Autograph Letters

Judge (1734-99). One page, 12mo. "<...> George Murley / Sarah Martin / Given under my Hand the 10th. day of August 1780 pursuant to the Statute in that case made and provided. / [signed] James Eyre". Paper slightly discoloured.

Orientalist and Cambridge Professor (1783-1852). Two pages, 4to, responding to a request for advice for the son of the correspondent who is engaged in preparing a Hebrew Lexicon. Lee gives some solid advice but finally points out that he is engaged on a similar task. WITH: the manuscript text with corrections, two pages, 4to, in Lee's hand, of the examination for the Crosse scholarship (presumably a Cambridge prize) involving Greek, Arabic, Hebrew and Syriac. WITH: an 8vo print of Samuel Lee. Three items,

Nondescript Tory politician (1780-1858). 2 pp, 12mo. "I do not feel right & am naturally apprehensive! / Should it come on - am I - after so short an interval to take the <?> remedy? I am now going out & shall return before hour - / your faithful servt / Haddington".

Historian of music and critic (1814-1887). Three pages, 8vo. He is finding prior engagements preventing his viisiting. He then discusses his researches into the life of Incledon (vocalist) including early memories (in discussion of first names), tombstone information, and the inaccuracy of a predecessor. The letter has been annotated by a few words (perhaps Marshall), in the most significant entry, giving Grove references.

Irish Painter, poet, dramatist and novelist (1770-1850). He gives his correspondent the address of a "Mr Herbert" who was, according to the Post Office Directory of 1846, a professor and publisher of music.

English actor, vocalist and composer (1781-1848). On epage, 4to, creased and chipped with loss only of part of correspondent's name (which ends "...uin"). A significant letter about the Argyll Rooms, the major musical venue of its time. Letter as follows: "If the Licence formerly held by Col. Greville can thus [?] the interest of his family be obtained for the purpose of acting French plays at the Argyle Rooms.

Author. The letters total 5 pages, 8vo. He anticipates the publication of his "Governance of Britain", giving his view of the book. He thanks Shorter for as review (presumably in "The Sphere"), expresses admiration for Mrs Shorter's work (Dora Sigerson), discusses public reaction to his "Vision of India". He is thinking of writing a "Vision of Ireland". Three items,

Scottish novelist and historical writer (1828-1897). 2pp., 12mo, laid down. She is delighted to accept "Mrs Hargreaves's invitation, saying when will suit her best and outlining travel plans.

English actor-manager (1858-1918), knighted in 1911. One page, 12mo. "Glad to hear from you: <?> had told me that you were soldiering. I wish you could have been here with us but yours is a glorious job. Good luck attend you & our arms". Creased, and with traces of previous mounting on blank reverse.

Actress (1839-1921), wife of the actor-manager Sir Squire Bancroft (1841-1926). One page, 12mo. "A happy new year to you both / Marie Bancroft". Traces of previous mounting at head and foot of the page.

Author. Two sides of card used, thanking Wilson for obtaining for him an invitation from John Buchan to be a guest at the National Book Trade Dinner and for the "splendid showing" he arranged for his book (probably "British Agent") at Bumpus's.

Liberal politician and author (1829-1906). One page, 12mo. "Your bracelet is all safe and I have <?> it up." Negligible smudging to one word. With a biographical cutting attached at the foot of the note.

n the 4to page (12 September, Sharp's birthday) extracted from "A Birthday Book designed by her Royal Highness the Princess Beatrice" (1881). Sharp has written six Gaelic phrases with English translations E.g. "Mar a bha As it was/ Mar a tha As it is .......". . The book comprises one day to every page.The book has the bookplate of N. Hardy Wallis (see BLC).

(Prime Minister) Three pages, 8vo, very good condition. Text as follows: I have a request to make to you, with which I hope you will compy. It is that you will serve in the Royal Commission to enquire into the state of the University of Cambrige./ Professor Sedgwick & Sir John Herschel I [...?] likewise to ask to be members of the Commission - And in any nomination I may number I should wish to choose persons whose names will inspire confidence in the University.

Conservative politician (1818-87). 2 pp, 12mo. In the handwriting of an amanuensis. "I have promised Mrs Moncrieff, the writer of the enclosed letter, to mention the name of Silas to you. / If you could see your way to meeting her wishes, I should feel grateful to you on her behalf. I am not personally acquainted with Mr. Silas." Signed "Iddesleigh". Creasing from paperclip, and with four pieces of gummed paper adhering to the recto of the blank second leaf.

Agriculturalist (1799-1855). He is pleased that his correspondent's book is making its way (which is "a work of time"). He hopes it will be as useful as his correspondent "could wish".

Humorous writer (1863-1943), one large 8vo page each. (1929) He is returning some "sketches", commenting on the difficulty of a beginner to get published despite merits, and the need for a little revision. (I have found nothing by Horne in the BLCat.)(1930) His handwriting is even more difficult than usual, but he is responding to a card and appears to be annoyed at a suggestion ("disgraceful"). His postscript runs "If I wrote like that I would take a few lessons".

One page, 12mo. Only partially decipherable, due to Alexander's dreadful handwriting, which is reminiscent of that of his contemporary Charles Wyndham. "I shall be pleased to see you if you [...] one night next week. / Sincerely / George Alexander".

Actress (1839-1921), wife of the actor-manager Squire Bancroft. One page, 12mo. Written in a large hand, evidently in response to a request for an autograph. "Do you like Sir?" / Act 1 / Marie Bancroft / October 8th 1879". Traces of previous mounting on reverse.

Actor (1876-1967). One page, 8vo. "I am sending you back "The Minx" - which I have read with pleasure - / The writing is charming & natural - but in my opinion the play is too slight - there is not enough to it to stand production - Perhaps I am wrong tho' -". Creased, and with two holes from ring-binding in one margin, with slight loss to text.

Novelist and politician (1765-1846). One page, 8vo. (He is writing to his former colleague in the Ordnance Office where he was a clerk from 1811 to 1823). He asks him to forward an important packet and recalls "pleasant remembrances of former intercourse".

Scotch critic and playwright (1856-1924), the Mr Gunn of G. B. Shaw's "Fanny's First Play". One page, 12mo, on the inside of a self-sealing stamped printed envelope addressed in autograph. "Dear Miss Rosenfeld / As I have had no answer to a letter I wrote to Mr Allardyce Nicoll [theatre historian, 1894-1976] some days ago, I imagine he may be out of town. I therefore write to say that I accepted his invitation to address the Mermaid Society on Thursday January 24th."

General (1773-1865), who distinguished himself as commander of the allied cavalry in the Peninsular War. One page, 8vo. "Although Captn: Martin did not serve under my Command in India, I venture to forward to you his Memorial, and trust you will take an opportunity of bringing his claim under the gracious & favourable consideration of Her Majesty - I have the honor to be / Sir / Yr. most obt. Hble: Sert: / Combermere. Genl. / late commr: in Chief / in India". Paper ruckled, and with glue stains from previous mounting. With biographical cutting adhering to head of recto.

Dramatist (1836-1917) and editor of Punch from 1862-1906. One page, 12mo. The printed part is laid out like a telegram, with a reference number, and the letter, although signed "FCB" does not appear to be in Burnard's hand. "Dear Sir / I am head over ears in engagements & business next week. [...] to you ce qu'arrivera." With postscript "Just come from Germany". In parlous condition, frayed, and with holes and tape marks from previous mounting.

English actor-manager (1858-1918), knighted in 1911. One page, 12mo. "We will call for you at about 10.30 tomorrow morning. It is very good of you."

English actor manager (1841-1926), knighted in 1926. 2 pp, 12mo. "My Lord Bishop / I am sorry I cannot be of any service in the way you wish. My income is severely strained and, with regret, I have to refuse many similar applications." Traces of mounting on reverse.

2pp, 8vo, remains of tape indicating from album, headed "Gambia Committee, 3 King Street, Westminster, "We beg respectfully to inform you that a Deputation to protest against the proposal to cede the River Gambia to France, will wait upon Earl Carnarvon ........" Thjey request Molineux's presence. {In fact, GB retained possession.]

English actor-manager (1858-1918), knighted in 1911. One page, 12mo, evidently in response to a request for an autograph. "With pleasure / Yours truly / George Alexander". Negligible traces of previous mounting on reverse of blank second leaf.

English actor manager (1841-1926), knighted in 1926. 2 pp, 12mo. "Let me thank you very heartily for all the valuable work you have done for the young people in Gower Street, with a hope that it may long continue." The reference is clearly to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, in Gower Street.

English actor-manager (1852-1912). One page, 12mo. "Dear Mr Pemberton/ / If more convenient to you Thursday at 11.30 will suit me just as well as Wednesday". Traces of previous mounting on blank reverse.