Canadian lawyer and English Master of the Rolls (1752-1832). Part of ALS signed, referring to "Sir Alexr Cochrane's propositions as to prizes that may be taken in conjunct expeditions on the coast of America" on which he does not feel able to give directions.
Irish war correspondent amd miscellaneous writer (1820-1907). 2pp., 8vo. One signed twice by Russell, the other initialled. The statement gives details of three articles contributed to the Miscellany, including "The Lewis - What is it?".
Irish war correspondent. 2pp., 8vo. He produces some badinage about an invitation card, then comments on the situation in Egypt: "I wish the Powers - which they aren't by the by - had let our fat friend Ismail [Pasha] alone just tightening the bit a little & and then there would be none of this darkness over the land of Egypt . . . ", concluding with jocular mis-spellings of "poetical".
Sculptor (1799-1872). Clipped signature from an appeal to the Artists' Benevolent Fund. Thomas Phillips, portrait painter (1770-1845), signature is on the same piece of paper
Judge, jurist, and ecclesiatical lawyer (1845-1929). 3pp., 12mo, giving thanks for valuable information, describing his researches ("Rimbault's book" and correspondence), alluding to cheque books which he has inspected and others he wishes to inspect. He anticipates calling and seeing his correspondent's "Patents or Warrants"
Dramatist, historian and poet (1626-1698). Signature cut from a document (Howard was an auditor of the Exchequer) with above date and a few words from the text, laid down.
c. 1.5" x 3", in a minute but distinct hand, 16 lines commmencing "They will by no means give the title of Saint to one of the Apostles or Evangelists of the LOrd . . . ", concluding with the apparent source of the lines "A Friendly Conference 48".
Diplomat. One page, 8vo. He asks for a pair of Chinese slippers to be added to her brother's account and warns her against a "maddish charlatan" with whom he has crossed swords.
Chief Justice of Common Pleas (1776-1846). 2pp., 4to, expresing gratitude for his offer of help but feeling that his "friends are so very assiduous in the Committee Room" that it will be unnecessary. He would welcome his calling by if in the neighbourhood to answer enquiries and doubts.
Political economist. He asks him to look at the enclosed letter "if he thinks it a sufficient authority" and "put Dr Buckland's name under that of Mr Gould".
Scottish natural philosopher. One page, 8vo. He finds the invitation to a lecture at the "Club" interesting but cannot manage it. He would welcome a copy of "any scientific abstract of the Lecture".
Judge (1828-1921). (1893) He fears that his wife will not be able to visit the Woodwards because of a family crisis (a sick baby), but he would like to come anyway and suggests a timetable. (1899) He discusses in depth the enlargement of Convocation (Church of England) "to revise the Rubrics & services" and have more power over Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. But "I would not leave to any clerical court the application of legal principles to particular cases". He suggests a register of subscribers to the Church of England at parish level.
Unitarian divine and philosopher. One page, 8vo. He alerts him that a consignment of Hymn Books had been sent to the "Maidstone Congregation", giving the binder's charge, and hoping they prove useful.
Educationalist and historian (1837-1933). He is delighted to have received his letter and speaks enthusiatically of the past, especially of Sheppard's brother, Bob. He discusses his reading. (He found a character just like himself in the TLS) and looks forward to Sheppard's next book.
Unitarian and antiquary (1789-1871). (1851) invitation for Gray, his wife and nephew (1864) Another invitation, anticipating time to look at the "specimens and drawings". 2 items,
Artist. One page, 4to. He says that he is Secretary of the Artists' General Benevolent Fund for the year 1938-9 and asks for support for those artists in difficulty in "this period of unrest & uncertainty".
Gaelic Scholar (1743-1821). 2pp., 4to, signs of wear not obscuring text. As notes in another hand (Chalmers?) on the reverse state, Stuart is giving answers about several parishes in Kincardineshire. He reveals sources of information (e.g. a Mr Leslie on the remains of a Roman camp, a Mr Barclay on some tenures in Kincardineshire (papers currently mislaid).
Poet, critic, editor of "Punch" (1861-1936). He criticises something she has written about fairies, sympathising with children's lack of understanding and concluding that he has encountered the things she describes "when there are no Fairies in the neighbourhood".
Statesman and writer. 2pp., 8vo. He thanks Sharp for sending some books to him but points out that the books need not have travelled under Francis Freeling's cover as Croker's held good unrestrictedly.
Wit and politician (-1837). His health is restored but "Whishaw doubled my Disappointment by Recounting your Fairy Ball". Obviously, ill health prevented his attendance. With: (ms) "Advertisement Extraordinary", an amusing skit in which Jekyll offers to provide people to visit Country Houses much as horses are hired or books provided by a circulating library, 3pp., 8vo. On a blank conjoined page appear the words "not in Jekyll's handwriting", etc. signed "C. Fox" (Caroline Fox). 2 items,.
Archivist (1776-1854). 2pp., 4to, suggesting that, despite the potential for "tumult" of a "great Concourse of People", the following day, he does not believe there will be a need for the "Sheriff's Interference". (At this time Hobhouse acted as permanent under-secretary for the Home Dept.)