[Duke of Devonshire [Spencer Compton Cavendish (1833-1908), 8th Duke of Devonshire].] Autograph Letter Signed regarding prizegiving at Derby Grammar School

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 4pp, 12mo. Bifolium. Outer sides somewhat grubby, otherwise in good condition, lightly aged. Folded once for postage. Addressed ‘Dear Sir’ and signed ‘Devonshire’. In reply to the unnamed recipient’s letter he explains that he would ‘find it very difficult to come to Derby for the distribution of the Prizes at the Grammar School in the month of July’, as all his ‘free days in that month are already disposed of and parliamentary and official exigencies might interfere with any engagements I might make for the remainder.’ If however he can let him know ‘what amount of time, & at what period of the day, would be required’, he will see whether he can make a ‘provisional engagement’. He recently wrote to the Bishop of Derby regarding the school, ‘and found that the [?] take too desponding a view of its prospects’.