Manuscripts

Printed Exchequer Receipt, with Manuscript Additions, and Autograph Signature, for 'the Sum of twelve pounds ten Shillings [...] 3 Months Annuity, due at Midsumer last past, of 50 Pounds per Annum'.

Author: 
Lewis Watson (1655-1724), 1st Earl of Rockingham
Publication details: 
2 July 1717; [London].
£105.00

One page, quarto. Aged, trimmed at head and with fraying at foot. 'Received by me the Right Honble. Lewis Lord Rockingham Assignee of Thomas Wentworth'. Witnessed by and with the signatures of George Cradock and Edward Vincent. Signed 'Rockingham'.

Printed Exchequer Receipt for fifty pounds, 'for Six Months Annuity, due 5 July last past, of One Hundred Pounds' on the life of 'Margarett Mary Reeves'.

Author: 
Henry Digby (d.1793), 1st Earl Digby, 7th Baron Digby
Publication details: 
12 July 1762; [London].
£56.00

One page, folio. Aged and with fraying to extremities and some repair to blank verso. Text clear and complete, except for a couple of letters shaved in right-hand margin. With signatures of witnesses William Digby and Daniel Cummine. Signed 'Digby'.

Autograph Prayer Signed, 'For Stephen Snell from Rumer Godden'.

Author: 
Rumer Godden, English novelist (1907-98)
Publication details: 
Without date or place [but card dated 1992].
£36.00

In very good condition, on a greetings card containing a reproduction of an illustration of a black cat by Barry Moser, from Godden's translation of Carmen Bernos de Gasztold's 'Prayers from the Ark'. The prayer, in Godden's hand (and probably one of her translations from the book) reads 'Lord, I am the Cat. It is not exactly that I hahve something to ask of you! No - I ask nothing of anyone - but, if you have by some chance, in some celestial barn. a little white mouse, or a saucer of milk. I know someone who would relish them.

[Manuscript]"Trustee in Bankruptcy of Grant Richards to Mr A. Moring / Assignment of Goodwill and publishing rights of 'Worlds Classics &c'", Signed by H.A. Moncrieff, Accountant, "Trustee of the estate of . . . Grant Richards in Bankruptcy"

Author: 
[BOOK TRADE; PUBLISHING HISTORY] [Grant Richards, Publisher]
Publication details: 
07/10/05
£595.00

Two leaves, vellum, folio, one page blank, folded, good condition. Details he bankruptcy of Grant Richards are given, mentioning the addresses of his premises, and continues: "The said Alexander Moring [publisher, de la More Press] has recently agreed with the said . . . Moncrieff for the purchase of the stock in trade copyrights publishing rights and goodwill of the business of the said Grant Richards . . . [17 April 1905] for the sum of Nine Thousand pounds and upon payment of Three Thousand five hundred pounds . . .

Parchment Manuscript Indenture, consisting of the counterpart lease of No. 50 Holywell Street, Strand, Middlesex, from the Revd Charles Felton Smith, Edwin Augustus Smith and others to John Bedford Leno.

Author: 
[BOOK TRADE] John Bedford Leno [CHARTISM; RADICALISM; UXBRIDGE]
Publication details: 
01/01/76
£325.00

Leno (1824-94) was a printer, publisher, poet and editor, and a significant figure in nineteenth-century radicalism. In 1845, while a printer, he led a group of radical workers who started a Young Men's Improvement Society and circulated a manuscript newspaper entitled the 'Attempt'. He then became branch secretary of the local Chartists. In 1849 the 'Attempt' became a printed journal, the 'Uxbridge Pioneer'. In 1861 he was editor of the 'Poetic Magazine' and in 1881 of the 'Anti-tithe Journal'.

[ In French ] Document Signed "Linant Bey", to "Son Excellence Cherif-Sacha Mininter de l'Interieur et President du Conseil des Ministres

Author: 
Linant Bey [ Louis Linant de Bellefonds ] [Linant Pasha ]
Publication details: 
[Printed heading] Ministere des Travaux Publics, [manuscript address] Cairo, 20 May 1869
£450.00

Minister of Public Works, with a key role in the building of the Suez Canal. The document, numbered No.39 top left corner, is three pages, folio, sl. damaged but text clear and complete. He reminds his correspondent that "Son Altesse le Khedive" has appointed him "ministere des travaux publics" four months previously. He discusses "le reglement" by which decisions were to be made and the situation he finds himself in, "ne sachant au juste sur quoi appuyer mes actes officielle, je ne puis plus longtemps rester dans la vague, qui empeche toute administration.

Handbook for the Study and Discussion of Political Popery

Author: 
John Coghlan
Publication details: 
"Edinburgh, Ballantyne and Coy Paul's Work" (= manuscript imprint), [1868]
£350.00

Manuscript, 356pp, 8vo, hf. lea. worn, a very substantial anddetailed precis of an unpublished book, a comprehensive discussion from the Anti-Catholic (papist) standpoint from social, political and religious aspects. The background is probably the Tractarian Movement and Newman's activities on behalf of the Catholic Church (Newman is mentioned). The conclusion is that "Perhaps the Pope may yet indulge his flock by giving them the Scriptures and civil liberty, to which let us all say, Amen." The title on spine as follows: "Mr Soutter's M.S. Contents Mr Coghlan's book, 1868".

"Notes of a Walking Tour with my Twin Brother Ernest 27 July 1891"

Author: 
[ MOUNTAINEERING ] Cecil C. Baker, twin brother of Ernest Baker, presumably Ernest A. Baker, author of books on the Highlands, climbing, etc.
Publication details: 
[1891]
£450.00

Notebook, soft-covered, c.90pp., 12mo,covers almost detached, contents good. Contents as follows: Table columnised, 5pp., giving details of Dates, Proposed Itinerary, Result; List of things taken "Self" and "Ernest" from clothes to toothbrush to Baedeker to bovril malt (with comments on whether worn, lost, etc.).

Manuscript headed '1765 | A List of Bank Officers applying for an advancement of Wages'.

Author: 
The Bank of England
Publication details: 
1765
£500.00

2 pages. 4to. A frail item in need of repair, discoloured with age, creased, and with some wear and loss and a number of closed tears. The text is very neatly written, with all but five of the ninety-four entries entirely legible. The otherwise blank verso of the second leaf of the bifoliate docketed with the heading and 'Hall Department'. There entries cover the years 1761 to 1764, and are divided into five columns: 'when elected', 'Names', 'Wages', 'when advanced' and 'Offices'. The second page is headed 'Accountants Office'.

Manuscript (possibly part) signed by Strachan and his Gunner, Tho. Lampen.

Author: 
Admiral Sir Richard J. Strachan (as Captain of the "Diamond"[?])
Publication details: 
01/07/96
£750.00

Manuscript, two pages, small folio, good condition, [PAGE ONE] headed "Small Stores Expended in July 1796 , columnised as follows: For what Use Expended (For cleaning the Arms/ Lost amd Broke/ Broke and Unserviceable/ For greasing the Gun trucks & c/ Worn out / For wads and sizings / Burnt); Quality (Oil, priming horns, [Basschings?], tallow, baskets, junk, match); Quantity (Half gallon, etc.).

A sermon. Autograph Manuscript

Author: 
Rev. G.R. Gleig.
Publication details: 
Ash, 21 Nov. 1824.
£350.00

Vicar of Ash, Kent, later chaplain-general of the forces, author (DNB). Manuscript sermon in Gleig's hand, apparently unpublished. C. 20 pages, 8vo to mainly 4to, additions and corrections in his hand, with some cutting and pasting (hence variable page size). "No.1" appears on the bottom of the first page, with place and date (above), presumably indicating a series.

Manuscript document signed by Henry Greenhill "To the respective Officers of his Majs yard near Portsmouth".

Author: 
Henry Greenhill (Commander St Lo)
Publication details: 
near Portsmouth, 4 November 1699
£450.00

Title: "Whereas the Honble Navy Board in their [Letter?] of the 31 Ult: have been pleased to Communicate to me the Severall Articles following which have been laid before my Lords of the Admlty by Cap Geo. S. Lo Comr of his Majs Yard at Plymouth [later known as Devonport] , being such as have Occurred to his Observation Since his residence there, and wherein he conceived his Majs Service hath much suffered" Three pages, small folio, some marking but text clear and complete. Text: Namely: Ist.

Long Acre Ward Lecturers Book 1730

Author: 
Joseph Trapp
Publication details: 
1730
£450.00

Manuscript, 32pp., folio, vellum covers detached, poor condition but complete. Front endpaper is inscribed "Jos Trapp" perhaps indicating that it was held by Trapp, one of the lecturer/beneficiaries of donations. [Joseph Trapp, 1679-1747, poet and pamphleteer - see substantial article in DNB which reveals Jonathan Swift's role in his life].

Autograph music signed

Author: 
Charles Halle.
Publication details: 
19/03/49
£200.00

Ger.-Eng. pianist and conductor (1819-1895)(DNB). One manuscript page of music, 9"(wide) x 10" (long), no titlel, good condition (extracted from an album). The National Register of Archives records collections of autograph letters but no surviving music by Halle

Part of manuscript list of ships, headed '<...> at this present yeare 1676'.

Author: 
French Navy, 1676 [SAMUEL PEPYS, SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY]
Publication details: 
Without place or watermark.
£1,000.00

On a piece of foxed and discoloured laid paper, dimensions roughly 12 inches by 8 inches. Edges fraying, and with loss to two corners affecting a text and a total of six entries. Cluster of small holes towards one corner, not affecting text. Bearing a circular red stamp, roughly half an inch in diameter, with a central shield surrounded by the words 'FORTE SCUTUM SALUS DUCUM'. Presumably the second of two leaves, with a total of ninety-two ships, numbered 74 to 165, arranged in three columns.

Document (secretarial) Signed "Gassendi", addressed to "Monsieur le Comte". En francais.

Author: 
Comte J.J.B. Gassendi
Publication details: 
[Printed heading: Ministere de la Guerre] 6e. Division / Bureau de l'artillerie / Poudres & Saltpetres, Paris, Le 27 Juillet 1811.
£200.00

General (1748-1828)(biography on net). One page, sm. folio, good condition.. He acknowledges a letter in which he was asked about the "plans & . . . construction du nouveau magazin des poudres [de debit?] a Paris. Le devise & le plan de ce magasin ont ete renvoyes dans le temps a Me . . . administrateurs generaux . . . Il est essential de ne pas arreter les Tarvaux de Construction de ce magasin, afin qu'ils doient terminer pendant la belle saison."

Manuscript copies, perhaps in Berkeley's hand, of two letters from Gould to Berkeley, with two of Berkeley's replies.

Author: 
Hunting [Captain Charles Gould; George Charles Grantley Fitzhardinge Berkeley; the Lymington Hunt]
Publication details: 
27 to 30 November 1842.
£180.00

Berkeley was an author and sportsman [(1800-1881). Six pages, quarto. Good though grubby, and on discoloured paper. Removed from a letter book, and with the letters (all in the same hand) numbered 4 to 7. Concerns a dispute within the Lymington Hunt. LETTER 4: Gould to Berkeley, 27 November 1842, Muddiford near Christchurch. 'On my return Home late yesterday Evening I found that Mr. O'Kelly had been waiting for some hours to consult with me, relative to your letter to him of the 25th inst.

Part of Document signed by "Lapie Directeur de Cabinet".

Author: 
Pierre Lapie.
Publication details: 
Paris, 28 March 1816
£200.00

Topographer and map-maker, author of "Atlas Universel de Geographie Ancienne et Moderne, precede d’un abrege de Geographie Physique et Historique" (author = Colonel au Corps Royal d’Etat-Major, Ancien Directeur du Cabinet Topographique du Roi, Chef de la Section Topographique du Ministere de la Guerre, Chevalier de Saint-Louis, Officier de la Legion-d’Honneur et Commandeur de L’Ordre Grec du Sauveur; et M. Lapie Fils, Captaine au Corps Royal d’Etat-Major, Ancien eleve de l’Ecole Polytechnique). Document, three pages, folio, some defects but clear and complete. In French.

Manuscript list of the Governors of Watsons Hospital, Edinburgh.

Author: 
[ John Clerk of Eldin ]
Publication details: 
Dated 1764 (Ist Dec.)
£250.00

Author of "Essay on Naval Tactics", etc (see DNB) influential on Rodney and Nelson. The manuscript, comprising the list of 22 names, double column, and other notes on both sides of a 12mo page, torn on folds but complete, is mounted on a larger page. Notes in another hand say thta it was a "Leaf from a scrap Book in the handwriting of John Clark [sic] of Eldin, father of the late Lord Eldin - 1760 &c. Author of 'Logarithms' and of the plan by which Lord Nelson cut through the combined Fleet at Trafalgar - 21st Oct: 1805."

Three manuscript orders authorising payments, and three typewritten orders cancelling payments.

Author: 
The Duchy of Cornwall [ MESSRS COUTTS & CO., BANKERS ]
Publication details: 
All dating from 1912.
£250.00

4to and 8vo. Somewhat grubby and creased, but in good condition otherwise. The six items, all addressed to Messrs Coutts & Company, are, in chronological order: ITEM 1, 5 manuscript pages, 4to, headed 'Duchy of Cornwall, | Buckingham Gate, S.W. | 1912.

Manuscript. Funeral oration unsigned.

Author: 
B.J. Marsollier de Vivetieres.
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£450.00

French dramatist. One page, 4to, some damage in corner with loss of serval letters and words, with corrections. Note on reverse in different hand make the ascription to Marsollier: "Oraison funebre de Monsieur Marsollier [prononcee?] le 13 Avril 1815 / autographe". Oration to a "femme jeune brillante de joye et de sante pour l'unir a l'epouse qu'elle aimait et qui la rebdue si heureuse que cing ans apres j'erouverai la douleur de lui survivre et de la conduire a la derniere demeure . . . [he wants to do justice to her character which he defines] . . .

Typed message (to departing employee?), on printed letterhead, with thirty-eight signatures (of work-colleagues?).

Author: 
Medici Society [Cobden-Sanderson]
Medici Society
Publication details: 
Without date; on the company's Grafton Street letterhead.
£100.00
Medici Society

Company founded in 1908 by Philip Lee Warner and Eustace Gurney, 'to bring artists' work to the appreciation of a wider public'. One page, quarto. Folded twice. Good, but slightly foxed and lightly creased. The typed message reads ' "The best of Prophets of the future is the Past" | With the best of wishes for future success.' The signatures are arranged in four columns. The inclusion of 'Cobden-Sanderson' is unexplained.

Two documents signed ("Walckenaer" and "Bn Walckenaer"), one manuscript with printed heading "Prefecture de la Seine" and other detail, the other a printed form with heading Institut de France / Academie Royale des Inscriptions et Belles-lettres".

Author: 
Baron Walckenaer [Charles Athanase Walckenaer]
Publication details: 
{Paris} 1816 and 1846 respectively.
£300.00

Geographer, entomologist, pioneer biographer, etc. ("In 1839 he was appointed conservator for the Department of Maps at the Royal Library in Paris and in 1840 secretary for life in the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres.") Total three pages, folio (2) and 4to (1), some damage, but texts clear and complete. (Ist ITEM, 1816) a "Conseil de Prefecture,Seance du Jeudi 17 Octobre 1816 / Present M. Narchand, Champion & LeConte, membres du Conseil, etc".

Copy of manuscript document 'To The Commissioners for Victualling His Majestys Navy' from 'R. M.'

Author: 
[Maritime History] [The West Indies] [Lord Hugh Seymour]
Publication details: 
His Majestys Ship Carnatio Port Royal Harbour Jamaica November 18. 1801'.
£200.00

4to. 4 pages. In poor condition: on paper creased, discoloured and frayed, with several closed tears, but with the text entirely legible. Apparently a copy, and docketed 'No. 1'. Seymour (1759-1801), the commander in chief at Jamaica, died of yellow fever on 11 September. 'R. M.' begins this unusually forthright document by informing the Commissioners that Seymour's death has caused their 'Letter relative to the public service' to pass under his inspection.

Literary Record and Bibliography [in manuscript] compiled by his great-nephew Edward Rimbault Dibdin

Author: 
Thomas John Dibdin
Publication details: 
4to, 1931
£450.00

The Dictionary of National Biography states that T. J. Dibdin (1771-1841, closely associated with Sadler's Wells, Drury Lane and the Surrey Theatre) wrote 'nearly two thousand songs and about two hundred operas and plays'. This list, which covers the whole of his life from his earliest known work in 1789 to his death in 1841, is compiled with considerable care on the rectos and some of the versos of 79 bound and numbered leaves (most being the letterhead of the North-East Coast Exhibition, of which E. Rimbault Dibdin was the Director).

Indenture between the Mayor and Citizens of the City of Rochester in the County of Kent and Thomas Lediard Citizen and Clothworker of London.

Author: 
[LOCAL HISTORY: ROCHESTER, ENGLAND] Thomas Lediard
Publication details: 
22 January 1682/3.
£250.00

An important piece of local history. Neatly engrossed on one side of piece of stained and discoloured parchment, dimensions approximately 24 inches by 22 inches. Signed at foot by Lediard and with his seal (in poor condition). Signatures of five witnesses on reverse. In poor condition but with text mostly legible. Four holes, two of them affecting text, at intersections of folds in document.

Original cartoon

Author: 
Harry Furniss
Publication details: 
no date
£100.00

Original pencilled cartoon of an old lady drinking champagne, c.1.75" x 3.25". It is unsigned but is drawn on the back of a place card (for a dinner) with Harry Furniss's name on the front. It has, at some time, been separated from a group of such cards (so states a substantial description acccompanying the item) collected by the surgeon Sir James Paget who collected such things at functions of the Royal Academy of Arts.

Manuscript list of members of "E" Battery, "E" Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery

Author: 
Afghan Campaign
Publication details: 
c.1880
£150.00

Manuscript, one page, 7.5 (W) x 19" (L), with list, two columns including information as follows: state (killed and when, dead, discharged, etc.)/ rank from Major to Gunners/ name. About 60 names. Those who were killed mainly died on 27/7/1880, others died at Kandahar. With: typescript, 2 copies, 4pp., folio, listing members of "E" Battery, "Medal Roll of those who took part in the Afghan Campaign, showing those who were awarded the clasp for KANDAHAR",giving regimental number and rank, most names appearing in the manuscript list.

Manuscript Indenture (counterpart of Lease of Brown's premises at no. 342 Strand), on parchment, signed by Brown.

Author: 
Alexander Brown, nineteenth-century bookseller in the Strand, London [Smith and Guscotte, Solicitors, 19 Essex Street, Strand]
Publication details: 
26 July 1865, London.
£125.00

Fifty-two long lines of text, on one side of a single piece of parchment, roughly inches by. '[...] Between John Guscotte of No. 19 Essex Street Strand [...] and Alexander Brown of No. 342 Strand in the County of Middlesex aforesaid Book Seller'. A ten-year lease for a consideration of sixty pounds and yearly rent of one hundred and four pounds. Includes conditions relating to the upkeep of the premises, whitewashing of the walls, display of advertisements, etc.

Signed Autograph Song Lyrics.

Author: 
Joseph Williams Comyns Carr
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£42.00

English art critic and dramatist (1849-1916). One page, octavo. Very good. On grey Truslove, Hanson & Comba paper. Entitled 'Sailor's Chorus', the piece consists of two stanzas of eight lines each. It begins 'Above the mast one single star, | Still loiters in the dawn!' and ends 'Ere the swallows keel shall touch the shore | Yeo Ho! Hearts Ho! Yeo Ho! Haul away!' Signed 'J. Comyns Carr' in bottom left-hand corner.

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