FENN

In very good condition, on one side each of two skins of vellum. Robinson's signature and seal in red wax at the foot of the attached skins, and the customary embossed tax stamps on both. Ruled borders in red ink. Docketed on reverse of first skin. The document begins: 'To all to whom these Presents shall come. Moncure Robinson of the City of Philadelphia in the United States of America and now residing in Bond Street in the County of Middlesex in Great Britain Esquire sends Greeting'.

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In stamped envelope, with Hawkhurst and Blackburn postmarks, addressed by Fenn to 'J T Baron Esq / 48, Griffin Street / Wittan / Blackburn'. Good, on lightly-aged paper. He informs Baron that to the best of his belief those of his works which he mentions 'are to be had from any of the large libraries'. He has 'only lately however decided upon issuing them in a cheap form and the first volume Poverty Corner price two shillings, has just been issued by Messrs Cassell, Petter, & Galpin. The others will follow.' He concludes by thanking Baron for his 'very kindly criticism'.

The text of the three items is complete and legible. All three are bifoliums of aged and lightly-creased paper, with traces of grey paper mounts adhering to the verso of the last leaves. A difficult hand. Letter One (22 December 1884, Echo Office; 12mo, 1 p): Asks to be given a copy of a poem, or to be told where it can be found. Letter Two (19 Aug. [no year], Syon Lodge, Isleworth; 12mo, 2 pp): Begins 'This is a begging letter.' Asks for a copy of a poem by Draper (the title of which is illegible), not for publication but for his 'own private satisfaction'.

12mo, 1 p. Text clear and entire, on lightly creased blue paper, with a thin docketed strip neatly cut away at the foot of the letter. Traces of cream paper mount adhering to the blank reverse. Presumably refers to the play 'Alone in London', which debuted at the Olympic Theatre in 1885. Buchanan trusts that Fenn 'will be present in production of my new play & Miss Jay's debut on Wednesday next'. He asks whether to send the stalls, 'or do you get them from the Office? It will be indeed disappointing if you do not come, this time.'

One page, 12mo. Good, on lightly aged paper with some traces of previous mount adhering to blank reverse. He sends 'a thousand thanks' (for her invitation), but will 'then be over the seas & far away. I wish you the very pleasantest afternoon.' Sends his regards to her husband.