[Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent, son George III, father of Queen Victoria.] Two Secretarial Letters, both with Autograph Signature 'Edward', to Sir Thomas Strange, Chief Justice of Madras, recommending Richard Dodson Jebb and Sir Theophilus Pritzler.

Both items in good condition, lightly aged, attached together at one corner with thread. The two written by different secretaries. Both addressed to 'Dear Sir Thomas'. The second letter addressed to Strange at Madras. ONE: Kensington Palace; 3 February 1812. 4to, 4pp. Although many years have passed since their last meeting, he trusts that Strange 'will not forget that friend of our lives, when we became known to each other at Halifax, and when I flatter myself I had the good fortune of being numbered amongst your friends'. The letter is to introduce to Strange's notice 'a most worthy and reputable Gentleman of the name of Jebb, Doctor of Laws of the University of Oxford, who has recently obtained the [?] of the Court of Directors to proceed to Madras for the purpose of the practicing as an Advocate'. The letter proceeds to praise Jebb's 'manner talents and acquirements'. TWO: Kensington Palace; 31 January 1815. Bifolium, addressed on reverse of second leaf with a good impression of the Duke's seal in red wax. 2pp, 4to. A letter of introduction and recommendation for his 'friend Colonel Pritzler of the 22nd. light dragoons' [Sir Theophilus Pritzler (c.1777-1839), for whom see the Oxford DNB], 'a most amiable Gentlemanlike character'. The Duke also takes the opportunity to thank Strange for 'the friendship you have shewn to that worthy character Doctor Jebb', adding that he is 'delighted to think, that, while his prospects are so good, thanks to your Kindness, his conduct has been such as to secure him your friendship'. He is also pleased that Jebb's sister-in-law has 'formed so good a matrimonial connexion'. The letter concludes with a discussion of 'my old friend Lieut. General Wetherall [General Sir Frederick Augustus Wetherall (1754-1842), see Oxford DNB] who is now at the Head of my Household' and 'Miss Johnsons marriage'. Wetherall is 'a most worthy man, a most excellent Soldier, and the best of Fathers', but the Duke fears 'he has a few Hibernian habits still about him, that would not induce me to recommend him, particularly as a Husband to the choice of any Lady, in whose I was interested'. From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library. Hunter and his mother Ida Macalpine had a particular interest in the illness of King George III, and their book 'George III and the Mad Business' (1969) suggested the diagnosis of porphyria popularised by Alan Bennett in his play 'The Madness of George III'.