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[‘So much for vaccination!’: Charles Mathews, celebrated actor-manager.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Harley’ [distinguished actor], indignant at a doctor after his son the actor Charles James Mathews’ attack of small pox following inoculation.

See his entry, and that of his son, in the Oxford DNB. The topic of this letter is referred to in the second volume of Dickens's edition of the son's life, 1879. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with strip of tape from mount adhering at edge of blank second leaf and two...

[Cardinal Antonelli, ‘The Italian Richelieu’, who played a leading role in the unification of Italy.] Secretarial Letter in Italian, Signed by him, to the Brazilian ambassador to the Holy See.

See his entry in Encyclopaedia Britannica. 1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of discoloration at edge, and traces of glue from mount on blank reverse. Two folds. Addressed to ‘Sigr. Ministro del Brasile presso la S. Sede’ and signed ‘G Card Antonelli’. The signature is in...

[Catherine Hayes [Mrs W. Avery Bushnell], soprano.] Autograph Letter Signed (‘C Hayes Bushnell’), recommending to ‘Mrs. Hicks’ the selection of patterns to be had at furniture-makers Jackson & Graham. With her calling card.

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. LETTER: 3pp, 12mo. Thirty-one lines. Bifolium. In fair condition, with slight staining at foot of first leaf, and traces of glue from mount on blank reverse of second leaf. In an elongated and somewhat opaque hand. Begins: ‘My dear Mrs. Hicks / I was exceedingly...

[Alfred Austin, Poet Laureate.] Autograph Signature with Autograph Note disavowing poems. On printed acknowledgement of ‘Kind Congratulations’ (at his appointment).

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. Wilfred Scawen Blunt’s assessment was brutal: ‘It is strange his poetry should be such poor stuff, and stranger still that he should imagine it immortal.’ And it is ironic that Austin may not have even written the lines for which he is now principally remembered...