MASTER

[Lord Alverstone [Richard Webster, Lord Chief Justice of England; Irish Home Rule.] Autograph Letter Signed to J. Ellaby, regarding Home Rule and ‘the Ulster Unionist Programme at the next Election’.

Author: 
Lord Alverstone [Richard Webster (1842-1915), 1st Viscount Alverstone, successively Attorney General, Master of the Rolls, Lord Chief Justice of England] [Lord Salisbury; A. J. Balfour]
Publication details: 
23 July 1891; 2 Pump Court, Temple, on embossed letterhead of the Royal Courts of Justice.
£150.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice for postage. Signed ‘Richard Alverstone’ and addressed to ‘J. Ellaby Esq’. He regrets that Ellaby is asking him ‘for more information than it is in my power to give you’. Even if he were ‘in possession of the views of the Government’ he ‘could not disclose them’ to Ellaby, who must form his own opinion ‘from the public utterances of the Prime Minister and Mr. Balfour’.

[William Frere, Master of Downing College, Cambridge.] Autograph Letter Signed to Captain Munby, ‘respecting a house at Yarmouth’.

Author: 
William Frere (1775-1836), Master of Downing College, Cambridge, jurist and editor
Publication details: 
Sergeant’s Inn [London], 7 February [paper watermarked 1819].
£50.00

2pp, 4to. Bifolium, annotated on second leaf ‘Mr Sargt. Frere’. Watermark: ‘STAINS & CO | 1819’. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded for postage. Addressed to ‘Captain Munby &c &c’, and signed ‘William Frere’. He apologises for not answering sooner ‘the communications I have been honored with from you respecting a house at Yarmouth’. He has been in London, where he has suffered ‘some uncertainty as to accepting or declining the offer’.

[William Robert Grossmith; Infant Roscius, Master Grossmith of Reading] Autograph Letter Signed W.R. Grossmith to unknown party, about theatrical arrangements, including his brother..

Author: 
W.R. Grossmith [William Robert Grossmith, also known as Master Grossmith (1818–1899), 19th-century child actor, Master Grossmith [Infant Roscius (II)] became maker of prosthetic limbs].
Publication details: 
Theatre - Sunderland- April 16th | 1842.
£220.00

An actor able to dictate terms!. One page, 4to, sl. aged, fold marks, sl. crumpled but text good and clear (in somewhat awkward handwriting).

[Benjamin Jowett, Master of Balliol College, Oxford, and editor of Plato.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Lucas’ [the future Sir Charles Prestwood Lucas], regarding tutoring Lord Herbrand Russell [the future Duke of Bedford].

Author: 
Benjamin Jowett (1817-1893), Master of Balliol College, Oxford, editor of Plato, theologian and reforming university administrator [Sir Charles Prestwood Lucas; Herbrand Russell, 11th Duke of Bedford]
Publication details: 
29 March 1878; Balliol College [Oxford].
£60.00

The 1880 'Balliol Masque' indicates Jowett's standing, and the pronunciation of his name: 'First come I. My name is Jowett. | There's no knowledge but I know it. | I am Master of this College, | What I don't know isn't knowledge.' See Jowett’s entry, and those of Lucas and Russell, in the Oxford DNB, which states regarding Jowett that by the end of his life he had become ‘synonymous with Balliol, which he turned into the leading college in the first university in the United Kingdom at the height of its world power’. 1p, 12mo. In good condition. Folded twice.

[Lord Albemarle, Whig politician.] Autograph Signature (‘Albemarle’) to a long secretarial letter to the surgeon William Barnard Boddy, describing in detail the state of his cataracts, and discussing possible treatment.

Author: 
Lord Albemarle [William Charles Keppel, 4th Earl of Albemarle] (1772-1849), Whig politician, Master of the Horse who travelled with Queen Victoria to coronation [William Barnard Boddy (1796-1884)]
Publication details: 
24 October 1845; Quidenham, near Kenninghall, Norfolk.
£120.00

An interesting item from a medical point of view, with a well-informed patient describing and discussing his condition, symptoms and treatment options. Three years after the writing of this letter the appropriately-named Boddy, who is addressed here as ‘W. Barnard Boddy Esqr / 3. Saville Row. Walworth’, published ‘Diet and Cholera’ (London, 1848). 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. Fifty-five lines of closely-written text. The signature is large and shaky, and the use of an amanuensis is understandable in the light of the content of the letter.

[Lord Denning, the man Mrs Thatcher considered the greatest modern judge.] Typed Letter Signed (‘Tom Denning.’), thanking Lord Monckton for ‘putting in a word’ with Oliver Franks regarding ‘Cumberland Lodge’ and backing from banks.

Author: 
Lord Denning [Alfred Thompson ‘Tom’ Denning, Baron Denning] (1899-1999), English judge, Master of the Rolls for twenty years, praised by Mrs Thatcher, and author of the Report into the Profumo Affair
Publication details: 
22 November 1961; on letterhead of the House of Lords [Westminster].
£45.00

1p, 4to. In good condition, lightly aged, with punch hole at top left. Receipt stamp at head. Addressed in autograph to ‘My Dear Walter’. Recipients formal name (‘The Right Hon. Viscount Mounkton of Brenchley’) and address at foot. He thanks him for his ‘line about Cumberland Lodge and for having a word with Oliver Franks on the telephone’. He understands Monckton’s ‘doubts whether the banks can give us practical backing, but even if they cannot I am most grateful to you for having taken time to consider it’. He adds in autograph: ‘& putting in a word for us.

[Queen Victoria’s third daughter Princess Helena, later Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein.] Autograph Letter Signed (‘Helena’), explaining the delay in thanking ‘Col: Colville’ for sending an ‘excellent’ sketch.

Author: 
Princess Helena [Helena Augusta Victoria] (1846-1923) of the United Kingdom, later Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, daughter of Queen Victoria [Colonel Sir William James Colville (1827-1903)]
Publication details: 
24 January 1898; on letterhead of Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park.
£45.00

The princess was the third daughter and fifth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. See her entry in the Oxford DNB. Colville, who was ‘Master of the Ceremonies’ to Queen Victoria, was a talented amateur watercolourist. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once. She apologises for the delay in thanking him for ‘the Sketch you so kindly have sent me. Believe me I am not ungrateful. I have had the house full for the last 10 days have not had a moment to myself.’ She considers the sketch ‘excellent’.

Letterbook of Arthur Poyser, Master of the Lord Mayor's Players and Singers, founder of the Lord Mayor's Own 1st City of London B.P. Scouts, containing letters from a number of notable individuas, drawings, programmes, cuttings and other ephemera.

Author: 
Arthur Poyser, International Commissioner for Music, Master of the Lord Mayor's Players and Singers [the Boy Players], and founder in 1908 of the Lord Mayor's Own 1st City of London B.P. Scouts
Publication details: 
Dating from between 1904 and 1938.
£450.00

Poyser was the author of the first 'Official Song-book of the Scout Movement', 'The Scout Song Book' (1912). He published a history of the Tower of London in 1908, 'when I was Master of the Music of the Collegiate Church of Allhallows Barking-by-the-Tower, City of London'. For more information, see The Times, 3 August 1964 ('Roll of Honour for Scouts'). 125 items, including letters, programmes, drawings, postcards, invitations, newspaper and magazine cuttings, relating to the Boy Players and 1st City of London Scout Troop.

[Sir William Grant, Scottish lawyer and English judge.] Autograph Note in the third person, regarding 'the Old Fish Dinner party'.

Author: 
Sir William Grant (1752-1832), Scottish lawyer and English judge, Attorney General for Quebec, Member of Parliament, Master of the Rolls
Publication details: 
23 June 1829. Lincoln's Inn Fields [London].
£30.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. On one side of a 12 x 11 cm piece of paper. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Reads: 'Lincoln's Inn Fields | 23d. June 1829 | Sir Wm. Grant will have the honor of joining the Old Fish Dinner party on Saty. the 27th. of June.'

[Benjamin Jowett, Master of Balliol College, Oxford.] Autograph Letter Signed ('B. Jowett') to T. W. Jex-Blake, Headmaster of Rugby School, regarding 'the prosperity' of the school, the regaining of its 'prestige', and the accepting of 'certificates

Author: 
Benjamin Jowett (1817-1893), Master of Balliol College, Oxford, influential tutor and administrator at the University [Thomas William Jex-Blake (1832-1915), Headmaster of Rugby School, Dean of Wells]
Publication details: 
27 September [no year]. Oxford.
£120.00

The 1880 'Balliol Masque' indicates Jowett's standing, and the pronunciation of his name: 'First come I. My name is Jowett. | There's no knowledge but I know it. | I am Master of this College, |What I don't know isn't knowledge.' 2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with fold lines. Begins: 'My dear Jex Blake | I am very glad to hear of the prosperity of Rugby, in which I shall always take a great interest.

[Sir George Jessel, Master of the Rolls.] Autograph Letter Signed ('G. Jessel') to E. A. Scott, explaining why he has changed his mind about withdrawing his son [the future Sir Charles James Jessel] from Rugby School.

Author: 
Sir George Jessel (1824-1883), British judge, Master of the Rolls, the first Jew to be a regular member of the Privy Council [his son Sir Charles James Jessel (1860-1928); E. A. Scott of Rugby School]
Publication details: 
24 October 1878; Ladham House, Goldhurst.
£150.00

For Jessel's judicial high standing see his entry in the Oxford DNB. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once. In envelope with Penny Red and postmarks, and 'LADHAM HOUSE, | GOLDHURST' printed on the flap, addressed by Jessel to 'E. A. Scott Esq | Schoolfield | Rugby | Warwickshire'. The envelope is signed 'G. Jessel' at bottom left of cover, and the letter concludes with the same signature. He is 'glad to be able now to withdraw the notice' he gave Scott about his son Charles 'leaving Rugby'.

[Lord Albemarle, Whig politician and racehorse owner.] Autograph Letter in the third person to the Mayor Elect of Yarmouth, declining a dinner invitation.

Author: 
Lord Albemarle [William Charles Keppel, 4th Earl of Albemarle] (1772-1849), Whig politician and racehorse owner
Publication details: 
Quidenham [Norfolk]. 24 September 1815.
£56.00

1p, 8vo. In good condition. Laid down on part of leaf from album. Reads: 'Lord Albemarle presents His Compliments to the Mayor Elect, and is sorry to find that It is not in his power to have the Honor of dining with him at Yarmouth on Michaelmas Day next.'

[Joseph Jekyll, lawyer, politician and wit.] Autograph jeu d'esprit, signed 'J Jekyll.', addressed to 'Mr Erskine' [i.e. Thomas Erskine, future Lord Chancellor], short poem regarding 'Mrs. Crewe' and Jekyll sitting 'on Lunacy'.

Author: 
Joseph Jekyll (1754-1837), Scottish lawyer, politician and wit [Lord Erskine [Thomas Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine] (1750-1823), Lord Chancellor]
Publication details: 
No place. Dated 30 June 1800.
£220.00

1p, 8vo. On bifolium addressed on verso of second leaf to 'Mr. Erskine'. In good condition, lightly aged. Autograph jeu d'esprit, signed at foot 'J. Jekyll. | June 30th. 1800'. A short poem reading: 'Tell Mrs. Crewe | I envy You. | But sit on Lu- | nacy. || Yet Mrs. Crewe | will think I'm stu | pid in my lu | -cid Intervals.' Jekyll's entry in the Oxford DNB concludes, perhaps unkindly: 'If he is remembered by later generations, it is chiefly as a wit. It has to be said, however, that his wit, which consisted in large measure of excruciating puns, has not lasted well.'

[ Charles John Vaughan, Headmaster of Harrow School and Dean of Llandaff. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('C. J. Vaughan'), regarding a payment received by him from 'Rustal's Charity'.

Author: 
Charles John Vaughan (1816-1897), Headmaster of Harrow School, Master of the Temple, Dean of Llandaff, President of University College, Cardiff
Publication details: 
Leicester. 15 July 1842.
£45.00

1p., 12mo. With mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged. He found the recipient's 'kind letter' on his return home, and thanks him for it and for his 'good offices in procuring me the payment from Rustal's Charity'. He asks him to communicate his best thanks to the Trustees, 'at the next opportunity which may occur'.

[ William Leighton Leitch, Drawing Master to Queen Victoria. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W. L. Leitch') to the pianist and composer Clara Angela Macirone

Author: 
William Leighton Leitch (1804-1883), Scottish watercolour painter, Drawing Master to Queen Victoria [ Clara Angela Macirone (1821-1895), pianist and composer ]
Publication details: 
124 Alexandra Rd, St John's Wood [ London ]. 28 November1872.
£50.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium with mourning border. In good condition, lightly aged. A spirited and characteristic letter. He begins by explaining that he has been 'exceedingly tormented with neuralgia for the last week' and is 'still very ill at ease'. He has not been 'out of doors for some time - & tis quite impossible just now'. He regrets 'missing Dear Old Mozart - & seeing you all', but hopes to 'make up for the loss by being most dreadfully pleasant'.

[ Field Marshal William Harcourt, 3rd Earl Harcourt. ] Autograph Signature ('Harcourt') to a secretarial letter to 'Mr Simpson', soliciting his vote for Captain Sir Murray Maxwell's candidacy in the Westminster election.

Author: 
Field Marshal William Harcourt (1743-1830), 3rd Earl Harcourt, army officer, Master of the Horse to Queen Charlotte, Colonel of the 16th Regiment of Light Dragoons [ Captain Sir Murray Maxwell ]
Publication details: 
St. Leonard's. 10 June 1818.
£45.00

1p., 4to. Bifolium. Addressed with postmarks, on reverse of second leaf, to 'Mr. Simpson, | Clothiere, | St. Martin's Lane | London.' In fair condition, on aged paper. Docketted with Harcourt's dates. The letter reads: 'Sir, | Captain Sir Murray Maxwell having signified his intention of offering himself as a Candidate for Westminster at the ensuing Election; I shall be much obliged to you if you will give him Your Vote upon that occasion.' In the 1818 general election Maxwell (1775-1831) was defeated by less than 400 votes, losing to Sir Samuel Romilly and Sir Francis Burdett.

[ Presentation copy from 'R. B.', i.e. the publisher Richard Bentley, to his assistant-editor H. E. G. Evans. ] Lord Althorp. By Ernest Myers.

Author: 
Ernest Myers [ Richard Bentley, London publisher; his assistant-editor H. E. G. Evans ]
Publication details: 
London: Richard Bentley and Son. Publishers in Ordinary to Her Majesty the Queen. 1890. [ Printed by William Clowes and Sons, Limited, London and Beccles. ]
£80.00

v + [2] + 240pp., 8vo. In original dark-blue cloth binding, gilt. Grey on brown printed endpapers with Bentley's 'Fide et Fiducia' motif. In good condition, in like binding, with bookplate neatly removed from front pastedown. Binder's ticket of Burns & Co. at rear. At the head of the reverse of the front free endpaper Bentley has written: 'H. E. G. Evans from R. B. | 19 Octr.

[ Arthur Herman Gilkes, Master of Dulwich College. ] Autograph Note Signed ('A. H. Gilkes'), regarding his entry in a biographical dictionary.

Author: 
A. H. Gilkes [ Arthur Herman Gilkes ] (1849-1922), Master of Dulwich College, educationalist and author
Publication details: 
Dulwich College. 20 April [ no year, but after 1897 ].
£45.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Evidently written to the editor of a biographical dictionary. Reads: 'Dear Sir | I enclose the notice, with the names of the two book, [sic] | 'The thing that hath been” & “Kallistratus”, | that I have written since the first issue. | I am yours very truly | A. H. Gilkes'. The dates of the two books are 1894 and 1897.

[ H. Montagu Butler, ] Autograph Letter Signed ('H. Montagu Butler') [ to Major Robert Guthrie Macgregor ], regarding the gift to Harrow of his 'Translations from the Greek Anthology'.

Author: 
Henry Montagu Butler (1833-1918), Headmaster of Harrow School, and Master of Trinity College, Cambridge [ Major Robert Guthrie Macgregor (1805-1869) ]
Publication details: 
Harrow. 28 October 1864.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. He thanks him for his 'very kind present to our School Library': 'The "Greek Anthology" will, I need not say, be a most acceptable addition to our treasures.' Guthrie's 'name will duly appear in our annual list of those friends who during the last twelve months have provevd themselves Benfactors to the Library'.

[ Henry Montagu Butler, Headmast of Harrow School and Master of Trinity College, Cambridge. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'H Montagu Butler'), regarding the presentation to 'our best Greek Scholar' of 'two beautiful volumes'.

Author: 
H. Montagu Butler [ Henry Montagu Butler ] (1833-1918), Headmaster of Harrow School, Master of Trinity College, Cambridge
Publication details: 
Both from Harrow. 2 and 16 June 1870.
£50.00

The two items are addressed to the same individual, who is not named. Both in good condition, lightly aged, with minor traces of mount at head of second leaf. ONE: 2 June 1870. 3pp., 12mo. He begins by apologising for the tardy reply which has caused the recipient to write again, saying that he has 'scarcely been able to command a leisure moment'. He hopes that Harrow will be 'more fortunate than last year in securing your presence at our Speeches.

[ Charles John Vaughan, Headmaster of Harrow School. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('C J Vaughan') to Lady Russell, explaining that his 'Presentation to Christ's Hospital' has been given away.

Author: 
Charles John Vaughan (1816-1897), Headmaster of Harrow School, Master of the Temple, and Dean of Llandaff [ Frances Russell, Countess Russell [ Lady Russell ] (1815-1898) ]
Publication details: 
On embossed letterhead of the Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall [ London ], but with 'Address | Llandaff' written by Vaughan. 23 October 1882.
£50.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with traces of glue from mount at head of first page. He is sorry to say 'that my Presentation to Christ's Hospital has long been given away to the Orphan son of an old Harrow Pupil who died early & left his family ill provided for'. He ends by describing his family's whereabouts.

[ Edmond Warre, Head Master of Eton College. ] Autograph Letter Signed to 'My dear Hugh' (a former pupil?), sending 'the usual Certificate', discussing his father's ill health, and with mention of 'Cyril' and the Hampton Court Tapestry.

Author: 
Edmond Warre (1837-1920), successively Provost and Head Master of Eton College, and outstanding rower
Publication details: 
Eton (on his monogrammed letterhead); 8 October 1882.
£60.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. He is sending 'the usual Certificate', and is sorry to hear of the recipient's father's accident. 'How did he do it? I hope he will have no ill effects from it.' He asks to be remembered to his mother. 'Cyril is staying out with a Cold to day but not much the matter.' He concludes: 'I hope you will get through the Exam all right at Balliol. Come & see us on yr way down'. A postscript refers to 'the Hampton Court Tapestry "The Fates" 3 pieces', and ends with a Latin quotation.

[ Jocelyn Fitzgerald Ruthven, master mariner. ] Twenty-five items from his papers: correspondence, vellum certificates, commissions, testimonials, including address signed by 79 passengers on first (maiden) voyage to Australia of SS Orient.

Author: 
Jocelyn Fitzgerald Ruthven [ born Jocelyn Fitzgerald Trotter ] (1849-1943), master mariner in Britain and Australia, Commodore of the Orient Line
Publication details: 
[ Orient Steam Navigation Company Ltd. ] England (London, Liverpool and Redhill) and Australia (New South Wales), between 1863 and 1912.
£2,250.00

Ruthven was born in Ireland, the son of Galway landowner Clifford Trotter. He was a master mariner, a Younger Brother of Trinity House, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and wrote several nautical manuals. At the time of his retirement as commodore of the Orient Line of ships in 1911, Ruthven had completed forty-five years at sea and thirty years in command of Orient steamers (Orient Steam Navigation Company, Limited – hereafter OSNC).

[ Richard Webster, Viscount Alverstone, as Attorney General. ] Four Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Richard E Webster') to Sir Richard Harington, regarding changes to a parliamentary bill [Legal Aid?]. With draft letter from Harington to Webster.

Author: 
Richard Webster [ Richard Everard Webster ], 1st Viscount Alverstone (1842-1915), Master of the Rolls and three times Attorney General [ Sir Richard Harington (1835–1911) of Ridlington, 11th Baronet ]
Publication details: 
The first three on letterheads of 2 Pump Court, Temple, E.C. [ London ]; the fourth from the same address, on letterhead of the Royal Courts of Justice. 13, 22, 24 and 28 April 1897. Harington's draft, Whitbourne Court, Worcester; 14 April 1897.
£220.00

Five items, in good condition, lightly aged and worn. Webster's four letters total 6pp., 12mo.

[ George Granville Bradley, Dean of Westminster. ] Three Autograph Letters Signed (all 'G G Bradley') to Sir Richard Harrington, responding to the news that Harington's son, who was 'superannuated' from Westminster School, is now 'good & useful'

Author: 
G. G. Bradley [ George Granville Bradley ] (1821-1903), Dean of Westminster and school master [ Sir Richard Harington (1835–1911) of Ridlington, 11th Baronet ]
Publication details: 
All three on letterhead of The Deanery, Westminster, S.W.' Two from 18 October 1897, the other from 25 October 1897.
£90.00

The three items are in good condition, ondff lightly aged and worn. Three interesting items, responding tactfully to what would appear to be an accusatory communication by Harington, pointing out that his son has succeeded despite having been 'superannuated' from Westminster School. ONE: 18 October 1898. 4pp., 12mo. Begins: 'Dear Sir Richard Harington | I am delighted to read the two enclosures. The Winnington-Ingrams one associated with many memories of my Rugby, Marlborough, & later days!' He will send the enclosures to the Head Master, [b]ut I won't rebuke him or convey any rebuke.

[ Lord Lindley, Master of the Rolls. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Nathl Lindley') to Sir Richard Harington, with regard to his application for an Indian judgeship.

Author: 
Nathaniel Lindley (1828-1921), Baron Lindley [ Lord Lindley ], English judge, Master of the Rolls 1897-1900
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 19 Craven Hill Gardens, Hyde Park, W. [ London ] 2 June 1899.
£56.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper. A cordial and businesslike missive, reading: 'My dear Harington | Judges at least old ones like myself do not give testimonials to men at the Bar seeking appointments | But you may with pleasure say that you have my permission to refer to me & that may be of use to you; or it may not for the indian Secretary does not know me personally & he may not therefore refer to me at all'.

[ James Brudenell, 5th Earl of Cardigan. ] Autograph Signature ('Brudenell') on manuscript Exchequer receipt.

Author: 
James Brudenell, 5th Earl of Cardigan (1725-1811), Master of the Robes
Publication details: 
[ Court of Exchequer, London. ] 3 November 1779.
£75.00

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, on aged paper, with particular wear along one edge (not affecting the signature). Records a payment of £5000. Signed by the witness, 'Gabriel Mathias', and made out in his hand. On the reverse, in light pencil in a nineteenth-century hand: 'Master of the Robes to his Majesty'. For more information on Brudenell, who was Master of the Robes to the Prince of Wales and to the King, 1758-1790, see his entry in the History of Parliament.

[ William Berkeley, 4th Baron Berkeley of Stratton. ] Autograph Signature ('Berkeley') on part of an Exchequer receipt, as 'Executr. of Ann Gendrault assignee of James Gendrault.

Author: 
William Berkeley, 4th Baron Berkeley of Stratton (d.1741), Master of the Rolls in Ireland, 1696-1731, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, 1710-1714 [ Anne and James Gendrault, Huguenots ]
Publication details: 
Her Majesty's Receipt of Exchequer, London. 20 December 1714.
£120.00

On 15 x 12 cm. piece of paper, cut from a printed document completed in manuscript. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper, laid down on square of plain paper. Payment of an annuity ('for carrying on the War, and other Her Majesty's Occasions').

[ Brewing in Kent ] Manuscript volume of early Victorian English [Kentish?] master brewer's dated records & calculations, with brewery unknown but employees named and occasional memoranda.

Author: 
[Log book of a nineteenth-century English [Kentish?] Master Brewer, 1841 to 1844]
Publication details: 
Entries dated from 8 October 1841 to 14 May 1844.
£350.00

8vo, 249 pp. In original black leather blind-tooled binding, marbled endpapers. The text clear and complete, apart from a few leaves at the front and end which have faded through damp damage, and one leaf becoming detached and worn at extremities. The damp has also detached the book from the binding, the glue of which has dissolved. The only clue of the location of the brewery is the reference to 'Ramsgate', below. The volume consists almost exclusively of pages of closely-written dated calculations, with pages giving number of barrels of 'Stocks pumped up' and 'left for next brew[in]g'.

[ Jefferson Miles, Proof Master General of Ordnance. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Jeaffreson Miles') to Robert Eddowes, Ordnance Storekeeper at Portsmouth, directing him to have all his receipts signed.

Author: 
Jeaffreson MIles [ Jefferson Miles ] (d.1763), Proof Master General of Ordnance [ Robert Eddowes, Ordnance Storekeeper at Portsmouth; Royal Navy ]
Publication details: 
Office of Ordnance [ London ]. 17 July 1753.
£250.00

1p., folio. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with postmark, 'To | Robert Eddowes Esqr | Ordnance Storekeeper | at | Portsmouth'. 24 lines of neatly-written text. An unusually emphatic communication, the possibility of fraud clearly being in the air.

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