Autograph Letters

Maiden name was Margaret Harries 1797-1846, author (DNB). One page, minor defects, text clear and complete. "After due consideration, tho' I think the enclosed Poem very good, I fear it may offend some of my readers - and I therefoe, return it you - The rest shall be made use of - I believe one has already appeared. . ." Note: In 1834 she was editing "The New Monthly Belle Assemblée".

Oriental linguist and biblical scholar (1812-94). Paper dimensions roughly sixteen centimeters by eight. Paper creased and foxed. Mounted on slightly-larger piece of brown paper. In French. Reads 'Que la paix de Dieu multipliee a toute votre famille, et que cette dispensation soit dirigee a la gloire du Nom qui est invoque sur nous!' Signed 'Cr. Malan.'

English naturalist (1813-85) and author on scientific matters. Four pages, 12mo. Very good if a touch grubby. One minor instance of smudging. Forbes would appear to be a close relative, as Carpenter says he has sent letters to Forbes' mother. 'I have nothing to tell you in addition of our doings previously to our arrival. Herbert has written to you, I find, of our stay here and the Castle hospitalities.' He hopes 'that the changes at the Mint may bring you some advancement. I limit my hopes to a Senior Clerkship'.

English painter and sculptor (1781-1841). The recipient (1780-1860) was an English artist of Swiss descent. One page, quarto. Good, but with traces of previous brown-paper mount adhering to rear and minor damage to several corners. Reads 'My Dear Sir | When I asked you for an impression I had not seen the composition & had no idea that I was asking so much - believe me I feel very grateful for your kindness in putting me in possession of so very interesting a work - I do not mean to be understood as speaking of Lithography only.

English architect (1849-1930), designer of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Admiralty Arch and the new front of Buckingham Palace; President of the Royal Academy, 1919-24. The recipient (1867-1935) was a courtier, Private Secretary to Queen Victoria. One page, quarto. Good, though grubby and creased, and with one small grease stain in bottom right-hand corner (not affecting text). 'The arrangement of the Summer Exhibition of the Royal Academy will be completed and the Galleries ready for the Royal Private View on Thursday the 1st.

British Liberal politician (1873-1954). Written while Chamberlain's Chancellor of the Exchequer. The recipient, Sir Arthur Beverley Baxter (1891-1964), was a Conservative Member of Parliament, author and editor of the Daily Express. One page, quarto. Lightly creased and grubby, with some wear at head. An amusing, chatty letter, beginning 'My dear B. B. | You were not among the faithful in the House last night when I wound up with a bee---autiful speech, which naturally was too late for a full report.

Novelist (see DNB). Two pages, 8vo, minor defects, text clear and complete. She asks them to republish some of her periodical work in book form. "The first story wd be a volume in itself (it is called 'At the Seaside'). The others wd be short ones from 'London Society', 'Tinsley', 'Belgravia', 'The Argosy', 'St. James' . . ." She will await a proposal and leave the terms to them.

Novelist (see DNB). Page trimmed with loss of correspondent's name etc., laid down on stiff paper. "Lady Charlotte Bury earnestly requests to have proof sheets sent ot her." Note: Perhaps proofs of ‘‘The Three Great Sanctuaries . . ." published in 1833.

Dean of Rochester and author (see DNB). Three pages, 8vo, minor soiling, good condition. He discusses the prospect of a special service for soldiers in the Cathedral [presumably from the Boer War].

British statesman (1792-1861), Home Secretary under Sir Robert Peel. Three pages, octavo. Good, though on lightly-creased, discoloured paper. An interesting sidelight into the relations between two important nineteenth-century politicians.

English educationalist and philanthropist (1807-77). One page, 12mo. Good, but on discoloured paper and with remnants of three labels from previous mounting adhering. Reads 'Dear Sir | The parcel went off to-day by Luggage train. It can be opened if more convenient to pack. | Please to let me know which sketch you prefer. The Red Sea, the Distant Pyramids or Garibaldi's Island.'

American capitalist (1849-1920); railroad tycoon. Two pages, 12mo. On discoloured, stained paper. The letter has been spiked and there is a hole through one word and a closed tear from this to an edge. 'Dear Sirs. | I have called you today. Send 8 doz. Dagonet Brut 84 care of H. M. Bland Gibraltar. I hope to find it there on my arrival. I would like to take more of the same wine - please advise me by letter to Gibraltar how many more you have at my disposal as I have forgotten the exact number you told me.' Signed 'W. K. Vanderbilt'.

English chemist (1788-1866) who succeeded Sir Humphrey Davy as Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Institution (1813). Two pages, octavo. Very good, though lightly creased and with remains of previous mount adhering to one edge. Begins 'I have no doubt that much fraud is committed by the substitution of spiritious liquors of different strengths, for what is called woodspirit and wood naphtha'.

Cary, clergyman, translator of Dante and librarian (see DNB). Two pages, 8vo, some soiling, mainly good.He is not in the habit of accepting dinner invitations and will be "taking [his] evening walk" at the time suggested. Postscript: "I trouble you with another key supposed to belong to the cellar under the colonnade [at the British Library?]" WITH: his calling card, soiled,name and place of work (British Library) printed (the latter with a line through it), address in Westminster added in his hand.

American lawyer (1873-1958), who in 1930 headed the investigation into political corruption in New York City which brought about the decline of Tammany Hall. Sulzer (1863-1941) had been elected Democratic Governor of New York in 1913 with Tammany support, but had been removed from office following an internal dispute. One page, quarto. Very good. His reply to Sulzer's letter has been delayed due to 'pressure of other matters and my absence from the City'. He thanks Sulzer for the 'recent note conveying your good wishes.

English aristocrat and liberal politician (1802-64). One page, 12mo. Good, but lightly creased, with traces of previous blue-paper mount adhering to verso of blank second leaf of bifoliate. Read 'Sir, | I shall have much pleasure in presenting the Petition for the Abolition of Slavery from Gomersal which has been kindly placed in my hands. | I have the honor to be, | Sir, | Your very obedt Servt | [signed] Morpeth.' The Abolition of Slavery Act was passed in 1833.

Architectural draughtsman (1780-1847). Three pages, quarto. Good, but heavily folded and with some loss to second leaf of bifoliate from breaking of red wax seal, the remains of which still adhere. Addressed, with postmarks, on verso of second leaf of bifoliate 'Robt. Rising Esq | Horsey. | To the Care of Robert Cory Junr Esq | Yarmouth'. Rising, of Horsey Hall, was a Norfolk landowner, and Cory (1776-1840) an antiquary. A long and interesting letter. He regrets that he has been unable to spend 'a few happy hours with you and of doing justice to the Chief Magistrate of that Gt.

American Unitarian clergyman (1811-93) and editor and proprietor of the North American Review; Professor of Christian Morals at Harvard, 1860-81. One page, octavo. Good but on discoloured paper with slight spotting. 'It is my invariable rule not to send proof to any writer for the North American. You are however at entire liberty, to see the proof of your article by your own arrangement with the printers, who will be very ready to oblige you.' Signed 'A. P. Peabody'.

English artist (1809-42). One page, quarto, with the second leaf of the bifoliate bearing the address ('To | William Haines Esqr.. | Sol[icito]r. | Cannon Street | Birmingham'), with the remains of a red wax seal, and two postmarks. Discoloured, and with damp stains causing discoloration and damage to the paper, but not affecting the legibility of the text. Small spike hole through both leaves, not affecting text. Having been 'from home yestereday on a painting expidition' he could not acknowledge Haines' letter sooner.

British architect and politician (1798-1873), Member of Parliament for Bath, 1855-73. Three pages, 12mo. Very good, but with two stubs from previous mounting adhering to inner margin of verso of second leaf of bifoliate.

Irish portrait painter (1769-1850), President of the Royal Academy, 1830-50. The recipient (1780-1860) was another portraitist. Two pages, 12mo. Very good. A grovelling apology. 'Judge of my remorse, and the extent of my self-reproach, when, though an Irishman, I have not the face even to attempt an apology!

Industrial chemist (see DNB). Three pages, 8vo, good condition. He discusses a proposal that has been made, one party in which already talks about "staking out". A survey will be required to "ascertain the direction of the Line" and a "Mr Willis" has ben suggested. The choice, however, lies with his correspondent who may have someone else in mind. Willis's current involvement in the project would make him a logical choice. Other names mentioned : Rippin [?], Thomas.

Engineer (1865-1941) whose inventions include the speedometer for motor-cars. Two pages, 12mo. Good, though slightly grubby. Docketed on reverse. Small ink smudge beneath letterhead. Reads 'Dear Don Wanchope | Thanks for your letter. My full name is/ | George Keith Buller Elphinstone and by profession I am an Electrical Engineer & Maker of Electrical Instruments | So I hope that will be full enough information for you'. Signed 'G K B Elphinstone'.

Historian (DNB). Total thirty (30) pages, 8vo (10) and 4to (1). The subject is his book "Our Great Naval Commanders" published by his correspondents, Swan Sonnenschein, in 1884, from its inception to the proof stage. He begins (16 Dec. 1882) "It is not quite easy to decide whom it would be best to include in such a volume as you propose - Nelson of course stands at the head of all sailors. Next to him, I think, comes Rodney . . . but there are no materials to be procured for a sketch of Hawke . .

American Unitarian Clergyman, orator and statesman. Two pages, 8vo, good condition. "Mr Pelham.- / I remain, my dear Sir, with the greatest respect faithfully yours / Edward Everett. / Mr Pelham will be accompanied by his friend Mr Starke, who is also recommended to me in the highest terms by friends in whom I place entire Confidence."

Two pages, 8vo, sl. stained but mainly good. "I have just purchased a curious and unique lot of Dickens consisting of 3 short a.l.s.s to his binder concerning some false book-backs that he wanted to fill up some spaces in his room. Along with these is a list containing several that are witty and characteristic. He seems from one of the notes to have been much pleased with the way in which they were done. / Should you like to see thembefore I catalogue, I shall be glad to exhibit. [subscription; postscript overleaf] P.S.

Maharajah of Jammu and Kashmir. One page, 8vo, sl. soiled but mainly good. "My dear Friend / I have much pleasure in offering you my hearty congratulations for the Xmas and warm greetings for the happy new years day with best wishes for man a happy and prosperous return of the same . . . " He gives his several titles incl. "Col: 37 Dogras". Note: Brackenbury was a general and writer on military subjects (see DNB).

Mayor of Westminster (1858-1938), and prominent member of the Goldsmiths' Company, for whom he established an annual competition for craftsmen and schools in London. All items very good. Both manuscript items bearing the Society's stamp and the note also docketed. THE LETTER (one page, 12mo): 'I shall certainly try to be at the meeting on Feby 27th & will speak if opportunity arises - also will call upon you someday either this or next week.' Signed 'G. Booth Heming'. THE NOTE (one page, 12mo): 'With G.

English civil servant (1864-1939). The recipient was an educationalist and authority on Edmund Burke. One page, quarto. Very good on slightly discoloured paper. Docketed and bearing the Society's stamp. 'On behalf of Sir Alfred Mond [Committee Chairman], I hasten to assure you and the Committee at the Royal Society of Arts that there is at present no intention on the part of H.M.

English chemist (1892-1950), Professor of Physical Chemistry, Birkbeck College, London, 1932–1937, and Professor of Chemistry, University College London, 1937–1950. One page, 12mo. Good, but with pin holes to top left-hand corner. Stamped as answered 8 July. He accepts the invitation to become a Fellow of the Society and encloses a cheque and application form (neither present). Signed 'S. Sugden'. Together with a carbon of the Secretary's invitation, dated 8 July 1947.