AUTOGRAPH

Novelist, author of "Love on the Dole" (1903-1974). One page, 8vo. He says simply "Your letter was handed to me yesterday./ I hope these few words are what you want."

Genealogist. One page, 8vo. He presents his compliments and says he will answer Buick's enquiry on his return to Dublin Castle.

Irish historian and political writer (1829-1899). One page, 8vo. Signed by Thomas Macknight. Ingrams (Bentley Archives) lists a few items by him (BL).

Dramatist, historian and poet (1626-1698). Signature cut from a document (Howard was an auditor of the Exchequer) with above date and a few words from the text, laid down.

Irish war correspondent amd miscellaneous writer (1820-1907). 2pp., 8vo. One signed twice by Russell, the other initialled. The statement gives details of three articles contributed to the Miscellany, including "The Lewis - What is it?".

Archaeologist and President of Oscott College (1821-1907). 5pp. total, 8vo. (1868) He asks for further information about Raoul Rochetti's lectures or writings on Christian art. He would like to read them before writing the relevant chapter "in my forthcoming analysis of De Rossi's Roma Sotterranea" (catacombs- published 1869). (1871) He asks for some favours, firstly for a rubbing of some early writing ("Ur of the Chaldees") and information about an Egyptian statue for a friend researching the Shepherd King Dynasty. He encloses a sketch (present).

Statesman (1792-1848). He explains, as a Commissioner of Revenue and at length, why he cannot personally support someone's application for promotion in the Customs. He advises a direct application to the Board of Customs.

Bishop of Norwich. (1813) "The application of civil sanctions, of any kind, to religious opinion, has always appeared to me contrary to sound policy, to just reasoning, and to the revealed Word of God.". The Pope is his "Holy Brother". He says that he will vote for his correspondent's bill for Catholic Emancipation which is before Parliament. The abstract was before the Bishops. He wonders what view the Bench will take, says that not many Bishops will support him, and questions the timing.

Engineer. One page, 8vo. He asks him to use his influence in Belfast to get a job for a former pupil of his.

Russian-English publicist (1848-1925). Addressed to "The Manager, Kegan Paul & Co.", inscribed "With Mme Olga Novikoff's compliments".

General and military writer (1803-1885). One page, 8vo. He encloses a memorandum (?) about "Mr Fowler's Colonial Fishes of Canada" (drawings), asking if any of his friends would like to subscribe. The memorandum is written on a conjoint page and is from R.J. Fowler. He is anxious for his drawings to go to London and discusses them with their prices

Artist. One page, 4to. He says that he is Secretary of the Artists' General Benevolent Fund for the year 1938-9 and asks for support for those artists in difficulty in "this period of unrest & uncertainty".

Scottish natural philosopher. One page, 8vo. He finds the invitation to a lecture at the "Club" interesting but cannot manage it. He would welcome a copy of "any scientific abstract of the Lecture".

Scottish writer, sportsman and naturalist (1845-1937). 4pp., 4to. He gives detailed answers to questions about members of the Douglas family and finally refers Sladen to his book, "The Story of the Tweed".

Poet, critic, editor of "Punch" (1861-1936). He criticises something she has written about fairies, sympathising with children's lack of understanding and concluding that he has encountered the things she describes "when there are no Fairies in the neighbourhood".

Archivist (1776-1854). 2pp., 4to, suggesting that, despite the potential for "tumult" of a "great Concourse of People", the following day, he does not believe there will be a need for the "Sheriff's Interference". (At this time Hobhouse acted as permanent under-secretary for the Home Dept.)

Political economist. He asks him to look at the enclosed letter "if he thinks it a sufficient authority" and "put Dr Buckland's name under that of Mr Gould".

Unitarian divine and philosopher. One page, 8vo. He alerts him that a consignment of Hymn Books had been sent to the "Maidstone Congregation", giving the binder's charge, and hoping they prove useful.

Judge (1828-1921). (1893) He fears that his wife will not be able to visit the Woodwards because of a family crisis (a sick baby), but he would like to come anyway and suggests a timetable. (1899) He discusses in depth the enlargement of Convocation (Church of England) "to revise the Rubrics & services" and have more power over Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. But "I would not leave to any clerical court the application of legal principles to particular cases". He suggests a register of subscribers to the Church of England at parish level.

Politician and wit. One page, 4to. He makes a proposal in what seems to be a legal case involving a "Mr J. Lockwood" and Jekyll's nephew, for whom he is taking the "Responsibility of all Risque".

Zoologist (1861-1933). Two of the cards say very little. The third is as follows: "'Nature' remains, more or less wisely, on an altitude. Books brought ot the altar will be reviewed. Others won't. If Prof. Carr sends a copy to 'Nature', as surely should have been done on publication, the all-highest Editor may send it to me for review, and for return therafter to the alter (sic). As far as \i know, this is the invariable rule. Of course I shall be glad to call attention to first-rate work." 3 items,

Naturalist (1826-1888). 2pp., 8vo, signs of having been laid down, thanking Draper for "the Japanese book on Birds, commenting on the drawings ("wonderfully instinct with life", "suggestion of movement about their portraits of animals or human beings"). he mentions another Japanese book he has "full of grotesque pantomime figures". He goes on to discuss the "Hippocampus" Draper has given him, asking for further information. He concludes with news about the por health of a mutual friend, W.O. Whiteside ("one of the 'wigwams'"(?)).

Gaelic Scholar (1743-1821). 2pp., 4to, signs of wear not obscuring text. As notes in another hand (Chalmers?) on the reverse state, Stuart is giving answers about several parishes in Kincardineshire. He reveals sources of information (e.g. a Mr Leslie on the remains of a Roman camp, a Mr Barclay on some tenures in Kincardineshire (papers currently mislaid).

Authoress and musician (1737-1824), wife of Philip Thicknesse (see DNB). 8vo, expressing thanks and gratitude at inordinate length. Her shaky handwriting is explained in a postscript ("I am so nervous I can scarcely hold my pen").

Architect (1849-1930). He thanks him effusively for his congratulations, finding them especially gratifying from a member of his own profession.

Politician. 1 and 2pp., 8vo. He discusses an anonymous witness ("la Dame Blanche") in a confidential matter. Later letters discuss a trickster operating in Berkeley's constituency (selling gas without coal with a magnet). He seeks information from Manby whom he believes will have the contacts to get it. Six items,

High Master of St Paul's (1830-1910). One page, 8vo. He gives thanks for a book, adding that "In my younger days I used continuously & valued your abstracts of Gk & Roman History & notes on Herodotus".

Founder-member of the Fabian Society (1857-1955). 12pp. total, 8vo (3) & 4to (1), (1891) He asks Grinling to work with Henry Snell (M.P. for Woolwich) on preparing a Fabian Tract, suggesting a draft could be shown to the S.E. Committee, outlining what they should say. He also wants a leaflet for "the Guardians Elections", and announces that Sidney Webb on Poor Law will be Tract 17. (1901) His opinion on the "Housing Loan question", a meeting on Boards of Guardians, and the disordered office.

Sculptor (1852-1901). He gives details concerning his statue of General Gordon, and is sending photographs of the model for it exhibited at Crystal Palace and others, illustrating how it was planned.

Statesman. 2pp., 4to. He discusses his wife's health (fever) and the treatment his correspondent has received from the elder brother of a "Dr Vassor" ("scandalously & wickedly used").