[ William Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Devonshire') to Sir George Scharf, regarding the loan of his gems to the International Exhibition, and the miniatures at Chiswick House.

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly-aged. On the subject of the Great London Exposition of 1862, he informs Scharf that he has 'written to the Secretary of the S[ou]th Ken[singto]n Museum informing him that I shall be happy to contribute to the proposed exhibition the unmounted portion of my collection of ancient gems.' He explains that many of the gems were mounted by his father, ''& I have promised Mr Hancock the Jeweller who executed the work that he shall have them in his care at the International Exhibition.' He explains that he cannot lend the 'Miniatures', as Scharf asks, as these are at Chiswick House, 'which belongs at present to Lady Granville [...] They are mounted as part of the decorations in one of the rooms at Chiswick, & I do not believe they can be detached without disfiguring the wall.'