name and title (President) in another hand.

[ Violet Hunt; Pre-Raphaelites ] Autograph Note Signed "Violet Madox Hueffer" to Clifford Bax, author, accepting an invitation.

Author: 
Violet Hunt, author and literary hostess, lived with Ford Madox Hueffer [Ford] for a time.
Publication details: 
[Headed] South Lodge, Campden Hill Road, Kensington, W., 3 Jan., no year [1910-1918? See note below.
£120.00

Though never married, Hunt carried on a number of relationships, mostly with older men. One page, 12mo, good condition, saying, It is very kind of you to ask me to your party on the 9th and I shall be very pleased top come." Note: Among her lovers were Somerset Maugham and H. G. Wells, though her most notable affair was with the married Hueffer, who lived with her from about 1910 to 1918 at her home South Lodge"

[ Conan Doyle; Edalji Case ] Autograph Letter Signed "Maud E. Edalji" to Collin Brooks, journalist (Wikipedia) reflecting on the role of the periodical "Truth" had in the cases of Adolf Beck and George Edalji.

Author: 
[ George Edalji; Arthur Conan Doyle ] Maud E. Edalji, sister of George Edalji (died 1953), falsely accused of animal mutilation.
Publication details: 
9 Brockett Close, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, 11 July 1955.
£320.00

Two pages, cr. 8vo, fold mark, one punch- hole text good and complete. She has been listening to "Any Questions" (on the wireless) where "the publicity given to the recent murder trials" was discussed.

[ Algernon Charles Swinburne, poet who scandalised Victorian England. ] Signed Autograph presentation inscription to his sister Isabel, on fly-leaf of William Clarke Russell's book 'Nelson's Words and Deeds'.

Author: 
Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837-1909), English poet who scandalised the Victorians with his decadent verse [ William Clarke Russell; Isabel Swinburne ]
Algernon Charles Swinburne
Publication details: 
Dated in autograph 'November 1890'.
£350.00
Algernon Charles Swinburne

On a single 8vo half-title leaf removed from the William Clarke Russell's 'Nelson's Words and Deeds: A Selection from the Dispatches and Correspondence of Horatio Nelson' (London: Sampson Low, 1890). In fair condition, lightly aged and with a central horizontal crease. Printed at the centre of the page are the words 'NELSON'S WORDS AND DEEDS', and at the head Swinburne writes: 'Isabel Swinburne | from her affectionate brother | Algernon Charles Swinburne | November 1890'.

[ Eva Luckes, nurse, Matron of the London Hospital. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Eva . C . E. Lückes. | Matron') to Winifred M. S. Parry, regarding her place as 'Probationer' at the Preliminary Training School.

Author: 
Eva Luckes [ Eva Charlotte Ellis Lückes ] (1854-1919), nurse, Matron of the London Hospital, 1880-1919
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the London Hospital, Whitechapel, E. 11 May 1912.
£90.00

2pp., 4to. Signed 'Faithfully yours | Eva . C . E. Lückes. | Matron.' In fair condition, lightly aged. On two leaves attached with a brass stud. A circular letter, addressed to 'Miss Winifred M. S. Parry, || 69, Vernham Road, | Plumstead, S.E.' Having received the references and agreement form, she informs her that her name 'has been added to our list of accepted Candidates with a view to filling a vacancy which will occur at our Preliminary Training School on June 1st 1912'.

[ Count Friedrich Waldburg-Truchsess, Prussian soldier and diplomat associated with Beethoven and Napoleon. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Waldburg-Truchseß'), in French, congratulating 'Monsieur le Colonell Na<meyr?> and his wife on the birth of a son

Author: 
Count Friedrich Waldburg-Truchsess [ Friedrich Ludwig Truchseß Graf von Waldburg ] (1776-1844), Prussian soldier and diplomat associated with Beethoven and Napoleon Bonaparte
Publication details: 
[ The Hague, Netherlands. 14 March 1832. ]
£150.00

Waldburg-Truchsess appointed Beethoven Kapellmeister to the King of Westphalia when serving as the King's Chamberlain, and was one of the four Commissioners responsible for supervising Napoleon's exile in Elba. The letter is written on the eve of his return from the Hague, where he had been Prussian ambassador since 1827. 1p., 8vo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged paper with wear along one edge, and damage to second leaf caused by breaking of seal (not present).

[ Whitelaw Reid, American Ambassador to the United Kingdom. ] Typed Letter Signed to Col. H. V. Higgins of the Grand Opera Syndicate, Covent Garden, comparing his opera box unfavourably with the one he had in Paris.

Author: 
Whitelaw Reid (1837-1912), proprietor of the New York Tribune, historian, Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States in the 1892 election, American Ambassador to the United Kingdom
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Dorchester House, Park Lane, W. [ London ] 5 September 1905.
£80.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged. He is sending a copy of a note his secretary has 'just sent about an opera box for the next season. | The box we were able to get this year contrasted so poorly with my old "loge entre les colonnes" in Paris that I am afraid my personal tastes would be about as well satisfied without one!' He feels sure that 'with this long notice and with a friendly word' from Higgins, 'something better can be done'. One of the grandest residences in London, Dorchester House was rented by Reid as the American Embassy from 1905.

[ James Currie, Scottish physician in Liverpool. ] Autograph Signature ('Ja Currie') to manuscript minute of meeting of 'Church-Wardens Sides-men & physicians of the two Charities held at the Dispensary', regarding plans for a fever hospital.

Author: 
James Currie (1756-1805): Scottish physician in Liverpool, abolitionist and editor of Robert Burns [ The Dispensary, Temple Bar, Liverpool; The Royal Free Hospital, Liverpool ]
Publication details: 
On paper watermarked 1799. Minutes dated from the Dispensary [Temple Bar ], Liverpool, 24 April 1801.
£250.00

This document is of particular interest as it concerns the foundation of the institution that would become the Royal Free Hospital, Liverpool. As a result of the meeting described in the present document, the Institution for the Care and Prevention of Contagious Fevers opened in 1802 at 2 Constitution Row, Grays Inn Lane. It was the first voluntary fever hospital and had 15 beds. 2pp., 8vo. On a leaf which appears to have been extracted from a minute book. On laid paper with watermark 'JOSEPH COLES | 1799'.

[ Graham Greene, major English novelist. ] Autograph Signature ('Graham Greene') to typed valediction to letter to 'The Lord Iddesleigh'.

Author: 
Graham Greene (1904-1991), major English novelist
Greene
Publication details: 
Date and place not stated.
£120.00
Greene

On 6.5 x 12 cm slip of thin laid paper, cut from the end of a typed letter. Signature in blue ink. In fair condition, lightly aged, with tissue labels from mount adhering to the blank reverse. Reads: '[...] | Yours sincerely, | [Graham Greene] | Graham Greene. | The Lord Iddesleigh, | Pynes, | Exeter.'

[ Beulah Patterson (née Busha), kinswoman of Ezra Pound. ] Two long Typed Letters Signed (both 'aunt Beulah') to her nephew 'Tommy'

Author: 
Beulah Patterson [ née Beulah Elizabeth Busha ] (1886-1979) of Big Timber, Montana, kinswoman of the American poet Ezra Pound [ Olivia Shakespear; Dorothy Pound; Omar Shakespear Pound ]
Publication details: 
Both on her letterhead, as 'Clerk of District Court', of 'County of Sweet Grass | Big Timber, Montana'. 18 May 1945 and 19 August 1947.
£220.00

Pound was related to the Busha family through the marriage of his first cousin once removed Ida Lillian Pound (1858-1949) to Charles Thomas Busha (see 'Ezra and Dorothy Pound: Letters in Captivity, 1945-1946, ed. Omar Pound and Robert Spoo, 1999). The two letters are each 2pp., 4to. Both in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Both closely typed on both sides, with a few autograph emendations; the second letter with an autograph postscript. 'Tommy', who at the time of the first letter is serving with the United States armed forces, is also referred to by his nickname 'Toppie'.

[ Robert Southey, Poet Laureate and friend of Wordsworth and Coleridge. ] Autograph Note Signed to the author Andrew Picken agreeing to subscribe 'willingly' to his 'volumes' ('The Black Watch'?).

Author: 
Robert Southey (1774-1843), Romantic poet, friend of Wordsworth and Coleridge, one of the Lake Poets, Poet Laureate [ Andrew Picken (1788-1833), author ]
Southey
Publication details: 
Keswick. 13 March 1833.
£250.00
Southey

1p., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Addressed by Southey on the reverse of the second leaf, which has been overlaid top and bottom with grey paper, 'To | Andrew Picken Esqre | Gothic Cottage | Regents Park East.' The note reads: 'Keswick. 13 March 1833 [year possibly altered in pencil to '1835'] | Sir | I subscribe willingly to your volumes & wish you success with them | I remain Sir | Yr obedt servt | Robert Southey'. Southey is presumably referring to his last work, The Black Watch (1833), which appeared just as he died of a stroke. Suitable for framing.

[ Captain Basil Hall, RN, Scottish explorer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Basil Hall'), praising Florence, describing a view of 'Dom Miguel', and discussing his homesickness.

Author: 
Captain Basil Hall (1788-1844), Scottish explorer and Royal Navy officer
Publication details: 
Florence. 7 September 1834.
£120.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Thirty-five lines of closely-written text. Addressed by Hall on reverse of second leaf to 'Mrs. Stisted | Villa Broderick | Lucca Baths', with note that the letter is 'For[warde]d By Ch[ristophe]]r. Pearson'. He begins by introducing to Mrs Stisted and her husband 'Col.

[ Charles Neate, Drummond Professor of Political Economy at Oxford. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Ch. Neate') to Lord Valencia, offering to show his 'Yankee' friend around Oxford.

Author: 
Charles Neate (1806-1879), Drummond Professor of Political Economy at Oxford, and Member of Parliament for Oxford [ Lord Valencia [ Arthur Annesley, 10th Viscount Valentia ]; Oriel College ]
Publication details: 
'Oxford & Cam Club' [ London ]. 16 July [ no year ].
£120.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged, with reverse of second leaf laid down on leaf removed from album. Valentia's father had been, like Neate, a Member of Parliament for Oxford. The letter begins: 'Dear Lord Valentia. | I am sorry it so happens that I was away, and shall be till next Monday - when I return home

to

street for the next six Weeks'. He would have been 'very glad to meet even a Yankee at your

[ Mona Inglesby and International Ballet. ] Autograph Signatures of Inglesby and 23 members of her International Ballet troupe, including Moira Shearer, Nina Tarakanova, Claudie Léonard Algeranova, Anna Marinova, Joyce Graeme, Rex Reid, Jean Harris.

Author: 
Mona Inglesby (1918-2006), dancer, choreographer, founder of International Ballet [ Moira Shearer, Nina Tarakanova, Claudie Léonard Algeranova, Anna Marinova, Joyce Graeme, Rex Reid, Jean Harris ]
Ballet
Publication details: 
No place. Dated 1942.
£180.00
Ballet

There has been a recent resurgence of interest in Mona Inglesby and her International Ballet (1942-1951). In 2008 Kay Hunter published a study of the troupe, titled 'Ballet in the Blitz'; then in 2012 BBC Radio 4 aired a documentary about Mona Inglesby and International Ballet, titled 'Black-Out Ballet: The Invisible Woman of British Ballet'. The writer of the documentary, Ismene Brown, gave the following explanation of her motives: 'In 2006 an elderly dancer died in Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. She was 88, and had once been one of Britain's most recognised ballerinas.

[ Lord Hawke; Royal Navy ] Autograph Letter Signed "Hawke" to "Captain Locker", Nelson's mentor.

Author: 
Lord Hawke [ Admiral of the Fleet Edward Hawke, 1st Baron Hawke, KB, PC (1705–1781), Royal Navy officer
Publication details: 
Sunbury, 28 October 1779
£250.00

Two pages, 4to, window pane mount, one chip not affecting text, one hole caused by his pen[?] with no loss, tear along fold mark, partially repaired.

[ Earl of St Vincent; Royal Navy ] Autograph Letter Signed "St Vincent" to [ Edward Hawke Locker, watercolourist, Governor of Greenwich Hospital (Royal Navy) ]

Author: 
John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent, Admiral, patron of Nelson.
Publication details: 
[Racketts?] 5 May 1811.
£220.00

One page, 4to, window pane mount, good condition. "I am very glad that you incline to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, because I am sure you will contribute largely to it by your researches - and be a much better attendat tha | Your very sincere | nd obedient servant | St Vincent.| [POstscript ] My Protege, Lieut. Dickens, is, I believe in the ship which bears the Flag of Adml Boyles - Lady St Vincent is something better.

[ John Harraden of the Post Office. ] Autograph Letter Signed to the Earl of Chesterfield, complaining of the 'hardships' of his case, and requesting his intervention, with reference to William Hayley of Earlham, John Palmer, George White Thomas.

Author: 
John Harraden of the Post Office [ Philip Stanhope, 5th Earl of Chesterfield (1755-1815), Postmaster General; William Hayley (1745-1820); George White Thomas (c.1750-1821); John Palmer (1742-1818) ]
Publication details: 
No. 26 Compton Street, Soho. 10 November 1808.
£220.00

The recipient of the letter, the 5th Earl of Chesterfield, was Postmaster General between 1790 and 1798. The 'Mr. Palmer' mentioned in the text is John Palmer (1742-1818), MP for Bath, who was Comptroller General of the Post Office between 1786 and 1792. Harraden appears to have been regarded by his superiors as a whistle-blower and trouble-maker.

[ William Johnstone, General Merchant of Launceston, Van Diemen's Land [ Tasmania ].] Manuscript accounts of six Australian firms with him: William Bayles; Henry Burge; Westgarth, Ross & Co.; Lewis Cohen; Du Croz, Nichols & Co.; Moses Moss.

Author: 
William Johnstone (c.1819-1874), General Merchant, Launceston, Van Diemen's Land [ Tasmania ]; William Bayles; Henry Burge; Westgarth, Ross & Co.; Lewis Cohen; Du Croz, Nichols & Co.; Moses Moss
Publication details: 
[ Launceston, Van Diemen's Land [ Tasmania ]; and Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. ] Between 1853 and 1866.
£450.00

See William Johnstone's obituary in the Illustrated Tasmanian News, May 1874. He was born in England and left Somerset for Van Diemen's Land in 1841. He set up in business the following year in Launceston, which had been founded in 1806, and is said to be the third oldest colonial settlement in Australia, after Sydney and Hobart..As the years proceeded he prospered spectacularly, and by the time of his death he was so highly esteemed, that 'many places of business had the front windows partially closed while the shipping in port and the Town Hall had the Union Jack hoisted at half mast'.

[ William Cunningham, Archdeacon of Ely, Scottish economist. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'Wm. Cunningham') to an unnamed party, explaining why he must decline his invitation to co-operate, despite the 'flattering invitation' of the Delegates

Author: 
William Cunningham (1849-1919), Archdeacon of Ely, Scottish economist [ Harvard University ]
Publication details: 
Both from Trinity College, Cambridge. 9 and 12 October 1899.
£150.00

The two letters were written on Cunningham's return from America, where he had been lecturing in economic history at Harvard. Both are in good condition, lightly aged. Both are addressed from Trinity College, Cambridge. ONE: 9 October 1899. 2pp., small 4to. He has 'just returned to England after a long absence'. He appreciates 'the honour you have done me in asking me to cooperate in such a work', but regrets 'that it is impossible for me to undertake anything of the kind at present'. TWO: 12 October 1899. 4pp., small 4to.

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