LAIRD

2pp., foolscap 8vo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. The breaking of the seal has resulted in slight loss at the foot of the gutter, affecting two words of text. Verso of second leaf addressed, with two postmarks and red wax seal, to 'Alexander Williamson Esqr | Alisons Square | Edinburgh'.

Totalling: 32pp., 4to; 3pp., foolscap 8vo; 3pp., 12mo. Each letter a bifolium, addressed on the reverse of the second leaf, with various postmarks, wafers and seals, and each docketted by the Williamson. The collection in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. The fourteen letters addressed by 'E. Williamson' to 'Alexr.

1p., 12mo. Docketted on reverse. Good, on lightly aged paper. Reads: Copy | Newington Edh. 12th. Octr. 1801 | Recd. from Mr. Edwd Mitchell Twenty Pounds Stg. being the Rent of a House in Alison's Square in Edh. belonging to me and possessed by him for the Year from Why one Thousand Eight Hundred and one, and the same is hereby discharged. But it is to be remembered that I granted another discharge for the said Rent, dated July 1801, which being mislaid, the discharge is granted in place of it, which is not to infer double payment - A. W.'

Cut from an envelope into a 'T' shape, with the front panel bearing the address and signature roughly 8.5 x 22.5 cm, forming the cross stroke, and the area from the back of the letter bearing the seal, cut into a roughly 6.5 x 5.5 cm rectangle, hanging down from this like the vertical stroke of the letter. Good, on lightly aged and creased paper. Reads 'To the Right Honorable, | Sir Stafford Northcote, Bart | Secretary of State for India | London | J Lawrence'. The circular red wax seal is 3.5 cm in diameter.

British naval historian (1856-1905), author of a standard history of the Royal Navy (7 vols, 1897-1903). One page, on piece of stiff paper, roughly four and a half inches by three and a half. In poor condition, discoloured and stained, and with one small hole and some fraying to extremities. Reads 'Thanks for yours of the 8th. | I am afraid that I can only express the hope that you will, in this case, keep the price as low as possible, - as I do not know the business aspects of the question.

English naval historian (1856-1905). One page, 12mo. Poor: grubby and stained and with a small hole (not affecting text). Written in failing health the year before his death. Reads 'Dear Nice; | I answered this at the time of its reception. | Perhaps you may see your way to adopting the suggestion, which has my very cordial support. | I am a poor worm, almost unable to work, but hoping to benefit from warmer weather when it comes. | Yrs sincerely | Wm Laird Clowes'.