STOCKTON

Four pages, 12mo. Very good on lightly aged paper. She apologises for only sending 'two words of Sir Joshua Reynolds' writing', and hopes she may some day 'succeed in getting a more valuable autograph'. It was given to her 'by a great niece' of the artist, 'and was cut out of a manuscript of some work on Engravings, which he had prepared for the press'. They are glad to hear of Tuckwell's 1878 'appointment to the living of Stockton': 'I trust many years of rest and happiness are in store for you in that quiet retreat'.

LETTER ONE: One page, 12mo. Good, with several creases from folding. Concerns the repayment of a bond of £2500. 'I shall be glad to receive the money for it through Messrs Barclay & Co who will present the Bond duly receipted on your informing them where the Bond will be paid off.' Signed 'J Gurney Barclay'. Docketed on reverse 'Jos: G Barclay | Bond 58/107 £2500 | to be paid off | June 30: 1857'. LETTER TWO: Two pages, quarto. Good, though creased and with small closed tear repaired with archival tape. A few small pin holes in one corner. 'Referring to your Letter of the 24th. inst.

Wife (1900-66) of the Conservative Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, and daughter of the Duke of Devonshire. Three pages, 12mo. Grubby, creased and stained (perhaps with tears?). She was 'up in Stockton' the previous week, and heard that her correspondent's son was ill. 'Having children of my own, I know how very precious they are & how terribly one feels it when anything is wrong with them. It is dreadful when one sees such little things ill & one feels it is so cruel that it should happen to them.

The elder. Quaker grocer and philanthropist (1801-1859). The letters provide an amusing insight into nature of customer relations on the British railway system. The first, 4 pp, 12mo. "I left Middlesboro' on the 1st of 8mo at 6.40am. for Leeds only Booked to Preston Junction - when waiting in that office I saw two Men sent away without a Ticket for Darlington. The Station M[aster] who was issuing Tickets said "you can pay the Guard" this looked no unusual mode of acting when busy - is it approved of at Darlington? The Station M[aste]r.