Autograph Letters

English actor and dramatist (1846-1904). "Thank you for the kind offer. I shall bear it in mind. Many congratulations on the success." Strip of brown discolouration in the right-hand margin and evidence of previous paper-clip attachment.

Judge (1845-1929), ecclesiastical lawyer and international jurist. One page, 12mo. A quaint printed reply to letters of congratulation received on his elevation to the bench. He writes his "thanks to each generous holder of a sixty-fourth share (so very appropriate a number) in the silver ship, "Good Intent". He persists with the nautical metaphor for another two paragraphs. Signed "Ever yrs sincerely / Walter G. F. Phillimore".

Divine and author (1772-1827). He discusses the timing of the next "clerical meeting" and suggests a friend who could take pupils, "a serious brother".

Actress (1839-1921), wife of the actor-manager Squire Bancroft. The first letter, to Lady Hayter, "Thursday" (no date), 2 pages, 8vo. "Shall you have any military music on Friday? If so, I should like to see the Trumpeter for I want him to play some calls during a recitation. I would run in between 3 & 4 some day just to have a little talk on the subject." The second letter, to an unnamed male correspondent, "Tuesday", 3 pp, 12mo. She thanks him for sending the stalls to the concert, but is sorry that she cannot attend because "Mr.

Politician (1822-95), son of the Tory prime minister Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850). A biofoliate letter which has been cut into an irregular shape by an autograph collector. The first leaf, 1½ inches by 4½: recto, "Drayton Manor / Oct. 31. 1862 <...>"; verso, "<...> to the stopping of his <...>. Second leaf, 4 inches by 4½: recto, "<...> by great convenience to me & I am extremely obliged. / I am yours most truly / Robert Peel". Paper ruckled, and with glue stains from mounting to the verso of the second leaf, which is docketted.

English actor-manager (1852-1912). One page, 12mo. "Dear Mr Pemberton/ / If more convenient to you Thursday at 11.30 will suit me just as well as Wednesday". Traces of previous mounting on blank reverse.

Lord Chief Justice of England (1820-94). 2 pp, 12mo. "I could have asked to be silent to-night but I cannot refuse to answer for the guests on an occasion so interesting & on which I am very proud to be present". Postscript: "Can you give me any idea of who the guests are, & about what time I shall have to speak as I am desirious if I can to go on to the Royal Society to-night?". Creased and with four pieces of gummed paper from mounting adhering to verso of blank second leaf.

English actor-manager (1853-1937), knighted in 1913. One page, 8vo. Clearly in reply to a request for an autograph, "Yours truly / J. Forbes Robertson." Slight ink staining to one corner.

Author. Two sides of card used, thanking Wilson for obtaining for him an invitation from John Buchan to be a guest at the National Book Trade Dinner and for the "splendid showing" he arranged for his book (probably "British Agent") at Bumpus's.

Judge (1830-1908). 3 pp, 12mo. "I am rejoiced to be first to tell you that your prophecies have been accomplished. No one is more entitled to my warm thanks than you. I am very grateful for your constand aid and friendship." Mathew was appointed a judge in the Queen's Bench Division and knighted in March 1881. Creasing to first leaf, and four pieces of gummed paper adhering to grubby blank verso of second leaf.

Civil engineer (1810-98). One page, 12mo. Dear Sir / I return the papers as you desire. / Having so many calls near home I fail to see how I am expected to support your . / I am / Yours truly / Robert Rawlinson".

English actor-manager (1852-1912). One page, 12mo. "Dear Madam / I sent your donation to Mrs. Wenman, with your letter She should have acknowledged it, Apologising for delay Thanking you for your kindness". Traces of previous mounting on reverse.

Lawyer and politician (1835-1916). "Dear Sir / I have so many calls on my resources & already subscribe to so many Cricket Clubs in Chatham that I fear I shall not be able to comply with your request - / Yrs very faithfully / J. E. Gorst". With traces of previous mounting to the reverse of the blank second leaf.

English actor-manager (1853-1937), knighted in 1913. One page 12mo. What is clearly a reply to a request for an autograph, "Yours very truly, / Johnston Forbes-Robertson. / Feb: 1928." Mounted, with slight ruckling, on a piece of pink paper, docketed "Sir J Forbes Robertson / great actor / studied under Phelp / Passing of the 3rd floor back / Knighted June 1913 / Published reminiscences 1925".

2pp, 8vo, remains of tape indicating from album, headed "Gambia Committee, 3 King Street, Westminster, "We beg respectfully to inform you that a Deputation to protest against the proposal to cede the River Gambia to France, will wait upon Earl Carnarvon ........" Thjey request Molineux's presence. {In fact, GB retained possession.]

(1859-1925). 2pp., 12mo, minimal remnants of its having been attache to album page . She and her husband cannot visit on the Friday since they are "At Home". She invites her to tea and expresses pleasure in the improvement in Mr Phillips health.

Barrister and author (1795-1862). One page, 12mo. "Dear Ellis, / Doe v.

Novelist and politician (1765-1846). One page, 8vo. (He is writing to his former colleague in the Ordnance Office where he was a clerk from 1811 to 1823). He asks him to forward an important packet and recalls "pleasant remembrances of former intercourse".

English judge (1840-1918). 3 pp, 12mo. "[...] Amongst all the letters received by me on my retirement, none gave me greater pleasure than yours. You & I have known each other now for many years, & I have to thank you for the great kindness you have shown me throughout. I hope I may say that there has always been between us a true friendship, & I trust that it will not cease or diminish because I am no longer an active practising lawyer [...]". Signed "Robert Romer". With four gummed pieces of paper from mounting adhering to the blank verso of the second leaf.

Author and editor (1722-1791). Two pages, 4to. comprising a note and a list of questions, a tear but not affecting text. Whalley requests Lye's help in getting answers to these questions concerning the history of Easton (Northants), a history drawn "from Mr Bs [Bridges'] Collections". Whalley eventually published "History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire" compiled from Bridges' manuscript collections in 1791.

British General (1856-1936). One page, 12mo. Cryptic, very. "There are many examples of dates in french in the paper. I fear Mrs Mary is very ill, very very ill indeed. / Yours v. sincerely / A Hunter". Slight "offsetting" from another letter over text of letter.

Humorous writer (1863-1943), one large 8vo page each. (1929) He is returning some "sketches", commenting on the difficulty of a beginner to get published despite merits, and the need for a little revision. (I have found nothing by Horne in the BLCat.)(1930) His handwriting is even more difficult than usual, but he is responding to a card and appears to be annoyed at a suggestion ("disgraceful"). His postscript runs "If I wrote like that I would take a few lessons".

Judge (1819-75). One page, 12mo. "Jany 17. / My dear Hollams / I have with some hesitation accepted the Common Pleas." Honyman became a judge in the Court of Common Pleas on 23 January 1873. Dreadful sprawling handwriting. Paper worn, torn, grubby and creased, with blank second leaf repaired and with four pieces of gummed tape adhering to it from previous mounting.

Novelist. One page each, 8vo. He is responding to an invitation and outlining a busy schedule. 2 items,

Designer and goldsmith (1873-1939). Cut from letter to "Mr Grin[ling]", socialist, "Yours sincerely/ Omar Ramsden." Alongside small design headed "Omar Ramsden", with then name "Alwyn C.E. Carr" at teh foot, hand with wings golding tools, with words "DESIGN-HANDICRAFT".

Actress (1839-1921), wife of the actor-manager Sir Squire Bancroft (1841-1926). One page, 12mo. "A happy new year to you both / Marie Bancroft". Traces of previous mounting at head and foot of the page.

Irish Painter, poet, dramatist and novelist (1770-1850). He gives his correspondent the address of a "Mr Herbert" who was, according to the Post Office Directory of 1846, a professor and publisher of music.

Baron C.C.J. Bunsen, Prussian diplomat and scholar (1791-1860). He helps the Lord Mayor with his plans for returning the visit of the King of Prussia in January 1842. He gives detailed information on the route and means of transport, including timings, instructs him on the protocol of contacting the Court, gives his plans for visiting the Norwich music festival, and asks for the draft of the Lord Mayor's speech to the King of Prussia. He will have prepared the paperwork for the Prussian Customs that same day.

Popular novelist. She announces to Kathleen Shackleton that they "go on to Cairo tomorrow. ALS, 2pp., 8vo to Sladen, regretting not being able to accept an invitation but inviting the Sladens to the "Authors Dinner" where she is to be a hostess. Two items,

Playwright (1902-1991). The typed letter, 8 February 1967, one page, 8vo. An interesting letter. "I am back again! I have just had a note from Murray Macdonald. He tells me he is going to direct a new play by Tam and Maggie Williams, probaly [sic] in July. The Williams' want Gladys Cooper [English actress, 1888-1971] for it but it is a small part and she has not said "Yes" or "No" yet. She spole to Murray about "The Limit" and told him she would like to do it at Guilford. So please, please convince her that the play to do is the one by ME and not by Williams!