[James Anthony Froude, historian and editor of Fraser's Magazine.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J A Froude') to 'Sellers', discussing the 'State of Spain' ('the reductio ad asbsurdum of the nonsense about the rights of man').

Author: 
J. A. Froude [James Anthony Froude] (1818-1894), Victorian historian, editor of Fraser's Magazine, disciple and biographer of Thomas Carlyle
Publication details: 
Glenlyn, Lynmouth [North Devon], on letterhead of 5 Onslow Gardens, S.W. [London] 30 July [1871].
£90.00
SKU: 21227

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, the blank reverse of the second leaf laid down on a leaf removed from an album. Written in a hurried hand, with the meaning unclear in parts. The letter would appear to discuss the republican and Carlist insurrections against Amadeo I, the only King of Spain from the House of Savoy, who replaced the deposed Isabella II in 1870, and reigned until 1873. Froude begins by explaining that his silence has been due to the fact that he has been 'out of town for the Summer'. He is extremely sorry to have missed Sellars, as he 'must have much to say of extreme interest'. The letter continues: 'The State of Spain is the reductio ad asbsurdum of the nonsense about the rights of man which has been preached in our ears for a Century | England after being Gladstonized is only not as Spain because she has trained for many long ages in another school. And we shall be as Spain unless we open our eyes.' He fears that Sellars himself 'will have suffered seriously, & there is no immediate prospect of a change for the better.' The passage that follows is not entirely clear, but appears to read: 'I am growing to hope that the mountaineers will [as?] at any rate thrash the café haunting armies playing Bull fight [hanging?] rascals that have been the scandal & torment of the Country.' The letter concludes: 'Whatever happens afterwards we shall be in London in September. I hardly know whether or no to hope that we shall find you there'.