BANKING

Merchant and merchant banker (1740-1810). 3 pages, 16mo. In very good condition. He is unwilling to produce his title to the property, the request, in connection with the purchase of a neighbouring property from an individual named Bonar, having 'something else in view'. He encloses [not present] 'a plan of the premises, in all about 2 1/2 acres by which you may perceive it would be convenient for the purchaser of Bonars, to pick a hole in my title'. He gives a brief description of 'three seperate [sic], but contiguous tenements, all fronting the road'.

John and Charles Baring were the brothers of Sir Francis Baring (1740-1810), Charles being the head of the Exeter branch of the banking house and John, an Exeter merchant, the nominal head of both arms. 1 page, 8vo. Grubby but in good condition. Mounted on larger piece of paper. An interesting insight into eighteenth-century trade practice. 'Inclosed you have Invoice double sets of patterns & double bills of loading of eight bales No. 55 - 62 value £583 .. 4 ..

Merchant and banker (1773-1848). 2 pages, 8vo. Creased, grubby and discoloured. 'The proclamation has been made this morning and the Poll [presumably a parliamentary election, as Baring sat in the Commons from 1806] will open on Thursday next. I request therefore that our counsel may be here at latest Wednesday evening. The officers appear very & have sent for an decidedly in the interest of Mr Seymour. We may expect therefore a hard struggle & every of attempt against us.' In a postscript he asks his correspondent to 'fix the fee'.

Son of Admiral Sir Edward Southwell Sotheby (for whom see DNB). 1 page, 16mo. In good condition. 'Gentlemen | I beg to inform you that for the future I shall draw my own cheques instead of my brother Mr. Alfred Sotheby.' Docketed in red ink along both long edges.

Is "at present engaged in building a large School upon my property in Buckinghamshire and in providing Apprentices, Master & Mistress &c. I do this entirely at my own expense without seeking aid from the Government or from any of the Societies. This more than absorbs the sum which I think it right to set apart annually for Educational purposes, and leaves nothing which I can appropriate to the Bristol & Foreign School Society." He hopes "all is going on well in the City", but he finds "the occupations of a country life both agreeable & benefici to body & mind".

Robert Smith, Ist Baron Carrington (DNB). Two pages, 4to, good condition. He welcxomes news of a marriage, shows a disinclination to pursue a property for wwhich there is competition, and discusses the enclsure of Bledlow.

Banker. Bank to Bank transaction. One page, 4to, good condition. "Sir/ Since our last of the 2[0]th Inst we are favour'd with yours of the 23d agreeable to which we have this day bought the undermention'd Bills (listed with numbers, description, date and amount, three "Victualling Bills" and one "Navy Bill"; discount, total given "Charged to the Bank of Scotland £5062.18.10".

Unionist politician, husband from 1881 of the heiress to the banking fortune and noted Victorian philanthropist, Angela Georgiana, Baroness Burdett-Coutts (1814-1906), whose name he adopted. One page, 12mo. No more than a dozen words. Bad handwriting. "Dear Sir / Could you send this note <?>". Signed "Burdett-Coutts".