[Freemasonry in Victorian Norwich] Autograph Letter Signed ('John M. Kemble') from the historian John Mitchell Kemble (son of the actor Charles Kemble) to 'Dear Sir and Brother', regarding the Lodge's 'almost hostile relation' to the main London one.

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Addressed to 'Dear Sir and Brother'. He apologises for 'having inflicted pain' on the recipient, but reminds him that 'imperative duty towards my office, no less than the security of Francis and myself required my insisting on the possession of the Books'. Even in the 'usual circumstances of the Province' he should have been 'most reluctant to remain in a position which, to say the least of it, would have betrayed carelessness on my part', but 'in the divided and almost hostile relation in which we (more particularly G. Francis & I) stand towards the authorities in London, we cannot be detected in any irregularity'. Were he to resign he would 'probably be followed by a majority of the Provincial Grand Officers: now I ask you with what face this could be done, if teh books were not in a proper condition, to be given up at once? The interests of Masonry in this Province absolutely require the most determined and energetic line of conduct on the part of those provincial officers who have the principal part of the business to do'. He concludes with reference to a meeting which did not take place, adding that he will be glad to see the recipient 'here or elsewhere at any time you may find convenient, and arrange with Francis'.