Autograph Letters

Poet and journalist (1797-1864). 2pp., 8vo, good. Watts accepts an invitation and gives his excuse for not responding earlier in rather more words than appear necessary.

Statesman (1826-1902). One page, 8vo, good, confirming a dinner appointment.

(Peace Society (1893)). 2pp., 8vo, H.(?) Evans Darby to the Chevalier Dr Karl de Scherzer, He informs his correspondent that the last “universal Peace Congress” in Chicago decided to invite eminent jurists “to form a Committee for thepurpose of considering the question of an International Court of Arbitration”. As a member of the provisional committee, he has beenasked to prepare a list for this committee for Europe. He invites hiscorrespondent to join it (“I should not think that it would involve muchlabour or responsibility”).

Novelist, dramatist and journalist (1831-1894). One page each, 8vo, good. In the first, he is sorry that “Fred” has been bothered in a particular“matter”. In the second, he says simply “Here is the Valentine you askfor”.

India Office. 2pp., 8vo, good, accepting an invitation to visit her at Devonshire House, if he “can get away from my Committee”.

Statesman, father of Winston (1849-1895). One page, 8vo, good, saying that, although he agrees with a Bill, his official position will not allow him to put his name to it.

Painter. 4 ALSs, 2-3pp., 8vo, good. He asks for payment for a picture so that he can pay rent arrears, reports of his progress with his pictures, “the two Dartmoor streams”. He later talks of other pictures in which Roberrts has an interest (“Mermaid”, “Kennack Bay”, “Cadgwith [Cove]” and others) and his constant need for money. 4 items,

Spanish author. Two pages, 4to. He writes concerning the World Unity Movement of which Polak is a sponsor, criticising the Chairman, James Avery Joyce. With: a TLS, 2pp., 4to, from Joyce to Polak referring to a note he has received from de Madariaga (copy enclosed) and describing his difficulties in finding a speaker. He also asks for his expenses from an American trip which de Madariaga found offensive.

Architect (1814-1895). 1 and 2pp., 8vo, good, discussing Murray’s specifications for the St Bride’s Foundation which, initially, he has to study. He eventually decides that, subject to minor changes, he will be able to recommend them. Christian was the architect for the National Portrait Gallery and architectto the Ecclesiastical Commission.2 items,

Founder of Toynbee Hall (1844-1913). 4 ALSs, 2pp. ea., 8vo,good, three to C.H. Grinling, socialist, , the fourth to “Trevelyan”. He describes a model of a curate, invites Grinling to a retreat of sorts,discusses a conversation he had had with Ramsay Macdonald on booksand workmen and how Macdonald wants to discuss the matter withothers.

Russian emigre (1914- ?). ANS, 8vo, to “Miss Bentley”, envelope present, postmarked 24 April 1958. He asks her to cash a cheque for him to save him time.

Writer on natural history (1780-1868). One page, 8vo, good. He thanks his correspondent for his “interesting pamphlet” and discusses rough drawings of swans he is sending him.

Novelist (1861-1955). 3pp. ea., 8vo, good. He cannot accept Bill’s invitation because he has arranged to play in a cricket match. He has been accumulating material for a book on Brittany(“By ‘serious’, I mean not a novel!), and reports on the success of The Face of Clay (published 1906).

Collector (1760-1830). One page, 8vo, good, giving himpermission to view his pictures.

British Museum ceramics expert. One page, 8vo, good. He passes comment on a blue and a yellow pot, dating them, and giving the countries of origin of the yellow pot.

Social reformer, founder of Hampstead Garden Suburb (1851-1936)(DNB).ANS, on a scrap of packing paper, saying “Given to Ernest Aves[?] inever grateful memory of all he did to and for me. June 17th-21st 1913.Henrietta Barnet”. Her husband, Samuel A. Barnet, has signed another part.

Baron Taunton, statesman (1798-1869). 2pp., 4to, good. He has been sent some material relating to the Merchant Seamen’s Billand relates it to his own views on the matter.

Canon of St Paul’s and wit (1771-1845). One page, 4to, good. some damage, slightly affecting the text, traces of mounting. Smith outlines his travel plans, including a visit to his correspondent. He continues, “We talk of nothing now but bombarding & it is supposed that Troy would have been under such a Cannonade have been taken in 15 or 20 minutes”.

French general (1815-1896). On visiting card, two sides, in French. He expresses regret at not being able to see or receive “Mr. Roumieu” inTouraine. He later describes himself as an old friend of England’s.

Physician and savant, compiler of the Thesaurus (1779-1869). One page, 8vo,small chip, good. He accepts an offer of two dozen bottles of port and promises to return the same number of bottles.

2nd Earl Granville, statesman (1815-1891). One page, 8vo, small portion cut out (place name prob.), ow. good. He claims a prior engagement, presumably after receiving an invitation, and hopes Clarendon is not tired after a long journey.

French politician (1755-1849). 2pp., 4to, sl. creased. In French with official stamp.He recommends to Persil’s attention a “M. Ducon”, lawyer and “sous-prefet”, describing his exemplary character and his achievements, and requesting an extension of his period in office.

Judge (1796-1880). One page, 8vo, good. He asks for an opinion on whether someone could procure a patent on the basis of some papers he is sending to him.

Banker and writer (1840-1930). 2pp., 8vo, good. He is asking friends to his home for “chat and supper”, including Bowen.He gives minute directions how to get to his house in Tufnell Park.

German jurist and historian (1792-1879). In English. 2pp., 8vo, good. He discusses difficulties with a passport which he can help with.

Statesman and man of letters (1838-1928). 3pp., 8vo, good. He and his wife are pleased that their son is happy (presumably at aboarding school). He then expresses his detestation of the sort of touristwho does not enter into the spirit of a place (in this instance, Venice).

Politician and critic (1759-1835). One page, 12mo, good. He regretfully declines her invitation claiming a prior engagement.

Irish author and editor (1800-1889). One page, 8vo, good. He is thanking his correspondent on behalf of his wife for his contributionof a “little picture . . . in aid of the governess asylum”.

Politician and writer (1795-1874). One page, 8vo. He asks Lord John to send for the second volume of “the Bedford letters”. (They may be at Woburn.) He says that the “Ist volume contains some papers which wd have been worth printing if we had seen them in time”.

Painter (1842-1921). 2 ANSs, 8vo, good. In the first letter, he says that he has rested and feels able to continue with the sittings. In the second, he asks if he can exhibit her portrait at the “Grosvenor”. 2 items,