Autograph Letters

Possibly the Henry R. Potter, of the Office of Works, who corresponded with Gladstone in 1885 and 1894. 4 pages, 16mo. In good condition: neatly folded twice, with traces of stub along one edge of verso of second leaf of bifoliate. Apologises for 'the numerous omissions of which I have been guilty' in his lecture. His only excuse is that he 'submitted the lists to two or three persons resident in Nott[ingha]m and consequently, as I concluded, conversant with its "Notables" '.

Oxford bookseller (c.1774-1850), described by the bibliographer Dibdin as 'the Corinthian pillar of Bibliopolism at Oxford'. Written in the year of his retirement in favour of his nephew John Henry Parker. The Globe was a London newspaper, founded in 1803. 1 page, 8vo. In good condition, slightly discoloured, creased and with some contemporary ink spotting. Remains of glue from stub along one edge. Concerns the radical meetings held during the passage of the Reform Bill. Reads 'Dear Sir - | Most important Meetings have taken place at Birmm.

Two pages, 8vo, browned and with tear at fold, but text clear and complete. He describes how someone called to ask him to buy benefit tickets for a charitable purpose. He declined on principle, but noticed later an address and decided to write to that address to explain that he would wish to help anyone in whom his correspondent took an interest. He encouraged another visit from the original agent. [Presumably the fact that Ross (DNB) was a fellow-artist influenced his course of action.]

Richard William Penn Curzon-Howe (Boase), Lord Chamberlain to Queen Adelaide, 1830-31 and 1834-49. One page, 8vo, heavy glue staining toand bottom, not affecting text which is clear and complete, saying: "Lord Howe presents his Comps to Mrs Day, and is commanded by Queen Adelaide to convey Her Majesty's permission that the proposed Sale shall take place under Her Majesty's Patronage."

Journalist and author (see Dictionary of National Biography and Allibone). One page, 8vo, some soiling but text clear and complete, difficult hand, saying: "There has been no [perhaps word (underlined) meaning retraction?] in Punch [underlined]. I am prepared to sustain all I said to you upon oath, and to prove that the injury to me is serious. The enclosed, as you will see, is marked "Private & Confidential"; but it is a part of the "case", and I, therefore, submit it to you." It appears that St John feels he has been libelled in "Punch" and is seeking redress.

English equestrian artist (1753-1812). 1 page, 8vo. In poor condition: creased, frayed and torn. He has that morning received from his correspondent's servant 'the sum of sixteen Pounds nine shillings payment for your Pictures'. He will send them 'by the first conveyance' and hopes they will please. 'If any alteration should be necessary should be glad to make it at any time'. Signed 'J. Boultbee'. A postscript states that he has returned 'by your servant the Ballance from the Bill of twenty Pounds'. Docketed on reverse with date of receipt, sum paid to 'J.

Naval officer and Conservative politician (1846-1919), nicknamed 'the member for the navy'. Dimensions roughly 5 1/2 inches by 9 inches. In poor condition: browning and with several closed tears. Reads: 'From the older Charlie to the younger Charlie may all good luck attend you fighting for tariff reform national defence and relief of the unemployed Beresford'.

Artist (see DNB), official war artist to Royal Navy (Ist WW), etc. Total 4pp, 8vo, good condition.(1917) He mentions Henry's illness and suggests that he continue the portrait when he returns from the States. (1919) Thanks ("It is good of you to give to A.B.F."). "The title is all right & settled long ago ". He sends tickets for a Private View at the RA and ASBI dinner hoping he will be his guest. (1927) He accepts a dinner invitation from Mrs Henry and suggests a game of golf ("if so will will he [Mr Henry] come with me to Royal Wimbledon"). Four items,

Author of "Mother India" (1927). One page, 12mo, very good condition, saying "If I sold [Ey land?] while this book [Mother India presumably] is still a matter of any interest. I shall certainly remember you. / Yours faithfully, / Katherine Mayo".

Bishop of Oxford (1851-1911). Thanks for a Report and congratulations on the work he has done. Thanks for partridges and a recollection of his first Diocesan Conference. Thanks for a brace of pheasants. 3 items,

1 page, 8vo. Paper discoloured with age, with minor creasing and small closed tears, but in good condition overall. Stamped ('G. A. M.' and '28 JAN 1918') in purple ink and numbered ('352') in red pencil. Tight neat handwriting. He has been moved to write by a passage in Walter Jerrold's 'Highways and Byways in Middlesex', relating to the railings at New College, Oxford. He asks if his letter and that of 'a New College Friend who was in residence about 1887' (the latter not present) might be forwarded to Jerrold.

Politician (1796-1866) and scion of the notable banking house. 1 page, 16mo. In good condition, but with the ink of one word smudged. Handwriting of extremely difficult decipherment: 'I <?> the <?> notwithstanding the <?> all this bird in the Bush - | Every yrs sincly | F T Baring'.

Merchant banker (1828-1897). 1 page, 16mo. Grubby but in good condition overall. 'Dear Sir. | I enclose £10 for the boy Evans - The Calls of all sorts on me increase daily & it is quite out of the question to comply with half of them | Yours truly | Revelstoke'. Docketed in pencil at head.

Army officer (1823-1902), nephew of Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV, and one of the young Queen Victoria's playfellows. Paper dimensions roughly 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/2. In good condition, although with two light creases. Reads 'Edd. Saxeweimar'. Small fragment of letter with mourning border on reverse. Docketed in heavy black ink on reverse 'Prince Edd of Saxe Weimar', with some showthrough under signature on other side.

Banker and gambler (1777-1848), father of the politician Henry Bingham Baring (1804-69). 1 page, 8vo. In very good condition although grubby. Addressed on verso of second leaf of bifoliate, which carries a red wax seal in two parts, to 'J. Lawford Esqr | Drapers hall'. Docketed in ink on verso of second leaf. 'Pray tell me whether my Berkeley Sqr. purchase is likely to be accepted soon as I want to move some funiture I have bought at a Sale into the house -'. Having been away from home he has sent no game.

According to the letterhead Sharp was one of the Society's two Secretaries. 2 pages, 16mo. Creased, worn and discoloured, and with minor repair to head of first page, but in good condition overall. Closely written, this letter provides an interesting sidelight into the state of the Society at this time. He apologises for not responding to the 'enquiry about the circulation of the Revised Version' sooner. 'We are very short-handed at present at the Bible House. Since April death has taken from us the Rev. G. Wilson & Mr Chas. Finch, and the Rev. J. Austen-Binns has retired.

Stanhope (1805-1875) was styled Lord Mahon until his father's death in 1855. Signed 'Mahon' on fragment of document (dimensions 3 inches by 4 inches). Ruckled and discoloured as a result of previous mounting. Until 1846 Mahon was Secretary of the Board of Control for India, and the document would appear to be a fragment of a receipt for his salary.

Diplomat (1844-1915), Secretary of the British Legation at Athens, and scion of the noted banking house. 2 pages, 8vo. In good condition. Presumably written on Scott's appointment as chaplain to the Legation. As Mr Stuart was absent from Athens, Scott's letter of 28 September was opened by Baring. 'It was the first intimation received here of your appointment, though I had heard from Mr Stuart that there was a possibility of your coming out, & the letter which I forward strengthened this opinion.

On 1 June 1935 Shelford bowled the first jack at the opening of West Hoathly Bowls Club. The card, dimensions roughly 4 inches by 5 inches, is 2 pages. The letter, 2 pages, 4to. Both somewhat grubby but in good condition. The card thanks Wilson for sending a copy of Francis Hackett's 'Henry VIII'. 'I dipped into it in the train this morning & it so <?> me that I had to skim my newspaper'. The letter begins with some Christmas chitchat, before discussing a lecture given by Shelford, a copy of which he encloses (not present).

British politician (1796-1866), scion of the noted banking house. 2 pages, 16mo. Grubby but in good condition overall. Docketed in pencil at head of first page. 'Sir / I have the honor to acknowledge the received [sic] of your letter of the 30 Jany - Should the Director of the City of London General Pension Society be of opinion that my name as one of the Stewards at at [sic] the anniversary Festival on ye 1st. May will be of any service to the Institution they are at liberty to make use of it.' Signed 'Tho Baring'.

Sydney (1805-1890) became 1st Earl Sydney in 1874. The front part of an envelope, dimensions roughly 3 inches by 8 inches. In good condition, but with traces of previous mounting on otherwise-blank reverse. Circular crested seal in red wax, roughly 1/2 inch in diameter. Reads 'H M S. | The Secretary to the Board of Ordnance | Pall Mall | London | Sydney'.

The elder brother of Charles and Sir Francis Baring, John Baring was a leading Exeter citizen and an MP from 1776. While in reality a sleeping partner, he was also the nominal head of John and Francis Baring & Co. of London, and John and Charles Baring & Co. of Exeter. 1 page, 8vo. In good condition. Apparently to his solicitors, concerning the drafting of his will. 'As my wish is to keep my home &c at perfectly distinct from my other property - be pleased on failure of Mr Shorts Children to let it go to my generally'.

Botanist and Roman Catholic propagandist (1846-1924). All but the second letter, which is addressed 'Gentlemen', are addressed 'Dear Sirs'. The letters are all 12mo, and embossed at the head of the first leaf 'NOX VENIT QUANDO NEMO POTEST OPERARI'. In letter 1 (1 page) he asks that his 'Collecting book of Flowering Plants' be sent to him: he will mention it in his 'Journal of Botany' for June.

Thomas Hartwell Horne. Biblical scholar, bibliographer, and polemic (DNB) Three pages, 8vo, remnants of laying down process, good condition. He is sending a copy of his "Manual of Parochial Psalmody" and its companion volume, "Selection of Tunes". He also is sending "a copy or two of my little publications.

Later chaplain-general of the forces, author (DNB). One page, 8vo, remnants of laying down process on blank conjugate leaf, letter in good condition. "I will be happy to supply your place on Sunday morning [presumably taking a service] - & much regret the cause of your absence. / I too have had my gout, but it is pretty well over."

1 page. 4to. In good condition. Concerning three accounts forwarded to the Board of the Treasury from the Accountant General of the Navy ('Two for Subsistence of Seamen belonging to Revenue Cruizers in the Naval Hospitals in Christmas Quarter last, and the other for their maintainence in Sick Quarters'), the Treasury Commissioners 'have authorized the Board of Customs to ay the Sum of £405. 10. 5. in discharge thereof to your account at the Bank of England, or at the Pay Office Whitehall, and I am to desire you will carry the amount to the Credit of Navy Services'. Signed 'F T Baring'.

Merchant and merchant banker (1740-1810). 3 pages, 16mo. In very good condition. He is unwilling to produce his title to the property, the request, in connection with the purchase of a neighbouring property from an individual named Bonar, having 'something else in view'. He encloses [not present] 'a plan of the premises, in all about 2 1/2 acres by which you may perceive it would be convenient for the purchaser of Bonars, to pick a hole in my title'. He gives a brief description of 'three seperate [sic], but contiguous tenements, all fronting the road'.

British composer (1876-1968) of light classical music and singer. 16mo. 2 pages. In good condition, with one neat vertical crease and one dog-eared corner. She thanks him for the 'charming lyrics'. 'I don't think I had better embark on any more at present, as I find it increasingly difficult to get things published, & my Store of MSS. is very large!' The two letters of his that she has are signed 'Grey' and she will be interested to see his 'real signature'. She wonders whether he has a spare copy of 'A recall'.

Movie cowboy (1880-1940) whose real name was Thomas Hezekiah Mix. Dimensions approximately 2 inches by 3 inches, with the signature 'Tom Mix,' in blue ink and approximately 1 1/2 inches long. In good condition although the 'om' of 'Tom' slightly smudged, and with a small brown stain above the tip of the 'T'. Mounted on an irregularly-shaped piece of blue card, docketed '93 | Famous Cinema Star | noted particularly for His wonderful riding and His famous horse Tony'.

Dodington (1691-1762); Oxenden (1694-1775) and Yonge (1693-1755) were Whig politicians and allies of Sir Robert Walpole. The document would appear to relate to their positions as Commissioners of the Treasury. Dimensions 3 1/2 inches by 4 inches. Somewhat discoloured with age, but in good condition and with good clear signatures: 'Geo: Dodington | Geo Oxenden | Wia: Yonge'. The printed fragment to the left of the signatures reads: '<...>ceipt of His | <...> said [in manuscript] 34.