autograph.

Oxford Bookseller and Publisher (1806-1884). Two pages, 8vo, chipped and sl. marked, but text mainly clear. "Sir/ At the requestof Mr. Hill and Mr. Renand I write you a few lines respecting the books you wished to enquire about -on the Articles I send - but it is the most scarce of 's pieces- The Harmony of Confessions is a very [underlined] book.

Bibliographer and antiquary (1721-1807). One page, 8vo, some marks not affecting text. This letter had been accompanied by two books (note under superscription) which Paton describes in the note ("Logan on Government, - & his first part of the Finishing Stroke", which are all he can lay his hand on at present". When other pieces turn up they will be sent "with what duplicates may be by him."

French politician and historian (1811-1882). Poor condition, complete text:. "Mille remerciement de la part de Mr Louis Blanc. Il reviendra. --- I.e. he was in exile or about to go into exile.

Poet and playwright. Three pages, 8vo, good condition. H has realised that Jerrold is publishing in his "Anthology" two popems which are about to appear in Trench's "New Poems", to be published by Methuen the following day. He requests what he believes in Methuen's customary charge of a guinea a poem. Otherwise, could he return them.

Author of "The Road to Kashmir" and others. Total seven pages, 8vo (4) and 4to (1), good condition. He discusses "The Road to Kashmir" (sales, etc.) and "A Window on Fleet Street". He discusses at length a circular relating to the latter from John Murray which he sends (not present) in response to Murray's request for him to send it to "good book readers and good book buyers". (Wilson is "the goodest [bookseller] in London".) Frank Mumby describes Wilson as "one of the outstanding booksellers of the day" (1956 ed., p.235). Six items,

American Crime Writer. One page, 4to. He refers to his just having been welcomed into the Crime Writers' Association but has been too busy to reply sooner. He has ben packing and trying to "finish a novel (which failed)". He very much appreciates meeting CWA members. He adds that "the book is now en route for Crime Club" giving him the opportunity to look about him. He would welcome CWA visitors and prmises a good cup of tea from his Australian mother-in-law".

Author of "Tom Brown's Schooldays", lawyer (1822-1896). One page, 8vo, a little crumpled and marked from having been laid down previously in an album, but text clear and complete. He asks for his next "Court" day to be changed since the "Governor of the Isle of Man has come down on me to fulfil an old promise to preside at the speech day of King William's College". He will have to get there by the "Friday boat". From DNB: " In July 1882 Hughes was appointed a county-court judge, and went to live at Chester.

Lord Mayor of London (Boase). One page, 8vo, some discoloration, text clear and complete. "To the Librarian of the London Institution- You will please to admit The Revd. Saml. Smith to the library & Lectures of the London Institution as my substitute".

Stopes has written lines headed "Marriage" on a 4to page (her birthday, 15 October) extracted from "A Birthday Book designed by her Royal Highness the Princess Beatrice" (1881). The book comprises one day to every page. The book has the bookplate of N. Hardy Wallis (see BLC). Stopes says "Marriage:-/ A stream of sweet content whereon do float/The jewelled flowers of passion to the sea / Of deep and everlasting memory./ Marie C. Stopes.

Divine and author (1772-1827). He discusses the timing of the next "clerical meeting" and suggests a friend who could take pupils, "a serious brother".

Novelist and politician (1765-1846). One page, 8vo. (He is writing to his former colleague in the Ordnance Office where he was a clerk from 1811 to 1823). He asks him to forward an important packet and recalls "pleasant remembrances of former intercourse".

(Prime Minister) Three pages, 8vo, very good condition. Text as follows: I have a request to make to you, with which I hope you will compy. It is that you will serve in the Royal Commission to enquire into the state of the University of Cambrige./ Professor Sedgwick & Sir John Herschel I [...?] likewise to ask to be members of the Commission - And in any nomination I may number I should wish to choose persons whose names will inspire confidence in the University.

South-Eastern Railway secretary, social reformer, author ((1812-1904). Two pages, 8vo. He is presenting one of his books, presumably the "Life of George Stephenson" which was published in July of that year: "The book has been written under great disadvantage, - and has been scraped together as it were out of the scraps & odd bits of my lesser moments. But such as it is I hope it will afford you some pleasure to read." Smiles wrote "Self-Help" among other significant books.

Baron C.C.J. Bunsen, Prussian diplomat and scholar (1791-1860). He helps the Lord Mayor with his plans for returning the visit of the King of Prussia in January 1842. He gives detailed information on the route and means of transport, including timings, instructs him on the protocol of contacting the Court, gives his plans for visiting the Norwich music festival, and asks for the draft of the Lord Mayor's speech to the King of Prussia. He will have prepared the paperwork for the Prussian Customs that same day.

Statesman (1806-1863). Vestiges of its having been laid down in an album. Part of a letter as follows: " . . . chloroform, & with perfect success but she has since suffered much pain. Her recovery, I am happy to say, is . . ." and overleaf the following " . . . & therefore I conclude that it was quite groundless" Ever yrs truly/ GCLewis". Tantalising fragment but Queen Victoria was a well-known pioneer in the use of chloroform in child-birth, and is the likely subject for a letter by a member of her Government.

Actor and dramatist (1802-1879). Three pages, 8vo, some marking but good condition. He asks for a mention of his Benefit. It is his last night at the Haymarket before he joins Madame Vestris at the Lyceum. He names the play, "The Beaux Startagem", adds that "Mr John Reeve son of the late celebrated comedian will also make his first appearance in Public in one of his father's characters, while Mr Buckstone will follow in Mr Planche's highly successful Drama of "The Jacobite".m He encloses cards (for entry?).

Actor (1864-1947). 2 pp. "Dear Cabourn, / We are drawn together in the 1st heat of the Billd Handicap - when do you think you will be able to play - the thing is hanging fire a bit."

Scottish lawyer and politician, friend of Walter Scott (1751-1839). Damp-staining and some damage not affecting legibility and completeness. He discusses in some detail the lease on the Cock Close Estate at Eton, and the attitude of the family concerned (Slatter).

Illustrator (1893 or 1896-1940). Crude sketch in pencil, on piece of lavender paper, 6¼ inches by 3¾, of garret with two beds, headed "Housemaster", and with "Drorn [sic] in the dark at the Apollo - / - / Aubrey Hammond / 1936 -" written beneath it. Mounted on fragment of blue paper carrying typewritten label and showing traces of brown paper strip.

Miscellaneous writer, Quaker (1792-1879). One page, 12mo, saying simply "The Letter is all right. Thank you".

Two pages, 8vo, good condition. With a note identifying the writer who simply describes himself in his letter as "The Author of the accompanying volume of sermons" of which he asks the Editor to give an early notice. He offers the "accustomed remuneration [!] for this trouble through his publishers." He asks for the book to be returned to his publishers (Rivington) if no review is contemplated. N.B. Rivington published Hudleston's "Discourses on Religion and Morality".

Irish civil servant ((1861-1915). He hopes for a meeting in London. "I want very much to see you for a few minutes".

Miscellaneous writer, journalist, Republican (1767-1840). 8vo. He complains that he forgot to leave his name for Phillips and his friends so that they could not enter the theatre. He asks that he make sure he does "this evening" with underlinings and emphatic statements.

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.

Sculptor (1775-1856). Work takes precedence over "gaieties" so he cannot accept an invitation.

Soldier (1783-1868). Stained and worn but contents intact and legible, responding to condolences on his wife's death. what it means to him, and what her last days were like.

Novelist (1864-1930). He announces the birth of his first child, with comment on its colour.

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.

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.

Vice-Chancellor (1779-1850). Laid down. He acknowledges receipt of a letter, but is obliged to leave that part of the country.