Autograph Letters

American novelist (see American DNB). Three pages, 8vo, laid down on a piece of card, sl. soiled but text clear and complete. He acknowledges receiving a letter and goes on "I red the fascinating book with the greatest possible pleasure. It is charmingly written, and so interesting that when it ended I wished for more." He thanks Mrs Blake for "the delightful hours she has given me in following her adventures and yours." [Book unidentified] He asks the to let him know when they return to America.

(John Bull) W. Shackell (2; 1844), prob. printer (BBTI) and publisher and/or joint-proprietor of John Bull. He encourages contributions and anticipates "the Proprietor" making a proposition "for your further and permanent connexion with [John Bull]." See immediately above and below for more material from the J.T.J. Hewlett archive. Originally from a larger archive, the residue of which is described in #3157 (Hewlett's papers), this and other items appear in my ABE inventory in book id#s 3124-3156.

Drinkwater Meadows (DNB), actor, taking up Hewlett's offer of help to get him published in the New Monthly Magazine. (Nothing by Meadows is listed in the Wellesley Index for NMM, but he contributed a series to Ainsworth's Magazine, Oct. 1845-August 1845.) Originally from a larger archive, the residue of which is described in #3157 (Hewlett's papers), this and other items appear in my ABE inventory in book id#s 3124-3156.

George Alder (1; [1844?]) discusses the nature of a "new periodical" for which he hopes Hewlett will write (prob. the short-lived "Great Gun" - see Bell (#3128) and Gruneisen below), naming potential fellow-contributors in confidence. Originally from a larger archive, the residue of which is described in #3157 (Hewlett's papers), this and other items appear in my ABE inventory in book id#s 3124-3156.

Banker and Politician. In French. One page, 4to, good condition. If a consul to Guernsey has not yet been appointed, he recommends David Macculloch who has a good reputation and has commercial knowledge. He would be helpful to French ships there and his nomination would suit the Governor, Sir John Doyle, who had long since requested it of their Ambassador in London. {de Reyneval prob. the diplomat in Biog. Univ.]

Andrew Spottiswoode ( Boase), of the printers and publishers (BBTI as printers only), proprietor of Hood's Magazine from early 1844 (see Jane Hood #3138). Hewlett has obviously followed Hurst's suggestion (above) that he contact Spottiswoode about the editorship of the Pictorial Times and contributions. The latter here replies that there is no vacancy and comments that it is not desirable "to fill up the Pages of a Newspaper with Novels".

Banker and Politician. In French. One page, 4to, fold marks, good. He says that Bignon has reached the limits which he suggested in a letter, and they have sold "en bourse" "[F?] 2025 de Rentes a 74 t produisent ......F29,9709= . . ." He adds the figures for commission and "Courtage". He adds that the Baron has been debited a certain sum, paid to the "porteur de votre [nom?]".

Samuel Phillips (DNB), journalist and novelist, editor and owner of John Bull (see #s3131, 3132) at one time. He refers to an introductory letter to Blackwoods and sympathises with him in ill health: "Essex is not the place for poor curates or . . . poor literary men". Originally from a larger archive, the residue of which is described in #3157 (Hewlett's papers), this and other items appear in my ABE inventory in book id#s 3124-3156.

Edward Stirling (Boase), dramatist and theatre manager, mainly discussing the dramatisation and prospective performance of Hewlett's Peter Priggins - as a farce. Originally from a larger archive, the residue of which is described in #3157 (Hewlett's papers), this and other items appear in my ABE inventory in book id#s 3124-3156.

Robert Bell (DNB) (4; 1845), author and editor. (Jan.) He encourages Hewlett to contribute to a "publication called the Great Gun, the scope of which is more comprehensive than Punch". (See George Alder (#3127)). He characterises the sort of contribution required, and gives other detail including payment terms. He refers him to the editor, C. L. Gruneisen (see below). (July) He is unhappy to have introduced Hewlett to the "Great Gun" whose proprietor, Edwards (below), appeared to have committed suicide (not so, it transpired).

(John Bull) William Mudford (DNB) (7; 1844), author and journalist. Five letters are signed "The Editor of the John Bull" or similar but two are signed by Mudford who suggests that his name is no longer a secret to Hewlett because of Barham. (Although the article in DNB on Mudford says that he succeeded Hook as Editor in 1841, no other authoritative source gives this information, from CBEL to the Waterloo Directory.) He tells Hewlett the Proprietors' requirements and his policy, presenting Theodore Hook, former Editor, as the model writer for the periodical.

Furniture Historian. Two letters SIGNED by Macquoid,one by amanuensis (he apologises for this - unwell). 3 pages, 4to, and 4 pages 8vo, good condition. He discusses matters which relate to their work on "A History of English Furniture" for which Slocombe provided illustrations - progress on a task; plans, wishes; contact with owners/aristos ;travels; suggestions; a sketch of a table; and so on. WITH: a page of notes in Slocombe's hand headed "oak furniture I am to paint"; a typed letter with ms.

Frederick Oldfield Ward, temporary editor of Hood's Magazine (see "The Letters of Thomas Hood", passim). He discusses the prestige of a name (such as "Peter Priggins") and speculates that authors write better under the name "to which their fame is attached". Colburn is trying to insist that Hewlett cannot use this name, but Ward advises a "more independent and more honorable position with regard to Colburn." He mentions Hood's health on several occasions, later mentioning his death. He asks for stories not dependent on College life, explaining why.

Henry Flower, presumably the bookseller and publisher in BBTI, discussing Hewlett's Dunster Castle in congratulatory terms, hoping for a meeting. Originally from a larger archive, the residue of which is described in #3157 (Hewlett's papers), this and other items appear in my ABE inventory in book id#s 3124-3156.

William Naisby (1; [1843]), giving a detailed and hostile critique of Hewlett's College Life. Originally from a larger archive, the residue of which is described in #3157 (Hewlett's papers), this and other items appear in my ABE inventory in book id#s 3124-3156.

Cambridge divine (1791-1864) who arranged and catalogued all the University's papers. Two pages, 16mo, very good. 'Pray accept my best thanks for all your kindness with regard to that poor flighty creature Mrs Stone. I am very sorry to hear that Mrs Stoughton Money Kyrle [wife of James Stoughton Money Kyrle, 1813-52] has had the misfortune to become a widow. Will you be so good as to give my best remembrances to that amiable & most agreeable lady?'

Srimathi Mirabai, Indian Classical Dancer - "India's Pavlova". One page each, large 4to, good condition, the second has a representation of an Indian dancer cut from corner (present in first), with some additions in Mirabai's hand. (6 Dec.) She gives information about her activities, the tour, her studies, her performances in India and Ceylon, enclosing a photo (not present). (21 Dec.) She gives some idea of the thinking behind the tour, testing whether Indian Classical Dancing would be successful in London and Europe. Her partner has returned to India but she has her eye on another.

Printed address, headed notepaper. Two pages, 8vo, good condition. Russell Flint is responding to a letter from Mackenzie (attached, copy Typed Letter, one page, 4to, 26 April 1949- saying that he (Mackenzie) has circularised friends in the Press asking them to urge readers to buy water-colours as "a jolly good investment". Mackenzie also comments on the neglect of the teaching of water-colour painting in the schools, and its consequences. Russell Flint approves and has wanted to meet up but been busy with the RA Private View et al.

Pianist and composer (1847-1925). She has sent her correspondent a card (invitation) to a concert she is organising on behalf of the Church of St Augustine. She says she has made every effort to make it a success, and has persuaded all the artistes to give their services (free).

Printer. Three pages, 8vo. "I write to tell you that the [memorial] tablet [for Wilkins Updike] is completed and in place at St. Paul's Church, Wickford, and I enclose herwith a small photograph of it which you might like to see (ENCLOSED]. He doesn't feel a memorial service is appropriate, buyt gives notice of what is planned in the Church to commemorate their grandfather (e.g. an essay prize on a point of local history). "As I considered myself simply a treasurer for the fund for the rest of the family.

Novelist, essayist and dramatist, both in French, signed "Montherlant. ALS, in original envelope, 2pp., 4to. In the letter, he is sorry to have missed him and includes him among the few people he does want to see again. "Je pense rester en Afrique jusque vers mai". A "Mr Bradley left for New York. "Il devait, pendant son sejour las-bas, s'occuper du lancement des Bullfighters et m'ecrire pour me servir au courant. . .". He thanks him for his article ("intelligent et sympathique") asking if he knows anything of the author.

Four pages, 8vo. She declines to translate "White Fang" because the similarity of its "most important scenes" to those in "The Call of the Wild" ("leading" Paris editors agree with her) would jeopardise sales, suggesting that compression into one third of the original length would be necessary. She remits eight guineas to be forwarded to Jack London, and makes a play for the rights to translate a new Robert Hichens novel. WITH: typed note signed, 8vo, in German, from the publishers, Ferdinand Schoningh, to A.P. Watt, 20 Nov.

"Frank Fairleigh". Novelist (1818-1864). Three pages, 8vo, bifoliate, sl. dusted, mainly good. "Mr. Austen seems to have written word for word what you wished said abt. Tobacco, but if there is to be much attraction abt. the article, your clever pencil must put it in, for, as it stands it is dull as . . . I was going to add ditch-water ("water" underlined] but I beg to apologise for the inadvertence - as [page 2] the worst kind of fermented liquors! -/ I send by todays post a Prospectus to Mr.

Behnes (died 1864) was a sculptor, and Robins (1778-1847) a flamboyant auctioneer. Very good, on piece of paper roughly two inches by three and a half. From a collection of Autograph Signatures cut from petitions to the Artists' General Benevolent Fund. Blank reverse.

Film director (1926-), husband of the actress Wendy Hiller (1912-). The note, 9 December, 1971, one page, 4to. "Here is David's response to my cry for help. Could you read it and give me a ring suggesting what should be done next. And please send David's letter back to me. The photo of the poster is, of course, yours." Signed "Karel". The letter, 10 November 1972, one page, 4to. "How nice to have your note. Yes, indeed, I am sending Mother out to work again! What's more with Tony!

(1788-1883) Arctic explorer, soldier, astronomer and magnetic surveyor. Three pages, 8vo, good condition, date "1825" written in pencil. Text as follows: "Copies of my book have been ordered by the Board of Longitude to be sent to Members of the Board, and to Institutions, in different parts of the United Kingdom. Perhaps if the eleven copies, addressed as on the following page, are sent to you, you will have teh kindness to frank them to their several destinations. I shall call at the Admiralty myself with this note to spare you the trouble of writing an answer.

Wood engraver2pp., 8vo. Staining not obscuring the text. He promises to go to his house to "sign the Return you speak of" and announces a recent change of address.

Pickersgill (1782-1875) and Uwins (1782-1857) were both English artists who exhibited at the Royal Academy. Very good, on a piece of grey paper roughly two inches by four. From a collection of Autograph Signatures cut from petitions to the Artists' General Benevolent Fund. Blank reverse.

Scottish poet and editor (1777-1844).

Naturalist and miscellaneous writer. One page, 8vo. He says that he is about to leave for the Sudan and apologises for his discourtesy in not replying sooner. With: holograph list, 2pp., 8vo, of works by Robinson and key dates, events, and positions in his life, including a professorship in India, work for newspapers, authorship of a fishing brochure. His adventurous life was thought to have ended in the bush on Cuba where he was to have reported on the Spanish-American War.