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[ANNE (1665–1714), Queen of Great Britain and Ireland]. Order of the Privy Council signed by its President, Lord Mulgrave, folio, at the Council Chamber of St James, 5th August 1714, with embossed wafer seal, and docketed on the reverse of the integral blank. Ordering the arrangements for the funeral of the Queen "That on the day of Her late Majesty's Funerall Directions be given for Three Regiments of Foot Guards ...... to line the way from the Gate-house to Westminster Abby, likewise in the Abby and in the Passages of the Sanctuary ....... and Her Majesty's body proceed by Buckingham House to the Abby to line the streets on both sides ........ and His Grace the Duke of Ormond Captain Generl of His Majs Forces is desired to give the necessary directions herein". Reverse of integral blank browned, and with remains of mounting hinges on one edge.

Queen Anne died on the morning of 1st August 1714 at Kensington Palace. Immediately afterwards, the Privy Council assembled at Kensington, where the regency nominations of the new king were opened, the regency council established, and the lords justices sworn in. George I was proclaimed king that afternoon. Anne's funeral was postponed 'by reason the ladies could not get their clothes ready', and finally took place on 23rd August.

Arnold, Thomas (1795–1842), headmaster and historian. Autograph letter signed to Captain Beaufort R.N., 3 sides, 4to, Rugby March 19th 1830. Thanking Beaufort for sending drawings of the coast of Megara, and discussing at length locations in ancient Greece, attempting to reconcile descriptions of classical authors with modern geography. Mounted on an old album page, the top corner of the second leaf cut away, removing about 4 words, and one tear repaired to the rear.

Arnold had a lifelong passion for ancient history, and Francis Beaufort (naval officer and hydrographer, 1774–1857), took a practical interest in ancient geography. Beaufort's "Karamania, or, A brief description of the south coast of Asia minor, and of the remains of antiquity" published in 1817, demonstrate his skills as a surveyor and explorer, together with his interest in ancient history. The letter was written at the beginning of Arnold's position as headmaster of Rugby School, and the commencement of Beaufort's post as hydrographer of the Navy. For both men, these positions proved the most important in their careers.

BARRY, Sir Charles (1795–1860), architect. Autograph letter signed to Mr Burgon, 3 sides, 8vo, Westminster 2nd July 1847. Thanking him for his present and poems: "thank you for your little collection of poems which I have read with much interest, and to assure you that I am much gratified & flattered by your encomium upon my great work, which I rejoice to find has afforded you so much pleasure & satisfaction". Narrow strip of paper adhering to back edge indicating removal from an album page.

Barry was responsible for many private and public commissions, and is best known for his work on the rebuilding of the Houses of Parliament after their destruction by fire in 1834. The House of Lords was completed in 1847 and the House of Commons finished in 1852, but the huge project was a considerable strain for him. The recipient of his letter is probably John William Burgon (1813-1888), biblical scholar, and later dean of Chichester. Burgon won the Oxford University Newdigate prize in 1845 for a poem, and his collected poems were published in 1885.

BEDLAM HOSPITAL. Contemporary copy of a Petition of Andrew Bauld merchant in Arbroath "and one of His Majesty's Messengers for Scotland", to Sir William Fettes, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, folio, 4 sides, Bedlam 19th November 1805. "your petitioner came over here on business, in the beginning of October last ...... my Landlord swindled me out of every article of Property that I had about me ........ and afterwards thrust me out of his house upon the Street without either a hatt on my head or shoes on my feet. In this Situation I was arrested by some men belonging the police and by them carried to the Prison and thrown into a Dungeon which I found out to be the necessary house the smell of which was enough to destroy any human ......... I was then .... brought before a man of the name of Mr. Medcalf who ordered my pockitts to be searched when my pockitt book containing my Papers was taken from me. I was then put down in a dark hole below below ground and afterwards Loaded with irons and fettered with ropes in a manner too shocking to rilate, some bread and water was allowed me which was placed on an old Guard bed but how was I to reach it fetterd in this situation I had some times to creep upon my belly and other times upon my back for neer an hour before I could reach the place where my bread & water was placd ........ I was servd in this manner for five days then my irons were knocked off I was then dragged ...... through one street and then an other untill I came where I now am and as soon as my human keeper had learned that I was Sound in Mind he has indulged me in every respect with humanity as far as the rules of the House would permitt ...... Lett me be brought to your Lordships barr & heard & punished accordingly as I diserve to this I am willing & ready to submitt".

Sir William Fettes, baronet (1750–1836), was in 1805 elected for a second time as Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and as such was an influential figure for a fellow Scotsman to consider Bauld's appeal. The Edinburgh Bedlam was attached to the Edinburgh Charity Workhouse behind modern-day Teviot Place.

BLACKLOCK, Thomas (1721–1791), poet and writer. Autograph letter signed to the Earl of Buchan, 1 side, docketed on the reverse, 4to, Chapel Street. April 27 1785. Regarding the translation of a manuscript "Your Lordship will doubtless be surprised to have heard nothing of the Deserter til now, but strange as the procrastination may seem, its causes were equally inevitable and irrestible. A few days had only elapsed since its return from Prof. Stewart, nor has he yet communicated his sentiments of the translation. I could have wished to revise it myself for as it is the first draft with all its imperfections on its head. I am not certain whether in some place it may not be illegible."

Blacklock (who lost his sight owing to smallpox in infancy) is writing to David Erskine, eleventh earl of Buchan (1742–1829), antiquary and political reformer, who retired from politics in 1780, taking up a special interest in Scottish antiquarianism. The manuscript he refers to had been sent to Dugald Stewart (who had just obtained the chair of moral philosophy at the University of Edinburgh) whose comments he was awaiting. The identification of the manuscript - "the Deserter" is uncertain. A ballet Le déserteur was written and staged in France in 1785, translations of which were printed in London the same year.

BRITTON, John (1771–1857), antiquary and topographer. Autograph letter signed to D. Maclise R.A., 1 side, with integral blank, 8vo, October 29^th 1853. Regarding sketches of Stonehenge: "My friend McKewan having made some clever sketches of Stone Henge I send them for your inspection and hope they will afford you some amusement. When you have looked them over, may I beg the favour of you to send them to our mutual friend, Roberts with the accompanying form". Integral blank with pencil notes about Britton, with the corners damaged by removal from an album. The letter comes with a cut down engraving of Britton from the Universal Magazine, 1820.

Britton's correspondent is Daniel Maclise (1806- 1870), a talented painter of portraits and history painting, and was a pioneer in conducting extensive research for his historical subjects. David Hall McKewan (1816–1873), was a watercolour painter, who became a full member of the New Watercolour Society in 1850. Britton campaigned vigorously for governmental protection of ancient monuments in his later years.

CLARK, Elizabeth (chr.1774). Autograph letter signed to James Clark, on board the Worcester, East Indiaman, St Helena, 2 sides folio with integral blank with address panel, Portsmouth, March 17, 1798. A charming long letter from Clark’s wife, with news from home. “I was brought to bed With a fine Girl the wensday as you saild The Saterday we are booth Harty.. I have had Her Cristned Elizea Marchall Clark as you Deseired me”…….. “Willm the Capins Steward with all Most all the young men you knew in The Ceaser have left her Charle Price means to run away – Hardy is Marred”…….. “Mr. Scott have left the Adrimel come to Portsth He tryd in the River to get a Indeaman but He was Engaged .. he said he wishd he had knowd your Mind he woud went out with you .. he is trying to get Stward of a Ship here” …….. “when you write wich I hope My Dr Clark will Be soon Pray lett me know if I am to have The Child Innochulected or not I don’t Much approve of it myself”……… and in a post-script “Pray don’t gitt drunk”.

Elizabeth was born in Portsmouth in 1774, the daughter of Stephen and Sarah Clungeon, and married James Clark at Alverstone, Hampshire, on 19^th October 1795. James Clark’s ship the Worcester, was the ship in which Mungo Park (the explorer) made his first voyage, in 1793, to Sumatra, as assistant surgeon. Elizabeth’s mention of whether to have their daughter inoculated is interesting - inoculation was widely practiced in the late 18^th century to minimise smallpox infection, with a mortality rate of about 1 in 200. Edward Jenner, the pioneer of smallpox vaccination, performed the first documented cowpox inoculation on 14 May 1796, and conducted more vaccinations in March–April 1798, which he held was a safe alternative, producing lifelong immunity to smallpox.

CLARKE, Edward Daniel (1769–1822), antiquary and mineralogist. Two autograph letters signed to James Sowerby:

1. Autograph letter signed to Mr Sowerby care of R. Taylor & Co., Printers, Black Horse Court, Fleet Street, London, 4to 3 sides, Cambridge, with address panel bearing a red postmark dated November 19 1804, and docketed. Expressing satisfaction at seeing the completion of the first volume of Sowerby's British Mineralogy : "I ...... await anxiously for the next Number, that I may have it bound & examine it more easily. There is no one of your subscribers who has more interest in its welfare that I have, & I will make a few remarks that strike me................ I regret very much, & told you so in the beginning that on a subject of such importance as Mineralogy, you have confined the work to British specimens; because the introduction of exotics would have added few to the collection, & you would have had better examples. Many important facts have escaped your notice on this account such as the cristallization of substances, which were in themselves the result of imperfect cristallization. This fact Count Bournon never would acknowledge". Clarke goes on to offer to lend Sowerby various minerals that might usefully illustrate various crystallographic features, which he describes in some detail. The paper has light brown staining and a small portion has torn off with the seal affecting one word and

2. Autograph letter signed to J.Sowerby Esqr. No. 2 Mead Place, Lambeth, 4to 3 sides, Cambridge, May 4 1821, with address panel bearing a red postmark and Cambridge mark, acknowledging receipt of a parcel from Sowerby, saying he has "forwarded to Professor Sedgewicke the Number of the Mineral Conchology as directed" and thanking him "For the magnificent specimens which you have sent to my Lectures of the Tirie Marble ...............I shall make a public acknowledgement of your contribution to the Collection at my next lecture on Tuesday. But you have sent a specimen of the white Marble. Pray answer me by return of post, was that specimen also from Tirie; or was it from Glen Tilt, near the Duke of Athol’s seat? In your answer also tell me where the small curious Carbonate of Lime crystals came from?". He closes in referring to numbers of The Mineral Conchology - "you may send them as suits your convenience best – monthly or yearly; and believe me that by the sacrifice of this single number to the University Library you will find that you will sell many copies which would not otherwise be called for. The beautiful Plates you have sent I shall exhibit as Specimens of the Work both at my Lectures and in the Public Library". Small piece of paper removed from one edge by the seal.

Clarke began collecting minerals shortly after graduating from Cambridge, and toured widely on the continent from 1792 to 1802 amassing a significant collection of minerals and antiquities. In 1803 he was awarded the degree of LLD by the University of Cambridge, and in 1805 he was appointed senior tutor of Jesus College, although he resigned from this post in 1806 upon his marriage. In 1808 he was appointed as the first professor of mineralogy at Cambridge, and in 1817 was elected as the University's librarian.

His correspondent was the natural history artist, publisher, and collector James Sowerby (1757–1822), who adopted a special interest in geology, producing three exceptionally finely illustrated part publications British Mineralogy (1802–17), Exotic Mineralogy (1811–20) and (commencing) The Mineral Conchology of Great Britain (1812–46). As fine as these part publications were, subscribers were critical and dissatisfied by their irregular appearance, incompleteness, and errors.(ODNB).

CODRINGTON, Sir William John (1804–1884), army officer. Autograph letter signed to Lt. Col. Neale, 4 sides, 8vo, 110 Eton Square, SW. 5^th April 1857. Providing a reference for his fellow officer who served in the Crimea : "it gives me much pleasure to remember the zeal and activity with which we carried out the duties of your position at Varna .........Whilst I was Commander of the Forces from November 1855 the main communications were carried on with Constantinople: but important duty was also continued by the Commissariat, the electric telegraph and other establishments by means of Varna, and it was with pleasure that I heard of the facilities and assistance which you have always afforded to the Department of the army which were there under my orders." On blue paper, with embossed address and crest. A few marks on the last leaf.

Codrington arrived in Varna on 13 June 1854, and on 1st September took over the 1st brigade of the light division, who he led into battle at the Alma on the 20th. He fought in November at Inckerman, and in 1855 at Sevastopol, becoming commander-in-chief of the campaign. He left the Peninsula on 12 July 1856. On his return to England, Codrington became colonel of the 54th foot on 11 August 1856 and Liberal MP for Greenwich in 1857.

COMBE, George (1788–1858), phrenologist. Autograph letter signed to Dr James Browne, Mercury Office, 2 sides plus integral blank with address panel and seal, 8vo, Edinburgh, 4th February 1828, thanking him for his note, and saying that his own "was written in ignorance of the nature of Sir Wm Hmilton’s letter which appeared in this day’s mercury" and having read it "I most heartily rejoice that he has rendered further correspondence on my part unnecessary ....... I am not surprised at your readers being tired of the discussion, for it had long ago lost all interest both to Dr. Spurzheim & myself; & we wrote purely in defence." Paper corner torn away by wax seal on integral blank.

George Combe became a lawyer, but took up an interest in phrenology, attended a dissection of the brain by Caspar Spurzheim in 1816, and subsequently published and lectured on phrenology widely in the 1820s. His adversary, Sir William Stirling Hamilton (1788–1856), an advocate at the Edinburgh bar, spent much of his spare time engaged in anatomical research in efforts to discredit phrenology and Combe's views. Combe's correspondent Dr James Browne (1793–1841), having become an advocate, but failing to obtain a practice, turned to a literary career, and in 1827 became editor of the Caledonian Mercury.

JAMES CURRIE TO ERASMUS DARWIN ON PERSPIRATION

CURRIE, James (1756–1805), physician and author. Autograph letter signed to Dr Darwin, Derby, 3 sides with post-script on address panel, Liverpool, November 1796, regarding a letter from a Mrs Riddell, and with a long discussion on perspiration. In opening this discussion he writes "In regard to my critique on your account of the matter of perspiration (E.R. July p22) you will … see that I agree with you in thinking that the matter of perspiration is not excrementitious , as Hoffman supposed: that I assent also to your opinion that it serves to keep the skin moist etc., but that “it does not seem to us, that he (Dr. Dee) has enumerated all, or perhaps the principal affects of perspiration” – This has a -?- to an opinion I have for some time entertained on the principal affect of perspiration, founded partly on reasoning, partly on experiment; viz, that this process serves in a great measure to regulate the animal heat. That there is some animal function which performs this office is evident; I think it is perspiration". Currie goes on to describe detailed observations and experiments relating to perspiration and body heat, concluding "This is my notion, supported I think by sound expts of my own, in resting on a fair basis of facts reasonings & analysis. I say no more at present; but shall esteem myself particularly obliged by your considering the point in telling me what you see objectionable. I wish this the more because, I shall hazard some speculation on the subject in public. What I have said will explain to you why I supposed you had enumerated some but not all of the affects of perspiration". A fine and important letter.

James Currie FRS was at this time physician to the Liverpool Infirmary, and an important figure in the abolition of the slave trade. His most important medical work was Medical reports, on the effects of water, cold and warm, as a remedy in fever and other diseases first published in 1797. He borrowed the idea of treating fevers with cool baths from William Wright, but supported it with many clinical experiments and observations, including simultaneous observations of the pulse rate and temperature of fever patients (ODNB).

His correspondent Dr Erasmus Erasmus (1731–1802) was widely respected as a physician and was a great innovator in medical treatment. He maintained a wide circle of correspondents including Currie. This letter is part of an important correspondence between Currie and Darwin on the role of perspiration in fever, in which Darwin helped move Currie towards the conclusion that it caused the patient’s temperature to fall. This letter dates to a pivotal time in the debate on the subject.

DAVIS, St. George Clarence Spurling (1827-1852) Assistant Engineer, Royal Navy. Manuscript journal, 101 sides of close written entries, with occasional small ink drawings, elongated half calf binding with marbled boards, 220 x 150 mm, inscribed on the inner board "St George C.S. Davis Lisbon March 1851", with entries from 6th April 1851 to 15th May 1852. Enclosed also is a 4to sheet of paper with cricket scores.

Davis begins his journal in the middle of a mutiny off Portugal, "they provided themselves with cannister shot & other missiles, and as soon as the light was put out at one bell, commenced a repulse row, pelting the Officers who endeavoured to stop it, broke the Corporal's chest with a 32lb or 10 inch shot ......... Marines were then placed to guard all the hatchways the well affected & wideawake having made their escape & the 1st Lieut & other officers went down & took all the names on the lower deck. (The Capt. had read the article of War on mutinous assemblies etc. & the provision for reasonable complaint etc. in the afternoon)" and the next day 7th April "Capts. Smart of Indefatigable & Davies of Leander ...... went through the charges contained in two annoymous letters which had been written to the Captain", listing eight complaints relating to longs hours, limited rest and leave, abuse etc. Further disturbances occurred on the 7th April, and on the 8th "3 men with a boy were brought up - 2 of them were flogged - They were to have had 3 dozen each; but one who had previous good character was let off with 2. A Petty Officer who was detected in the first outbreak was disrated & put in the afterguard."

Davis and his ship return to Lisbon, where life returns to a mixture of work and leisure. The Royal Navy vessels based at Lisbon are engaged in regular sea trials, and Davis takes a special interest in these as an engineer. He records the arrival and departure of various vessels, eg "Retribution ..... left for England taking Young & also the body of Captain Snow who shot himself the day before in his cabin". Davis's leisure time is taken up with frequent games of cricket - the results of one match, between the members of Phaeton & Arrogant and Squadron & Club, are recorded in detail on an enclosed folded 4to sheet dated 22 April 1851. He makes several comments when out and about in Lisbon - "...omitted to mention yesterday having seen the Queen for the first time. She was driving in an open barouche. She is immensely fat & not at all good humoured looking", and describes at length visits to churches, and gives a long description of a tobacco factory.

On 15th June Davis's ship is ordered "to go England to convey the Prince of Saxe Coburg & Gotha to his father's bedside as he was dying" (Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, consort king of Portugal and Algarves, whose father Ferdinand Georg August of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha died at Vienna, 27 August 1851). During the journey a gunner is arrested "by way of easing his spleen" after verbally abusing another officer. Arriving at Portsmouth, Davis visits friends and family, locally and in London. In August he makes at least four trips to the Crystal Palace to see the Exhibition "I was much pleased with the building, and its contents which answered my expectation in every way, except that I thought it would be about 20 feet higher. Saw Berthon's boat and log" (Davis is in contact with Berthon elsewhere in his journal). On his return to Portsmouth, he records on the 27th August "The Yankee Yacht "America" having touched the ground at Cowes came into dock, and exhibited a bottom formed on the principle of hollow lines to admiration. Hundreds of people came to see her, and went through the cabins - which are very handsomely fitted - she had a piece of false keel replaced ....".

Davis and his ship return to Lisbon on 3rd October, and on the 27th receive news "by the Montrose from Gibraltar of some pirates having beaten off the James ..... having wounded the Lieut.Commander & second master and 9 men", as a result of which his ship and Arethusa set out to investigate. They visit Tangier and Gibraltar, but find "the pirate story appears to be all smoke". Back in Lisbon, on December 4th "the yacht America arrived from England", and on the 26th Davis visits her and meets her owner Lord de Blaquicre "to get permission to measure her, in which however I was unsuccessful. He has been very ill with small pox, but is now convalescent. I found him a gentlemanly man, with a dash of the fast man and he refused my request in a very polite manner."

On the 4th February Davis 1852 sails to Cork, and by 1st March an "Order came to us to go to Plymouth to be paid down. This is generally considered to portend going to a foreign station." At Plymouth, Davis meets up with other friends, in particular Lady Hillyer and her family, Henry (a fellow junior Navy officer), Julia and Adele, of Tor House. In April his ship prepares to take Sir Charles Hotham to Buenos Aires, but he instead goes in the Vixen. Davis spends time in Plymouth visiting vessels in dock, including Leander, Valorous and Sans Pareil, and takes leave to visit friends and family in London. He receives orders on 12th May that his ship is to go to sea, and departs Plymouth Sound on the 14th "at 3.55 pm under steam ..... when ... a man fell overboard from mainyard ..... lowered boats but too late. No one jumped over though many had the chance".

St George Clarence Spurling Davis was born 28th March 1827 at Holyhead, Anglesey, Wales, the son of George Davies and his wife Isabella. He attended King William's College, Castletown, Isle of Man, leaving May 31st, 1840. Davis mentions having not seen Julia Hillyer since 1846 when on the Bulldog, so he had evidently entered the Navy by this date. His friends the Hillyers, are the family of Sir James Hillyer RN, his wife Lady Mary Hillyer, and their children, Mary, Henry, Julia and Adele. Captain (later Sir) James Hillyer, was one of Nelson's protégés, who "at twenty-four years of age ...... I made him a Lieutenant for his bravery". Davis's encounter with the yacht America is interesting - five days before he first saw her, she had won the 100-guinea cup (afterwards, the America's Cup), and five days later she had been sold to Lord John de Blaquicre, who he meets later, in December. Another interesting connection is with Edward Lyon Berthon, who famously invented a collapsible boat, and a small gauge for measuring the speed of ships, commonly called ‘Berthon's log’, both of which Davis sees at the 1851 Great Exhibition.

The ship on which Davis is serving 1851-52 is HMS Dauntless, a 31-gun screw frigate, launched from Portsmouth January 5th.1847, commanded by Captain Edward Pellew Halstead. Davis's analysis in March 1852 that being ordered to Plymouth "is generally considered to portend going to a foreign station" is rather chilling, as Dauntless was sent to the West Indies, and on the 2nd December 1852 he died of yellow fever at Barbados. In all, 72 men of HMS Dauntless died of fever, more than one-quarter of the entire ship’s company, including several friends mentioned in the journal.

DIXON, Alex, army officer. Two 4to letters signed by Dixon as Deputy Adjutant General at Spanish Town [Jamaica], one to the Quarter Master W. Burton, 1 side, dated 10 May 1784, "to deliver to Mr. White Acting Ensign in the 14^th Regt. Rations of Provisions from 26, Octr 1783 to 30 April 1784", and the other to William Dunlop Esq., 2 sides plus docket on integral blank, dated 21 June 1784, enclosing (not present) "a Return of one Serjeant two Corporals, one Drummer and twenty four Privates and one Woman of the Second Battalion of the late Duke of Cumberland’s Regiment, who are to have a passage to Halifax; Captain Bannatyne of the Brig Swift has agreed to take them at the rate of five Pounds Currency for Each of the Men", and giving directions for their rations to be put on board. The docket tells us that the discharged men embarked for Halifax on 23rd June.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, received a large number of emigrants and refugees in the early 1780s, at the close of the American Revolutionary war. "Loyalists" units (supporters the British cause) from the American south, included the Duke of Cumberland's Regiment. The influx of people into Nova Scotia was so great, that it led the British in 1784 to establish the separate colonies of New Brunswick and Cape Breton.

DIXON, John (1796-1865), railway engineer. Autograph letter signed to Z. Colburn Esq., 6 sides, 4to, Darlington, February 28^th 1863. Discussing at length various steam engine tests and experiments : "I have had several experiments carefully made by our powerful modern engines used in the Mineral Department upon very severe gradients viz 1 in 44 and 1 in 64 at speeds from 12 to 30 miles and hour with loads varying accordingly and had the coke and water carefully noted ...........rather lacking confidence in myself and considering disgression to be the better part of valour I have concluded that before giving my labours to the public to be hacked and mauled I would take the liberty of confidentially consulting you upon one or two of the experiments and calculations based upon them." Ending on a light note “At my advanced age viz 66 it does not suit me to ride on the buffers nor even the foot board at high speeds but our chief locomotive manager William Bauch a member of your Engineers Society is very ready to carry out my suggestions”.

John Dixon was a pioneer in the development of the Stockton and Darligton Railway. He was born in Cockfield in 1796, and began work as a clerk in the Darligton bank of Jonathan Backhouse, a relation who purchased the Dixon family colliery of Cockfield Fell. He moved to the Stockton and Darligton Railway in the role of clerk, and was made resident assistant engineer upon the arrival of George Stephenson, appointed in 1822 to survey a new line on which to run steam locomotive powered trains. Dixon assisted Stephenson and his son Robert in the creation of the world's first public steam locomotive railway, opened in 1825. He remained Stephenson's second in command until 1845, and afterwards became Engineer-in-Chief to the Stockton & Darlington Railway. Samuel Smiles in his Life of George Stephenson (1875) famously quoted Dixon saying "George Stephenson told me as a young man that railways will supersede almost all other methods of conveyance in this country - when mail-coaches will go by railway, and railroads will become the great highway for the king and all his subjects. I know there are great and almost insurmountable difficulties to be encountered; but what I have said will come to pass as sure as you live."

DORSET, John Frederick Sackville, third duke of (1745-1799), cricketer, diplomatist and courtier. Autograph letter signed to [William] Eden, 1 side, 4to, London September 7th 1787, complaining of "a most violent Tooth -ach which prevents me doing any thing", saying he plans to spend a few days with Lord Stafford at Trentham, and touching upon diplomatic affairs "I hope to see you at Paris about the end of the month, pray let me know the time precisely that you mean to sett out. I am obliged to send you two letters one concerning M.Basigry [?] and another from an Agent at Rouen[?] M. Savary". Small piece of paper missing on left side affecting one word.

Dorset was appointed ambassador to France from December 1783 until his recall in August 1789, and his correspondent, William Eden, first Baron Auckland (1744–1814), had been chosen by William Pitt in 1785 as an envoy to negotiate various commercial treaties with France. Eden had just concluded a resolution between the British and French East India companies on 30^th August 1787, when he and Dorset had to address the crisis in the United Provinces, where the British were anxious to prevent French armed intervention, in moves to restore the Prince of Orange as Stadholder. On the 27^th October a declaration and counter-declaration were signed and exchanged at Versailles by the Duke of Dorset and William Eden for the British side, committing the parties to discontinue any preparations for war. ODNB

EASTLAKE, Sir Charles Lock (1793–1865), painter and art administrator. Autograph letter signed to George Barker, 2 sides, 8vo, 7 Fitzroy Square, W.,16 June 1862. Discussing the purchase of a picture by Gainsborough. "I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14^th respecting a portrait of Dr. Schomberg by Gainsborough. From the probability that pictures by English masters will be presented (many having been already so added to the National Collection), there has been a reluctance on the part of the Authorities to make purchases of such works. This does not however amount to an absolute rule; and under any circumstances I would have much pleasure in inspecting the portrait ". Gummed onto an album leaf, together with an albumen photograph by Mrs V.Bartholomew of his wife Lady Elizabeth Eastlake [née Rigby] (1809–1893), journalist and writer on art, together with with a fragment (last page, 16mo) of an autograph letter signed by Lady Eastlake.

A successful artist, and knowledgeable art historian, Eastlake was in later life appointed (with the approval of the Queen, Prince Albert, and the prime minister) first director of the National Gallery, a post he occupied for the rest of his life. In the period 1855-65 the National Gallery purchased 175 pictures - 138 Italian, 30 Dutch and German, and 7 British (ODNB). The portrait of Dr. Ralph Schomberg by Gainsborough, the subject of the letter, was purchased by the National Gallery in 1862 (NG684).

FITZCLARENCE, George Augustus Frederick, first earl of Munster (1794–1842), army officer. Autograph letter signed to an unnamed correspondent, 2 sides with integral blank, 8vo, June 16th [1837]. Regarding the ill health of William IV, his father. "I have found the King’s strength greatly diminished & I fear the alarm is not without foundation – I think he has, poor soul - as good as taken leave of us – He has shaken us all in the hand on going into the room – I think him sadly oppressed with weakness and dread". With unsightly browning and damage (repaired) to the right side of the letter. Comes with an engraving "The Population of the British Empire according to the Census", showing population figures in a circular diagram, with the Earl of Munster's portrait in the centre.

George FitzClarence was the eldest of the ten children born to the actress Dorothy Jordan (1761–1816) and the duke of Clarence, later King William IV. He was unhappy in his domestic life, retaining a strong sense of grievance arising from the circumstances of his birth. This was strengthened when the duke of Clarence became king in 1830, and the injustice of his situation led him to press his father for honours. In 1831 he was created earl of Munster, but was not content. At William IV's death on June 20^th, they were still unreconciled, despite various attempts by the king to heal the breach between them. Despite further appointments under Victoria’s reign, Munster shot himself in his library on the night of Sunday 20 March 1842. ODNB

GRUBB, J . Autograph letter signed to Joseph Glossop, 3 sides, 4to, London 27 March 1820, complaining of being excluded from a position in the theatre. "For motives which you have not divulged to me you have thought expedient to take into the Theatre a person of the name of Roraus [?] who has officiated and taken on himself and even announced to the Public His being the Box Book Keeper of that Theatre ............. Why did those Proprietors contract with me that I should enjoy and hold the same so long as I paid into the Treasury the annual Sum of Fifty pounds after the expiration of the two years from the opening of the Theatre .......... If on the other hand it is a step taken by You; and if determined to persevere in, I must have recourse to Law for Justice".

The Royal Coburg Theatre opened 11th May 1818, and was re-launched in 1833 as the Royal Victoria Theatre, nicknamed the Old Vic. Joseph Glossop, the son of a wealthy merchant, provided the funding to complete the building of the Royal Coburg Theatre, and became its first manager.

HARRISON, Elizabeth (1793-1834), horticulturalist and botanical artist. Autograph letter signed to Thomas Butler of Philadelphia, 3 sides, 4to, including integral address panel, Aigburgh, July 7th 1825. Regarding domestic matters between their families, and other news, including her brother's travels in Brazil, and her brother-in-law's work in connection with the Manchester & Liverpool Railway. "My Brother Henry arrived a few days ago at Falmouth from the Brazils ....... eighteen months absent from us ........ he brings with him a young Brazilian for education in this country ....... He has ... seen more of the Brazils than almost any Englishman who has been out there. He made many excursions into the country whilst he was at Rio and the same during his stay at Bahia and has made a very great collection of plants, Birds, Insects and other curiosities ............... Richard has been four months this spring resident in London upon Public business which I dare say you have heard of the making of a Rail Road between Liverpool and Manchester for the conveyance of goods, the Bill has been lost for this session of Parliament but all concerned in it seem very sanguine that it will be obtained in the next which I suppose will again take my Brother to London". Split along one of the paper folds, and edge of paper torn away by wax seal.

Elizabeth Harrison, and her brothers William and Henry, were the children of William Harrison, cotton merchant (1749-1812) and Helen Horton (1754-1824) of Manchester. The two brothers joined the family firm of Harrison & Latham in Liverpool, as Brazil merchants, and in Brazil, took an interest in rare orchids and their cultivation. A large number of exotic plants were collected by the brothers and sent back to members of the family. Elizabeth, a talented watercolourist, illustrated specimens for Curtis's Botanical Magazine, and for other specialists at Kew and elsewhere. She also spent much time cultivating rare orchids, achieving the flowering of a new genus (Sophrontis) at her home in 1826. The genus Harrisonia was named after her, and several other new species of orchid were named after her and her brothers.

Elizabeth's cousin Richard Harrison (b.1776) was evidently from this letter, intimately concerned with the construction of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway (the world's first inter-city passenger railway). George Stephenson was appointed in 1824 to conduct the survey and prepare the plans, but encountering difficulties with landowners, the plans laid before Parliament in 1825 were found deficient and the bill was thrown out. The bill was reintroduced in 1826, with new plans drawn up by George and John Rennie, and received Royal Assent. Stephenson was appointed engineer, and the line finally opened in 1830. The largest number of subscriptions for shares came from Liverpool merchants, and the Harrison family business may well have been in the list. Further research into Richard's role would be most interesting to pursue.

HERVEY, Frederick Augustus, fourth earl of Bristol (1730–1803), Bishop of Derry, traveller, and art connoisseur. Autograph letter signed (Bristol) to Messrs. Gosling & Tharpe, 1 side with integral address panel on second leaf, 8vo, Padua 15th Ap[ril] [17]99. Regarding paymets to his estranged wife: "Lady Bristol having complained to me by the last post that her quarterly payments are sometimes delay by some tardyness of Mr Bond's. I beg the favor of you, in case of such a difficulty not to let her suffer any inconvenience but punctually to pay her on the quarter day, just as if you had received Mr Bond's remittance." In a postscript "your accounts after receiving the June-rents, you will be so good as to direct to me Hanovre P. restante". Docketed on the reverse. The integral second leaf bearing the address has a cut corner (not affecting text) and signs of mounting at the corners.

In April 1798 Hervey set out for Rome, but upon taking to his sick bed on the journey, he was arrested by the French republican army. He was removed to the castle at Milan, and was not released until February 1799. This letter places him in Padua on 15^th April 1799, with intentions of proceeding to Hannover.

Hervey married for love (rather than a large dowry) Elizabeth Davers in 1752, daughter of Sir Jermyn and Margaretta Davers. Without obvious cause he and his wife separated in 1782, never to be reconciled. He spent the last years of his life abroad, and became an intimate of Emma Hamilton and a dabbler in the affairs of the Prussian court. His reaction to the death of his estranged wife, on 19 December 1800, was characterized by its coldness and indifference; he was heard to comment scathingly on her will. ODNB.

HILL / STILLINGFLEET / WEST / COX families of Dorset. 13 autograph letters signed by various related correspondents as follows:

Mary Hill to her brother and sister, Anderston, 18 Sept 1725, with p.s. from John Hill. 1 side 4to., regarding relations between family members.

John Hill to his brother, Anderston 4^th October 1725, 1 side 4to, re gift of wine sent to him; lemons sent to his sister; and asking him to make enquiries about grass seed, plus news about family affairs and friends.

Mary Hill to her brother, Oxford, Sept 12 1728, 1 side sm 4to, regarding family and friends “Arnell is now going to be married or rather to be undon, for its to every young lass, and littell or no fortune, but he says hes all for love; so I’m afraid it will be ye world soon lost with him”.

Jane Hill to her daughter, June 22 1729, 1 side folio, re her recent illness, and matters with a Mr Seymore and Mr Stillingfleet, with a p.s. “you was so kind to as to make me an offer of genney to by me a ring which if you are so kind to dow I shall take it as a very great kindness of you and wish with all my soule it had been possible to had some of my dear dear child’s haire to have put in it but cant be”.

Jno Woolfrys to unnamed, Anderston , Nov 1729, half folio page, re a brace of hares sent to his correspondent, and with foot notes re a presentment made by Mr Tregonwell against Mr Willas at Sarum.

Mr Stillingfleet – two ALS to his cousin (Mrs Hill), Cranborn 28 Oct 1729, and 13 Dec 1829, both 1 side 4to, re the distress of her mother at her son’s (Mr Hill’s) death. [Stillingfleet the grandson(?) of the famous theologian Edward Stillingfleet (1635-1699) of Cranborne].

Jane West to her brother, 26 May 1726, half folio, re Mr Neal’s will, and the estate left to Samuel West, elaborating on West’s family, and questioning part of the settlement.

Jane West to her sister, Hollwell 14 August 1732, 1 side half folio, re affairs of Mr Seymour, and re other family members. “the small pox in the poor Town being bad. I am in daily dread of my family – Husband especially who never had it nor none of them except my selfe”.

M[ary]Cox to unnamed. Aug 4 1737, 2 sides, re the death of her mother on Monday; her condition over the time leading up to her death; and interesting details of the funeral, adding that she has enclosed a lock of her hair.

Mary Cox to her sister, Jan 13^th [no year], 1+ side folio, re news of her uncle Mr Cox’s death, and making other enquiries about family members.

Jane Cox to her cousin, April 17^th [no year], 1 side sm 4to, worried that she has offended her “in case you blame me with regard to Mr Brasbridge I am Innosent…”

Jane Cox to her cousin, Nov 26th [no year], 1 side folio, thanking her profusely for a guinea passed on to her upon the orders of Mr Waller for Micklemass Quarter.

The letters frequently mention names establishing inter-related links between these families. Condition is varied (frayed margins being the most common fault). The hand of the various writers is very readable throughout. Much interesting social history content.

[HILL, Sir Roger (1642-1729) of Denham Place]. Two autograph letters in the same small neat hand, both 2 sides, small 8vo, from a collection of similar letters from M.Roe (house steward?) to Sir Roger Hill JP, MP (Wendover), of Denham Place, Buckinghamshire.

1. Dated April 2^nd 1726: “Lady Townshed is very much lamented who died of the small pox this week. She has left her Lord the care of thirteen children: Eight he had by her and five by his first Lady: to whom she was an exceeding good Mother in Law: they give her the best of characters: she was three months gone with child when she died: She had three Physicians: some say six: all of them except Sr Hans Sloan gave hopes of her life: but he said from the first she was in great Danger: her Lord was desirous to see her: but was not Permitted: he having not had the Distemper: we heard again yesterday that Will Lockey braggs he has recovered £800 of Mrs Edwin which he says will pay all he owes & set him free in the world. He told this to Saml. Nicolls of Allbrohatch: he says Mrs Bird is there: I suppose to play a new Prank: for officers are in his house. Lady Rachel Morgan was here yesterday. Mrs Edwin was one. She went to the Wallers: he Inquired after your health: and desired to know how the Trial went:”

2. Dated October [1726?]: “We went yester Morning to see Mr Hill he took a Vomit on Monday, which worked well he brought up some yellow Choler: since that is better. He begun to take of Bark at 12 a clock yesterday: is to take it every three hours: his purging is abated …….. …The Dauphine of France has saved a mans life: a Soldier for Desertion was to be shot to death his mother interceded with the Dauphine’s governess: who put the petition into the Dauphine’s order of the holy Ghost. The King came to visit his son, seeing the paper stuck there took it and read it and forgave the man for the babe’s sake ……… A Young Gentleman went a shooting this week, the Piece burst and put out one of his Eyes: endangered the other: he is in a high fever: his face full of shot: the Ladies give duty…….”

From a collection of letters from M.Roe (house steward?) to Sir Roger Hill JP, MP (Wendover), of Denham Place, Buckinghamshire. Sir Roger married Abigail Lockey, by whom he had five children. Their daughter Abigail married firstly Edward Lockey, and secondly Charles Edwin.

Lady Townshend, who died on 29 March 1726, was Robert Walpole's sister Dorothy, and second wife of Charles, second Viscount Townshend (1674–1738).

HUNTER, Margaret (christened 1796). Autograph manuscript diary compiled in The Private Diary. London Printed for Taylor and Hessey, comprising 5 printed pages, followed by 105 pages with daily entries in manuscript from 12th January 1818 to 17th January 1819, plus a further 19 sides in manuscript headed APPENDIX consisting of expanded diary entries, and a further 12 sides in manuscript headed INDEX being a continuation of diary entries from 22 February 1819 to 18th May 1819. The last two sides (17th & 18th May) plus a loosely inserted page are in a different hand initialled R.L. Bound in half leather, 8vo (12.5 x 18.5 cm), with a label on the front board, worn.

The diary entries locate Margaret Hunter living in Bloomsbury, London. Regular activities include reading; teaching the children (Helen, Percival and George); writing and accounts; visiting museums and art exhibitions; attending the theatre; playing music; attending church each Sunday (at the Bedford Chapel); dining and social engagements. From 21st August to 17th October Margaret goes to Malvern with five of her young brothers and sisters, where in 3 pages in the Appendix (Sept 19th) she reflects upon the delights of country life. The following entries give a flavour of her range of activities, family, and circle of acquaintances:

12 January: Breakfasted at 1/2 past nine, after the usual Monday morning’s avocations , went to the Museum, passed an hour in looking through the three first cases of the Saloon [in the Appendix: .... they contain various Bitumens, oriental & other gems & Rock Chrystals] – In the evening had “the Gentle Shepherd” played at Backgammon with my Father at chess with Walter.

23 January: After Breakfast taught Helen music Percival and George reading. Sundry employments till near one in the Store Room. Copied music till three. Went out with Mrs Stewart – worked from four till 1/2 past. Dined at Mr Mill’s Bedford Square.

27 January: Left Blackheath at a little after three. Got home just in time to dress for Dinner. In the evening went to Drury Lane with Capt & Mrs Stewart. Saw The Belles Strategem.

11 February: Rose late. After Breakfast employed with accounts etc. In a complete whirl with morning callers, Doctors Babington & -?- etc till past four. Dined at Mr Burnies to meet the Gossets[?]. Finished Gibbon before I went to bed. [Probably William Babington, physician and mineralogist].

18 March: After Breakfast & teaching Helen went to Church …….. afterwards called upon Mrs Forrest – Father pleased with her – Went in the evening to Lloyd’s Orrery with Capt & Mrs Stewart & Mrs F fainted & obliged to go home.[R.E. Lloyd provided popular demonstrations of his "Grand Transparent Orrery" also known as the Dioastrodoxon].

30 March [Appendix] : I went through the India House and was much pleased with all I saw – especially the prints & a view of Chinghee in the small room. The Library is well worth seeing. There are cases in it filled with curiosities of various kinds – such as the Chameleon, the different spices in their original, statues etc. A very good picture over the mantle piece of Ali Shah the present King of Persia – at each end of the mantle piece some Aloe wood which when burnt has a fragrant perfume.[East India House in Leadenhall Street was the home of the East India Company. The building was demolished in 1862 and its fine collections were dispersed, most ending up in the Victoria & Albert Museum]

4 April: A happy day – a stolen kiss from Gravesend. In the house all day – Boys out – quietness & comfort within. R.L. dined with us. [in another hand] a happy day indeed R.L.

12 April: R.L. breakfasted with us after it gained my Father’s consent & went away at 11. I went to church in the morning with J.Lowis. Prevented in the afternoon by the arrival of Mrs Stewart from Gravesend….

16 April: ….. went to Blackheath at 11- on our way home the horses ran off & upset a cart almost killed its driver, & had a very narrow escape ourselves.

30 May: Went in the morning to a Catholic Chapel with J.Mathy – pleased with the music but disgusted with the form of the religion – Went to Bedford Chapel in the afternoon – D.Coulthard & A.Campbell dined with us. In the evening read 2 of Mr Mathews Sermons.

9 June: Went at 2 o’clock with the Miss Hyslops & Mr Harley to the Watercolour Exhibition at Spring Gardens, & the British Gallery – disappointed with the cartoons. No company to dinner. [The Society of Painters in Oil and Watercolours held annual exhibitions of watercolours at the Spring Gardens gallery.]

17 July: Very unwell all the morning teaching Helen & cooking provisions till 12 when Miss Backly came to spend the day with us – went with her in the afternoon to see Bowes enamelled miniatures and the Judgement of Brutus at Bullock’s Museum. [The museum of the naturalist and antiquary William Bullock was from 1812 to 1819 located in the specially built Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly].

21 August: Left home 20 minutes before seven in the morning with Anne, Walter, Helen, Percival & George for Malvern dined at Henley & reached Woodstock by 1/2 past seven in the evening where we slept.

8 October [Malvern]: Spent an hour &1/2 before breakfast in the organ loft, present at the marriage of Miss Stillingfleet. The day consumed in walking, writing, reading, working, and much idleness – to bed by 11. [Miss Stillingfleet is probably one of the daughters of Rev.James Stillingfleet, prebendary of Worcester]

24 October: Out of spirits all the morning working & writing – do afternoon. ? came home from Kensington. My Father consulted Sir E. Holme about himself – the evening spent as usual – to bed at 11. [Sir Everard Home (1756–1832), surgeon, and sergeant-surgeon to George III]

6 December: Went to Bedford Chapel in the morning – heard a sermon on the death of Her Majesty by a stranger – did not go to church in the afternoon on account of a cold & cough. Lord Torphichen, Mr Gramham of [?], John Stirling & the Grahams of Boughton[?] St dined with us.

1 February [1819] : Went to Covent Garden Theatre in the evening saw Miss O’Neil in Jane Shore. [Elizabeth O’Neill (1791–1872), actress, was engaged by Thomas Harris at Covent Garden, where she dominated the London stage, becoming particularly praised in tragedies such as Jane Shore. She withdrew from the stage upon her marriage in 1819]

Margaret Hunter (christened 11th February 1796 in Bishopsgate, London) was the eldest child of David Hunter (1752-1822) and Helen McClure (b.1771). Her father was born in Dumfries, Scotland, and by 1794 had settled in London where he was a merchant in Broad Street. He married on 1st September 1794 in Liverpool Helen McClure (b.1771) sister of William McClure (1763-1840) a City of London merchant (trading with America), and later a geologist, christened by Benjamin Silliman as the “Father of American Geology”. Self taught in geology he drew the first geological map of North America published with his Observations of the Geology of the United States in 1809. William and Helen’s father David McClure (c1733-1799) was a merchant in Ayr and the landlord of the poet Robert Burns’ father.

David and Helen Hunter had at least eleven children, the younger members of whom by 1818 came under the charge of their daughter Margaret who was their teacher ie essentially performing the role of governess. Her young brother Perceval – William Perceval Hunter (1812-1878) – is frequently mentioned in the diary receiving lessons from Margaret. He was to take up a great interest in natural history and later developed a special interest in geology, publishing books and papers in these fields. (see H.S.Torrens William Perceval Hunter (1812-1878) : early student of both Dinosaurs-to-be and Wealden Rocks, a paper presented to the History of Geology Group of the Geological Society of London conference on Dinosaurs 6 May 2008).

The diary cites a large number of individuals – notably many dinner guests – who are associated with her father’s merchant business (esp. many merchant navy captains), into which further research will be rewarding. Margaret’s own circle of friends includes “R.L./ R.Lewis / Robert” from Gravesend, about whom there are frequent references alluding to a romance, culminating in gaining her father’s consent on the 12th April 1818. A lose leaf handwritten page found in the diary (see photo) is a token of love written by Robert upon reading her journal. The marriage of Margaret to Robert Lewis is reported in The Times 18th June 1819, which took place exactly one month after the last entry in the diary. Their history from their marriage onwards has not been traced.

JERMYN, Henry (1767–1820), antiquary. Two autograph letters signed, the first to "Ranald Macdonnel Esq, Mull next Staffa or Edinburgh", 1 side, large 4to, with integral blank with address panel, Sibton near Gosford, Suffolk, June 22 1807, introducing Mr Dawson Turner “a most respectable Banker, and a man of very considerable Science, who has already added and is still adding to the public stock of Botanical Learning. His Excursion to the Hebrides with Mr Hooker is to look about them as naturalists, and will probably lay the foundation of some future work in Botany”. The integral blank sheet with the seal cut from the edge. Together with a second letter signed, to D[awson] Turner, 1 side, 4to, (no place) 12 September 1809, inviting him to dinner with "my friend Dr Morgan", but saying that "D.G.P." is to join him on another occasion. Paper strip on reverse from a previous album mount.

Henry Jermyn trained in the law in his early years, practicing from his home at Sibton Abbey, Suffolk, but most of his life was spent on antiquarian pursuits relating to Suffolk. His friend Dawson Turner (1775-1858), of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was a banker, botanist, and antiquary, although at the time these letters were written, botany was his principal interest. Dawson Turner became a patron of the young botanist (later Sir) William Jackson Hooker (1785–1865), and in 1807 they toured the Hebrides together on botanical field work, aided by introductions from people such as Jermyn. Hooker married Turner's eldest daughter, Maria, in 1815.

KEITH, George Elphinstone, Viscount (1746–1823), naval officer and politician. Letter signed to Admiral Duckworth, Gibraltar, 2 sides with integral blank, folio, from the Minotaur, Off Genoa, 29th April 1800, Advising Admiral Duckworth on the sale of prizes, and confirming orders for the Généreux to meet him, "if it is possible to hire people to navigate them, it would seem extremely advisable to send them to Britain for sale, being first duly insured, as it does not seem possible that a quantity of Goods, to the amount which you state, can ever be brought to sale in the Gibraltar Market at one fourth part of its value ......... I have directed the Genereux to join you without loss of time, and to follow to your rendezvous, should you have quitted Gibraltar Bay."

In December 1799 Keith took over as commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean Fleet from Nelson. On 17 March 1800, while on shore in Leghorn, Keith’s flagship the Queen Charlotte, caught fire and was destroyed with the loss of about 690 lives, and having lost his papers and belongings, he was forced to transfer to the Audacious and then to the Minotaur. Meanwhile Admiral Sir Thomas Duckworth had been blockading Cadiz, and on 5th April had the good fortune to capture a convoy laden with 140 tons of quicksilver worth £70,000. Keith’s letter advises that the prizes be sent to and sold in Britain in view of their value. The Généreux which he ordered to rendezvous with Duckworth, was one of the two ships which escaped the Battle of the Nile, later to be captured by Nelson on February 18^th.. ODNB.

KERRISON, Roger, High Sheriff of Norfolk. Autograph letter signed to an unnamed correspondent ("Most Noble Marquis"), 2 sides on 2 separate leaves, 4to, Norwich May 21st 1800. Enclosing a copy of an advertisement for the approval of the Marquess " I here enclose your Lordship a copy of an advertisement, sent to the Sun, Star, and morning newspapers, which I hope will meet your Lordship’s approbation", with the enclosed manuscript advertisement: "To The Nobility, Gentlemen, Clergy, and Freeholders of The County of Norfolk - In consequence of the wicked attempt which has been recently made upon His Majesty’s Sacred Person I hereby request the attendance of the Nobility, Gentlemen ........ on Wednesday next the 28^th ........ to take into consideration a congratulatory address to be presented to His Majesty on His providential escape."

On the evening of May 15, 1800, James Hadfield fired a shot at the King in the Drury Lane Theatre during the playing of the national anthem. Placed on trial for high treason, he was acquitted after a skilled defence by Thomas Erskine, finding him partially insane. Following the verdict, parliament hastily passed the Criminal Lunatics Act of 1800, requiring that defendants acquitted on the grounds of insanity must be kept in strict custody. ODNB

KIMBER, John, mariner and slave trader, and PHILLIPS, Thomas mariner and slave trader. Manuscript letter of deposition headed "In the cases of Capt. Kimber and Phillips" in an unknown hand to "My Lord", 4 sides (incomplete), 4to, no date [1792] or place. "With respect to the cannonading (as it is called), of New Calabar, no less than 18 witnesses have made depositions on the subject before the Mayor of Bristol, who is a Commissioner for the Admiralty Jurisdiction ....... Capt. Phillips in the voyage preceeding the last, having a much larger quantity of good than he could dispose of, left a principal part of them with Amacree, and the rest with some of the native traders: and they agreed to pay him when he came again, 77 slaves....... This payment was refused to be made, unless Capt. Phillips would pay a much higher price than had been agreed upon. Capt. Phillips went on shore to expostulate with Amacree and the traders, who he, and his boats crews were, by surprise seized with great force and violence. He was with great difficulty rescued by Capt. Kimber, and some others....... he [Phillips] and several of the other Captains went on shore, and amicably requested Amacree, and the traders, to pay the 77 slaves, and restore the boats crew etc.......... The Africans refusing to pay their debt, or restore the boats crews, and threatening to prevent the English from having fresh water, the Captain threatened to fire upon the town. Amacree haughtily answered “If you fire a single gun, I will sink every ship in the river........ the next morning Capt. Phillips dropped his ship abreast of the town, where he came to an anchor and demanded his boats crews etc. but in vain...... ". With folds, paginated 1-4, and missing an unknown number of further pages.

On 7th June 1792, Captain John Kimber was tried at the Old Bailey for the murder of an African slave girl, on board the Recovery, on her return from Calabar on the West African coast. In gathering evidence before the trial, the Committee for the Abolition of the Slave Trade (whose leading members were William Wilberforce and Thomas Clarkson) summoned Stephen Devereux, one of just two witnesses for the prosecution, who sailed with Kimber, to give evidence "in writing" regarding the firing upon Calabar.

The above document appears to be the fair copy this deposition. The indictment arose after threats were made by John Kimber to Wilberforce, who had named him in the Commons as having flogged a slave girl to death. Kimber was acquitted because of doubts over the prosecution witnesses, and he pursued Wilberforce for an apology and compensation, menacing him with physical violence.

MOSTYN Thomas. Manuscript notebook concerning miscellaneous antiquities, signed on the flyleaf T.Mostyn, Geneve, Septr. 1724, 200 pages, 8vo, in a full parchment binding, containing : "Abbrege de l'Histoire ancienne" on 39 sides; "The inscription of the stone call'd a Taurobolium at Tein" on 5 sides; Roman coin legends listed by Emperor on 52 sides; and a list of medals on 1 side.

This manuscript is believed to have been compiled by (Sir) Thomas Mostyn, 4th bart., 1704-1758, son of Sir Roger Mostyn 3rd bart, and grandson of the antiquary and collector Sir Thomas Mostyn (1651-92). Thomas Mostyn junior, developed a taste for his grandfather's interests in the arts, and antiquarianism, and also collected books and manuscripts. His letter to the Royal Society "Of a torques (circulus auri)" was read in January 1742, and published in the Philosophical Transactions. One may suppose that the notebook was compiled during the course of a European "Grand Tour" in Mostyn's formative years, when a sojourn at Geneva was an essential part of the Grand Tourist's itinerary.

MURRAY, John (1808–1892), publisher. Autograph letter signed to Edward Herries, 2 sides plus integral blank, 8vo, 50 Albermarle Street, W, August 8th, no year, in support of his letter, on social matters, and book sales. "I have read your long letter to the Guardian & consider it temperate, -?- and really unanswerable though the Editor tries to sneak out of his charges. From a large portion of the Radical Press it seems impossible to obtain justice or to secure truth."........ "My Daughter has returned home delighted with her visits to St. Julians and with Miss Herries and your kindness to her .......I shall hope some day to persuade Miss Herries to look in upon us at Wimbledon"......... "As the sales of Herries Memoir does not at present bear a favourable aspect I think it well not to send it to you until Xmas".

Murray joined the family publishing business in 1828, becoming head of the firm in 1843. His family remained at 50 Albemarle Street, but in 1851 he also built a house in Wimbledon as a retreat from city life. He maintained the publishing specialties of the firm in travel, history, biography, and memoirs, and brought out a number of landmark best-sellers, including Darwin's Origin of Species. Murray published in 1880 Memoir of the public life of the Right Hon. John Charles Herries by his son Edward Herries, the recipient of this letter.

NORTH, Susan Baroness of Kirtling, Co. Cambridge (1797-1884). Autograph diary, 46 sides of manuscript entries from 10th June to 31st December 1808, interleaved with blotting paper, in brown soft leather covers, 4.5 x 7 inches. On the inner cover “Susan North 1808 …… My Journal which my Dear Grandpapa beged me always to keep”. Diary entries cover a travelogue from Cheltenham to Stratford, Warwick, Leamington Spa, Bath, and Oxford in the first half of the diary, with numerous mentions of attending plays (to see Master Betty); dinner guests and people visited. The second half of the diary upon the family’s return records daily lessons, homework, and visits, including frequent mentions of her aunt and uncle Burdett, dinners (every week) with her grandparents and “Mr Fuseli”, and more visits to the theatre (nb Drury Lane).

Saturday 25^th[June]. Went to Birdlip and dined under a tree at Sir William Hick’s Park with Mr Obins and Aunt and Uncle Sheffield. It is a very beautiful place. It stands in a very large forest ….. Mr Obins gave me and my sisters a piece of - & tormerlane – for a broch.

Tuesday 28^th [June].. .. went to the rehersal to see Betty. Spoke to him. I think he is a very well behaved boy. Went to the play. It was the Earl of Essex & the Weather Cock for Betty’s benefit. He acted the Earl of Essex in the play & Tristram Fickle in the afterpiece.

Thursday 30^th[June] … bought a sixteenth share in the Lottery for George & me ….. Went to the play in the evening. The play was Barbarossa. Achmet by Rollins to which was added the Weather Cock. Tristram Fickle by Rollins & Riches on the Tight Rope. It was for the benefit of Mr & Mrs J Watson, under the patronage of Lady Elizabeth Matthew & Betty’s last performance. He acted very well & Richie danced beautifully. The house was very full & Miss Preston came to our box.

Monday 4^th [July] ….. went on to Stratford. When we arrived we ordered dinner and went out to see about us. Saw the house in which Shakespeare was born. The Town Hall & Church with Shakespeare’s monument. Returned home & saw Master Betty who showed us the Theatre and were he was to act tonight (for the seeing of which we came) & a miserable hole it was. Finding that tonight was not the last night he was to act but that he was to act tomorrow at Warwick for the last time, we went on to Warwick …..

Tuesday 5^th [July] ….. saw Master Betty. Went to the Play & saw him act the character of Young Norval which he did very well. Did not stay the afterpiece …… Betty returned to Leimington & we saw him ride off.

Monday 26^th [December] It being Dear Maria’s Birthday we had a holiday & crowned her Queen with a wreath of Ivy entwined with a few Holly leaves …….. she gave Georgy & me & Mama a box which she had papered. G. & me gave her one which we had papered. Sophy gave her a Bracelet of her hair. Susan a little print & Aunt Burdett a Bracelet of Clara’s hair to whom she was God mother & Mama a nice large writing Deck. G. & me also gave her a pocket book.

Written when aged 11 years, Susan was the daughter of George Augustus 9^th Baron North and 3rd Earl of Guilford (1757-1802) and his second wife Susan Coutts (1771-1837), daughter of the banker Thomas Coutts. In 1835 Susan married Captain John Sidney Doyle, who assumed the surname of North.

Her several encounters with “Master Betty” at the theatre are of special interest. William Henry West Betty (1791–1874) first went to a play in 1801 where he saw Sarah Siddons playing Elvira in Pizarro, and was inspired to become an actor. His first stage appearance was in 1803 in Belfast, and by 1804 was appearing in Drury Lane and Covent Garden. He went on tour across England from 1805 until these final appearances in and around Stratford in July 1808, when he quitted the stage to become a commoner of Christ's College, Cambridge. Although he returned to the theatre in 1812, he never enjoyed the same popularity of his first years on the stage.

Another special feature of the diary are the frequent references to “Mr Fuseli” – the painter and writer Henry Fuseli (1741–1825). Susan’s mother was a close friend of Henry Fuseli, and she was to inherit from her mother over 800 of his drawings (sold by Sothebys on 14–15 July 1885). (ODNB)

ORLEANS, Louis Philippe Joseph II, Duke of (1747 – 1793)]. Manuscript order to Wedgwood for a china service: "His Highness the Duke of Orleans, desir Mr. Wedgewood, to Complit him a Service of the Same patron of Cheena for 18 persons Complit in Every Branches, for dersert .......... Mosterd pots &c: &c as Sone, as possible" signed Mogé. 1 side, c 200 x 110mm, docketed on the reverse "H.R.H. The Duke of Orleans Nov. 7 1789".

Accused of supporting popular unrest in the summer of 1789, the King of France persuaded the Duke of Orleans to go abroad on the pretext of a mission, and he accordingly visited England from October 1789 to July 1790. He took up his seat in the Assembly upon his return to France, and despite his support for the French Revolution, he was imprisoned and was guillotined on 6th November 1793. This document is a rare small surviving piece of evidence of the Duke's short stay in England at the time of the French Revolution.

OUSELEY, Sir William Gore (1797–1866), diplomatist and author. A small archive of signed letters between William Gore Ouseley, chargé d'affaires in Rio de Janeiro, and Rear Admiral Sir Graham E. Hamond, plus copy letters, all dating between March and April 1836

1. Letter signed from Ouseley to Hamond, 2 sides, folio, 16th March, regarding complaints of vessels having infringed port regulations, asking Hamond "to ascertain whether any foundation exists for the complaint in question, and whether in fact any infraction of the Port-Regulation of this Harbour, has been committed either by the Hornet, or by the Packet". Together with a copy letter in Portuguese, from Manod A. Branco to H.S.Fox, 1 side, folio, concerning the Packet boat infringement.

2. Letter signed from Ouseley to Hamond, 4 sides, folio, 16th April, regarding a reply from the Brazilian Minister received 14th April regarding the Port regulations, and explaining in detail the exchanges between Ouseley and the Braziliam Ministry over intepretation. Together with the copy letter in Portuguese, from the Minister José Ignacio Borges to Ouseley, folio, 1 side, 14th April 1836.

3. Autograph letter signed from Ouseley to Hamond, 3 sides, folio, 18th April, regarding a suitable Master to take the Hercules from Rio to England, asking Hamond "to direct that an Examination be made by the Master of the Dublin of the Qualifications in Navigation and Seamanship of Mr. Morley ..... to ascertain whether Mr. Morley is qualified to undertake the charge of the “Hercules” from this Port to England as Master", and commenting that "The good conduct of Mr. Morley on the late melancholy occasion of the loss of the Master and other persons from on board the “Hercules”, and the manner in which he is reported to have brought in the Ship under circumstances of distress and difficulty, render me desirous of confirming him if found otherwise duly qualified, as acting, Master of the Vessel."

Ouseley first went to Rio de Janeiro in June 1832 as secretary of legation, and served as chargé d'affaires there in 1833, in 1836 and 1838–41. His correspondent, Rear Admiral Sir Graham Eden Hamond (1779–1862), was commander-in-chief to the South American station from 1834 to 1838, this being the last posting of his career. The accident referred to concerning the Hercules was possibly some catastrophic engine failure - in 1837 the engineer Samuel Hall installed two of his 180 hp engines in HMS Hercules, which were successfully tested on a run from London to Gravesend.

PEACOKE, Brigadeer General Warren, army officer. Autograph letter signed to Admiral G.C.Berkley, 1 side with integral blank, 4to, Lisbon 16 July 1811, docketed, and with a note overleaf initialled GB "Captain Poulden to .... disembark the men at Belem...", forwarding a letter received from England regarding the disembarkation of the 9th Dragoons, together with the copy letter, 1 side, folio, from H[enry] Torrens, Horse Guards, 5th July 1811, "an arrangement which had been made for the transfer of the Horses from two Squadrons of the 9^thDragoons, to the Cavalry in Portugal, and for the Officers & Men to proceed to another destination, has been suspended by the Government, with the view of the whole Detachment joining Lord Wellington’s Army", clarifying the communication made by His Royal Highness to Lord Wellington "lest the 9th Dragoons should have arrived in the Tagus, and the original order for the draft of the Horses have been received from His Lordship by you; this communication is made to you direct by an Express Cutter, to carry His Royal Highness’s Commands, that the Detachment of the 9th Dragoons may ....... join Lord Wellington’s Army."

In the period 1810-1811 Admiral Berkley was able to provide Wellington with vital supplies and support, preventing the French from taking Lisbon and Portugal. With the French army retreating in May 1811, this enabled a regrouping of troops and resources to support Wellington’s continuing campaign, leading in 1812 to the capture of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz, and the victory at Salamanca.

Peacocke rose up the ranks during the Penninsular War, only to disgrace himself on the battlefield, being cashiered having shown cowardice at the battle of St. Pierre in December 1813, and when he held back his regiment from the pursuit in the Combat of Aire, in March 1814, he was dismissed from service.

PEEL, Lt.-Col. Arthur Lennox (1825 -1875), army officer. Autograph letter signed, to "My Dear Gordon", 8 sides, 8vo, Jhansie [Bengal, India], June 30th 1862 , giving his opinion on the American Civil War "I should have enjoyed much being with you on your trip to Washington but all my feelings are with the Southerners and I am -?- to see that by the last accounts from England they have been walking with the Federals on more than one occasion"; on women "[in Montreal] the Ladies were not famous for dressing still when stripped they were much finer animals than their Yankee rivals. I have always said the New York girls ---?--- as far as faces hands and feet go but there used to be a considerable flatness in other parts of the body"; on the army's mismanagement "...... out here for a short time and you would soon discover how many soldiers lives are sacrificed each year to red tape ....... I wrote to complain of the Barracks leaking which was causing a good deal of sickness and requesting that the same might be repaired immediately and today I have received an answer to say that the repairs would cost too much, but then an application shall be made to the Lieut. Governor who will I presume forward it Lord Elgin and the repairs will possibly be commenced in about 6 months time during which we shall have buried I am afraid a good many soldiers who will cost the Government 100£ each to replace"; and of facets of an officer's life in India "We have got pretty fair shooting here but it is almost too hot to go out .......... I should like very much to dip my beak into a Sherry Cobbler now, for we have no ice here and a damp heat of 90 in doors prevents salt-petre from cooling the drinks much!".

Arthur Lennox Peel was the son of Laurence Peel, the brother of Sir Robert Peel (1788–1850), Prime Minister. His mother Jane Lennox, was the daughter of Charles Gordon-Lennox (fifth duke of Richmond) and Charlotte Gordon, the daughter of Alexander Gordon (fourth duke of Gordon). This letter is possibly written to his relation Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, 6th Duke of Richmond, who had served in the army and in government. Peel's Regiment, the 52nd - the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry - was active in India from 1853 to 1865. Peel writes from Jhansi (one of the centres of the Indian Mutiny of 1857) and his comments about the poor conditions portended a cholera outbreak in 1862, which killed over 80 men, women and children.

PELHAM, Thomas, 1st Earl of Chichester (1728-1805). Autograph letter signed to an unnamed correspondent [John Trevor], 2 sides, 4to, Stanmer [Sussex], July 31st 1774, expressing his disappointment at not having been at home to answer his correspondent's letter by return, "I was a good deal surprised at your not mentioning anything to me yesterday of your design of putting an advertisement into the Lewes paper tomorrow, as I had been informed of it from many of the people of Lewes some days ago; as likewise your intentions of offering yourself upon the Trevor interest only ............... considering my long conversation with Lord Trevor .... and .... with you at the opera, very much surprises me as you could have no doubt from thence, what were the conditions on which I meant to recommend you to my friends at Lewes, namely that of your offering yourself under my protection and the sanction of the Pelham Family". Bottom right corner nibbled.

The Sussex Weekly Advertiser for 1st August 1774 carries an open letter “to the worthy and independent electors of the Borough of Lewes” from John Trevor of Glynde Place, expressing his willingness to stand at the General Election in place of his brother, Thomas Hampden. There also appears in the newspaper before and after this date, a letter from Thomas Hampden giving notice of his intention to stand down. "Lord Trevor" is Robert Trevor, 4th Baron Trevor and 1st Viscount Hampden (1706 - 1783), whose sons were Thomas Hampden-Trevor, 2nd Viscount Hampden (1746-1824), and John Hampden-Trevor, 3rd Viscount Hampden (1748-1824). Thomas had been MP for Lewes from 1768, and although he stepped aside in favour of his brother John, the 1774 election was in the end won by Sir Thomas Miller, 5th Baronet. Henry Pelham took the Lewes seat at the next election in 1780.

PITT, William [Pitt the younger] (1759–1806), prime minister. Autograph writing exercise in neat copperplate of ten lines “Truth needs no disguise or ornament” , signed at the base “William Pitt. November 7th.1770.” on 1 side, 4to, with offset lines from the previous page, which read in reverse “Injuries are to be avoided”. Mounted on card.

William Pitt, the fourth child and second son of William Pitt, prime minister, and his wife, Hester (1720–1803), was born at the family home, Hayes Place, Kent, on 28 May 1759. A lively and cheerful but delicate child, he was educated at home, where his precocious intelligence engaged his father's interest. According to the Revd Edward Wilson, the family tutor, he seemed ‘never … to learn, but merely to recollect’ ODNB.

[SEDGWICK, Margaret Isabella (1823-1911)]. 28 autograph letters signed to Isabella Sedgwick, expressing sympathy on hearing of the death of Isabella’s uncle Professor Adam Sedgwick, and reflecting on his good character and achievements. Some of the more interesting biographical comments relating to Adam Sedgwick are quoted below.

1. Amy Elizth ATKINSON. Sunday. Fakenham Rectory. 8vo 3 sides. [Amelia Elizabeth Atkinson née Williams (b 1829 Carmarthen) was the wife of Michael Angelo Atkinson, Rector of Fakenham in Norfolk]

2. J. D. BANISTER.12^th February 1873. Pilling Fleetwood. 8vo 4 sides. In his letter he broaches the subject of a letter received from Mr Birkbeck of Settle concerning dividends under the Cowgill Church Trust. [James Dawson Banister (1799-1883) vicar of Pilling in Lancashire].

3. M. E. BIRKBECK. 31^st January 1873. Yewbarrow Lodge, Grange, Carnforth. 8vo 4 sides.

4. Margaret L.G.BUMPSTED. 6 th February 1873. Cambridge. 8vo 4 sides. [Margaret Louisa Yorstoun Bumpsted (née Doria) born 1828 the daughter of Nickolo and Elizabeth Doria, and wife of surgeon and Alderman Thomas Brooks Bumpsted MRCS (born c.1823)]

5. H. M. CLARKE. 3^rd February 1873. 25 Mount Street Grosvenor Sq.. 8vo 2 sides. [Henry Mathew Clarke JP (1808 -1889)]

6. H. M. CLARKE. 21 February 1873. 25 Mount Street Grosvenor Sq.. 8vo 4 sides. “I was looking over my scrapbook the other day, and came upon an extract which I was permitted to make from a letter which your Uncle wrote to Dr Livingstone from Dorset House in 1866…….. “Men are on the rack for physical discoveries, but all advance in knowledge is an advance in moral difficulty, unless there be along with it a sober and reverent spirit: when this spirit is wanting the difficulties of religion (which are but motes in a sunbeam to a good man) become no better than moral poison to a man of worldly temper”. [Henry Mathew Clarke JP (1808 -1889)]

7. A.CLAYTON. No date, no place. 8vo 3 sides.

8. W. L. COX. 3^th February 1873.The Vicarage, Temple Grafton, Alcester. 12mo 4sides. [The Reverend William Lamb Cox (1809 - 1879) was the vicar at Temple Grafton, co. Worcester 1867-74.]

9. F. CUBITT. 30th January 1873. The Close, Norwich. 8vo 2 sides. [Fanny Maria Cubitt (b.1804 Catfield, Norfolk) the daughter of George Cubitt and Frances Parish].

10. Janet Mary DOUGLAS. 3^rd March 1873. 20 Wilton Place, S.W. 8vo 8 sides. “I had been intending to ask ….. if you could some day persuade your uncle to let you search amongst his papers and see if you could lay hands upon any traces of the correspondence that there must have been between him and uncle Whewell …… Mr Tod Hunter has undertaken a memoir of my uncle and I have been asked to help in collecting and preparing the correspondence”. [Janet Mary Douglas was the author of “The life and selections from the correspondence of William Whewell”, published in 1881].

11. J. SEDGWICK FITTON. 29^th January 1873. 45 Sloane Street, London SW. 8vo 2 sides. “…. my good kind old godfather and dear friend. He was almost if not quite the last of my dear Father’s contemporaries and one of his greatest friends”. [The son of physician and geologist William Henry Fitton (1780–1861), and Maria James (married 1820)].

12. Florence. Thursday evening. The Close. 8vo 4 sides

13. C. J. GARNETT. 2^nd April 1873. Alpraham, Tarporley. 8vo 3 sides. “It was very pleasant to read what was said about him, particularly Dean Stanley’s sermon”.

14. John GUNN. 13^th February 1873. 10 Cathedral Street, Norwich. 8vo 1 side. [Rev John Gunn, FGS (1801-1890)]

15. J.W.L. HEAVESIDE.16^th February 1873. The Close, Norwich. 8vo 4 sides. “You know the controversy he had with Murchison abt the Cambrian & Silurian systems & whoever does the life as the scientific part of it shd be quite up to the Geological question to assign v. much his broken place in that science. This is the most material part of his fame ……….. his geological trips shd be treated in a scientific way by one who knows – think of a geological man & perhaps Dr Stanley wd adopt the science of another & intersperse it in his private life”. [James William Lucas Heaviside (1808-1897), a graduate of Cambridge University, canon of Norwich, and mathematics teacher].

16. Isabella HERSCHEL.12^th February 1873. Collingwood. 8vo 8 sides.“… my dearest father may be welcoming his old friend to a more perfect renewal of that friendship which formed part of the happiness of their lives”. [Isabella Herschel (1831-1893) daughter of Sir John Frederick William Herschel, (1792 –1871)].

17. J. T. HUNTLEY.18^th March 1873. 4 Burnett Street, Bath. 8vo 4 sides. “I have amongst the numerous letters written to me by your uncle, one in which he expressly dilates upon the blessings of the Atonement …… I have also the letter he wrote to me on his Brother John’s death, which no one could have written but he who was presently impressed with a belief in the Truths of the Gospel Dispensation. …… He lived to see his geological opponent assent ‘who would not’ said he, ‘have got off so easily had the controversy not visited one in my decay’.” [Rev. John Thomas Huntley (1790-1881) was vicar of Kimbolton 1819-45 and vicar of Binbrooke, St Gabriel, Lincs., 1845-81. He died at Falmouth, Cornwall].

18. Mary E. LYELL. 30^th January 1873. 73 Harley Street, London W. 8vo 3 sides. “Sir Charles has felt his loss very much having been so close a friend but I am a still older one. More than fifty years ago when I was a child I first knew him & he was so kind to me.” [Mary Lyell née Horner, eldest daughter of the whig reformer and geologist Leonard Horner, and wife of the geologist Sir Charles Lyell (1797–1875)].

19. J. Mc--?----. Wednesday. Meningham? 8vo 2 sides

20. Grace MILNE HOME. Jan 29^th Paxton House, Berwick upon Tweed. 8vo 6 sides, “He dictated a letter to me the 30th Dec and sent me the Preface to his Catalogue with such a kind inscription in his own handwriting. Papa was so pleased to see it again”. [Grace Milne Home was the daughter of the scientist and advocate David Milne Home (1805–1890) and Jean Forman Home (1811?–1876) of Paxton. In 1891 she wrote a “Biographical sketch of David Milne-Home”].

21. Cathn. A. NICHOLSON. 3^rd February 1873. Kelvedon. 8vo 3 sides.

22. Etta OGLE. 4^th February 1873. Led—ford Vicarage, Kings Lynn. 8vo 4 sides. We have, all of us, such pleasant remembrance of his kindness to us from childhood & he was the last link that bound us to our Norwich life………. It must be such a pleasure to read in all the Papers how your Uncle was prized & loved by all”. [Henrietta Ogle (b.1827 Canterbury) was the wife of James A.Ogle, Vicar of Sedgeford in Norfolk].

23. H. PELHAM. 29^th January 1873. The Palace, Norwich. 12mo 4 sides, written on behalf of the Bishop, asking that a ticket be sent to him for the funeral. [Henrietta (1812- 1893), second daughter of Thomas William Tatton of Wythenshawe Hall, Cheshire, married John Thomas Pelham (1811–1894), bishop of Norwich in 1845].

24. G.B. SEDGWICK. Seaforth --?---. “cousin”. 8vo 4 sides, “I saw the dear old man a few months ago he was kindness itself & gave his photo which I shall value more than ------ for it was so like him”.

25. Susanna L. STEPHENS. 30^th January 1873. Woodley Hill, Farley, Reading. 12mo 7sides.

26. W. H. WAKEFIELD. 27^th February 1873. Sedgwick, Kendal. 8vo 4 sides. “….. he is associated with some of my earliest recollections in connection with the Kendall Museum in wch he at one time took an active interest. Who will write his biography? Do you know whether anyone has undertaken it? Mr Gough wd make a sketch, but only a sketch at his time of life with failing health…..” [William Henry Wakefield (1828-1889) a Kendal banker and gunpowder maker, of Sedgwick House].

27. Marianne WARREN. Partial letter. 8vo 2 sides, “Lady Lansdown (The Dower) wrote to me the other day expressing how much she had felt the dear Professor’s death”.

28. J. C. WELCH. 29^th January 1873. Leck (paper monogram JCW). 12mo 4 sides. “the loss of one who has been like a second Father to you and with whom so much of your life has been bound up must indeed be hard to bear”. [Jemima Caroline Welch née Bridges (1840-1887) born in Thornley, Kent, married Lancashire landowner Henry Thomas Welch in 1859].

Margaret Isabella Sedgwick (1823-1911) was born in Dent, Yorkshire, the daughter of John and Jane Sedgwick. She was the niece of Adam Sedgwick (1785–1873), the Woodwardian professor of geology at the University of Cambridge, to whom she was especially close. Adam Sedgwick died on 27th January, and the funeral (alluded to in several of the letters) took place on Saturday 1st February. The details of Adam Sedgwick’s last days attended by Isabella, are recorded in a letter from her to Mrs Kate Vaughan published in The Life and Letters of the Reverend Adam Sedgwick by J.W.Clark & T.McKenny Hughes, 1890.

SEVEN YEARS WAR - Returns of the 63rd and 64th Regiments, February 1759. Five manuscript returns with extensive lists of about 200 men and their associated officers, rates of pay, etc, all signed by William Cuninghame, and directed to John Barnes, Commissary of Stores and Paymaster to the Artillery:

Return of ye men's names of ye 64th Regiment ...... Febry 10th 1759. Folio, 2 sides.
Return of the men's names of Colol. Watson's Regiment ...... Febry 18th 1759. Folio, 2 sides.
Bastra Camp Feby 17th 1759 The working mens names Genl Armigers Regt. Half folio, 2 sides.
Return of the men's names of ye 64th Regiment ...... Febry 20th 1759. 4to, 2 sides, edge frayed
Return of the men's names ........ 64th Regiment of Foot 22nd February 1759. Folio, 2 sides.

Each document also with signed receipt entry. Paper with folds, browning, and small faults.

The 63rd and 64th Regiments were engaged in the capture of Martinique and Guadeloupe between January and April 1759, which was particularly costly in lives lost by disease in the tropical climate. See also item 62.

SHAND, Alexander, (1731 - 1803), army officer and antiquary. Autograph letter signed to George Chalmers Esq, At the Office of Trade, Whitehall, London, 3 close written sides plus address panel, 4to, Gibraltar, 1^st June 1795. A long close written letter relating antiquarian matters in Spain, Britain and Europe - "the duties of my station in this garrison, has hitherto prevented my being absent above a few hours at a time, and I fear all my schemes of antiquarian investigations must be postponed till the end of the war, which probably a journey thro Spain may become more practicable ........ the coins however put the antiquity of the place beyond doubt & it is astonishing how much they abound. If you go in the plowing season, you can scarce part at any time in obtaining two or three copper pieces from the plough men, covered over with venerable rust. I have now collected a great number, which did not cost me so much as an Ochava ....…”, and in relation to Scottish antiquities: "The clergy are surely most to be depended on in such researches provided they have taste & exert themselves sufficiently – I am sorry to hear that our poor friend Lorimer appears to be irrecoverable – you may find among his papers (if worth inquiring after) many scrawls of mine, written as loosely as the present, on the ancient topography of the country". Two old paper repairs over holes caused by the broken seal.

Alexander Shand was the son of George Shand and Agnes Littlejohn of Parkdargue, Aberdeen. He entered the Royal Regiment of Artillery as a young man, and was to see action abroad, being wounded at the Battle of Corbach, Germany in 1760, and at Brandywine River, Pennsylvania in 1777. He was active at the siege of Gibraltar, 1780-82, by which time he attained the rank of Colonel. Upon retirement, he devoted himself to the improvement of his estates at Templeland, and to the study of Roman antiquities.

SHEPHARD, John (b.1756). Manuscript pocket-book inscribed on the flyleaf "John Shephard born Jany. 24th 1756", 12mo, 128 pages, of which 80 sides with MSS entries (in ink apart from 2 sides in pencil near the end), in a full green dyed parchment binding (closing flap missing, joints and internal sections with splits), containing a list of his books (4 sides); thoughts upon behaviour, marriage and maxims of gentlemanly conduct (12 sides); entries of itemised income and expenditure, from 25th March 1776 to 29th April 1782 (46 sides); and extended entries for 5th-7th July 1780 (14 sides) and 29th August 1781 (1 side) in which he indulges in much self-examination. A few of the more curious and interesting entries include:

"1778. Feb.5th. Mrs Cook Bottle of Wine .... tho Quaker [£] 0:3:0

1780. Apr. Fined for presenting my Bayonette [£] 0: 1: 0

1780. June 5th. ..... After Church Mrs Joseph Hale called, I certainly ought to bless my stars that I escaped an invitation with Miss Marsh.....

1780. June 7th ...... My object should be to be a good Draughtsman and Examiner, as for expecting much Business at present Prices to give up the idea. If I can push on in the manner I have done I shall do well enough .....

1780. Oct. Gave for the journeymen Cabinet Makers who lost their Tools at the Fire in St Pauls Charity [£] 0: 10: 6

[no date] ..... Is or is not Marriage proper ...... In its favour it may be said it will extend one's Connections - Make one rather more respectable - Be a means of one's living - more regular - and with greater order in respect of one's things - It will insure at least a true Friend on whom we may safely rely - Will, probably out of regards for one's rising Family make one more and industrious - The Convenience of having servants and then being Master of one's own house ...... The Disadvantages are ... the probability of not having a Woman as manageable as one would wish ...... being bound to another person to whom all our Actions must ultimately tend - It certainly abridges in a very great degree our Freedom - The certain Expence - the almost certain prospect of Children, illness, deaths etc. Unreasonableness and discontents at home - That single seems a most repressive Epithet of a Batchelor - Nothing you can intend nothing you can do but -?- Wife in it - Look at poor Townley - what a wretched hugga mugga Still he has lived in - In short who is there of your married acquaintance that you really envy."

A fascinating insight into the affairs of a young man in London between 1776-82 (aged 20-26), much of which can be reconstructed from his expenditure and intermittent recorded thoughts. His regular expenditure on coach travel suggests he may have lived south of the Thames, perhaps in Lambeth. His leisure time is spent in inns and taverns, coffee houses, assemblies (Cripplegate, and Clerkenwell), theatres (including Saddlers Wells), societies, playing cards, buying lottery tickets, watching sailing matches, and visiting Ranleigh and Vauxhall. His brother, father and grandfather are mentioned, but only his sister Mary by name. Many friends are mentioned (Mr Addenbrooke most frequently) as well as servants, tradesmen, and people associated with his profession, all worthy of further research. Internal evidence suggests that Shephard's profession was connected with the law, though his exact role is difficult to determine. He mentions several outings with young ladies, notably two Misses Chippendale - almost certainly two of the cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale's daughters (born variously between 1753-1757). The Birch family are mentioned a few times, which may be significant since parish records list a John Shephard marrying a Mary Ann Birch on 17th February 1785 at St Clement Danes, Westminster.

SOUTH SEA COMPANY STOCK. Power of attorney, signed "Guilford" and "A.Gilford", one side, with wax seals and embossed tax stamps, 4to, March 4^th 1712. Instructions from the Rt Hon Francis Lord Guildford and Lady Alice Baroness of Guildford, with their signatures and seals, and with signatures of witnesses, empowering James Taylor to transfer £100 of South Sea Company stock. A very attractive document.

Francis North, second Baron Guilford (1673–1729), was appointed a Privy Counsellor in 1712, and the First Lord of Trade 1713-14. The Board of Trade was was headed by a senior unofficial member, the President of the Board, commonly known as the First Lord of Trade. The South Sea Company was founded in 1711 as a vehicle to fund government debt, having exclusive trading rights in Spanish South America, but in the ensuing 9 years, after waves of speculation, fraudulent dealing, and a War with Spain, the “Bubble” burst in 1720, and thousands were ruined.

SOUTH SEA COMPANY STOCK. Instruction, signed, from Elizabeth, Countess of Thanet to the South Sea Company, 1 side, 4to, London 16th January 1720 [1721]. "Pray let my subscription of one thousand pounds on the fourth subscription be placed to my acct. in Stock according to ye resolution of the Generall Court of the South Sea Comp." and in another hand below: "To Mr. Conrade de Gols Cashier of the Honble South Sea Co." and another hand: "Countess of Thannett 500. 4^th. Fo:105." With four central stab-holes, which align when the document is folded.

The fourth subscription for South Sea Stock opened in August 1720, and by January 1721 the Company's Directors and its Cashier, Robert Knight, were under investigation. Knight fled abroad on 23rd January. The reference to Conrade de Gols must have been added some days after the Countess submitted her instructions, and the second annotation suggests that her subscription was reduced to £500. Conrade de Gols was a bank official appointed as Cashier to tidy up the chaos left by Robert Knight. An interesting document in the history of the South Sea Bubble. See also the Harvey letter (item 50).

STELFOX, Thomas, army officer. A small archive relating to Thomas Stelfox, comprising his parchment commission as Lieutenant into the 70^th Regiment of Foot, dated 10th November 1762, with the signatures of George III, Robert Walpole, and [2nd Earl of] Egremont, plus a collection of 9 autograph letters signed, 4to and folio, to his wife, one from Paisley, July 3d.1776, and eight from Edinburgh, sent between April 20^th and May 27^th 1779, regarding affairs in the army and domestic matters.

“Paisley July 3d.1776 ……I board here with an English Family at half a Guinea a week, which is the chief money I spend …… I have bought the first 9 Volumes of Tristram Shandy Gent. for 3s. which I think cheap, and hope to read ‘em to thee one of these Days. I assure thee, they have made me both Laugh and cry. I will buy Stern’s Sermons and Sentimental journey when they fall in my way”

“Edinr. 20^th April 1779……I am now in a continual hurry, executing orders from General Oughton, was examined yesterday by the Sherrif of this City about a Villain who excited the Men to mutiny. I expect many other examinations on this dismal affair as I was the only officer of the additionals who attended strictly to Duty and consequently observed what passed ……… I was with General Oughton yesterday who examined me very strictly, to whom I gave honest answers, told him, I had done every thing in my power to embark the Men, without effect, his answer was, I’ll swear you did”.

“Edinr. Castle 21^st April 1779……there had been a squabble at Embarkation of the Highland Recruits who in general refused to embark, upon which a large Party of the Fencibles were ordered to carry them to this Castle as Prisoners; whereupon a kind of unequal battle ensued in which 10 of the Highland Lads were kill’d on the spot and 25 wounded, on the part of the Fencibles one Captain and 2 private Men were kill’d, and others wounded, in my endeavouring to reconcile these people without effect”.

“Edinr. May 22^nd 1779 ……I was this morning again with Genl. Skene who now tells me I can’t leave Edinr. until the trial of Tinkler Tom is over, a notorious Rascal who stirr’d up the poor highlanders to munity, and who I think well deserves a Halter”.

The parchment commission is slightly grubby and faded, and bears the usual embossed tax stamps, and remains of a red wax seal. Of the two folio letters, one (21 April 1779) has extensive crude paper repairs to the reverse, and of the seven 4to, letters, one has a small fragment missing (affects about 4 words) plus half of the integral blank/address pane missing. the rest are in good condition.

From the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War in 1775, the British had to send an increasingly large number of troops and supplies across the Atlantic. Drafting units came with its own local problems, exemplified by the Burntisland mutiny in March 1779. This arose when highlanders belonging to the 71^st Regiment of (Highland) Foot and 42^nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot, refused to join forces with members of the 83^rd Regiment (Royal Glasgow Volunteers), who were preparing to sail to America from Leith harbour. A major grievance of the highlanders was that in combining forces, they would have to abandon wearing the kilt. A stand-off ensued, leading General Oughton to call for re-enforcements from the South Fencibles to seize the mutineers. Under the command of Major Sir James Johnston, the Fencibles confronted the Highlanders, leading to the hostilities recorded in Stelfox’s letters.

The origins of Thomas Stelfox and his wife Mary are uncertain. Their daughter Phoebe is recorded as being christened 27th December 1775 in Thorney, Cambridge, and a son Edward on 22 September 1779 in Stirling, Scotland (this corresponds with references to his family being at Stirling in April-May 1779). The letter of 1776 was sent to his wife in Peterborough. In 1767 Thomas became a member of the Liverpool Masons, which may be relevant since the name Stelfox has origins in Lancashire and Cheshire.

St VINCENT, John Jervis, earl of (1735–1823), naval officer. Autograph letter signed to his brother Wm. Jervis Esq., 1 side plus integral blank with address panel and wax seal (with tear), 4to, Torr Abbey, 6^th December 1800. Regarding his nephew and heir Edward and the family home "I write to Mr. Anson by this Post desiring to have the refusal of Hilcot agreeing with you intirely, that if Edward has not occupation he will be restless & unhappy – I will purchase any thing you like, as an equivalent for Meaford , which on every account, one wishes, should be attached to the Title", and in post-script "I am morally certain of bringing Mr Thos. Jervis in for Yarmouth, with a high hand". Together with a 19th century manuscript epitaph of St Vincent's life and achievements, on 4 sides, 4to.

St Vincent was born at Meafoot, Stone, Staffordshire, where his brother William was living when this letter was written. He had no children, and so on his death in 1823, the earldom of St Vincent and the barony of Jervis of Meaford became extinct. In 1801 he was, however, created Viscount St Vincent of Meaford, with a special remainder to his nephew, Captain William Henry Ricketts, who was drowned in 1805, so the title passed to the latter's younger brother, Edward Jervis Ricketts.

In April 1800 St Vincent took command of the Channel fleet, concentrating on blockading Brest, but the onset of winter and illness forced him to direct affairs from shore, at Torr Abbey, Torbay. ODNB

Strzelecki, Sir Paul Edmund de (1797–1873), explorer in Australia. Autograph letter signed to "My Dear Lord", 6 sides, 8vo, Wilton House, Salisbury, December 24th 1859, sending some papers written by "Dr. Travers Twiss one of the legal authorities upon the International Law ....... who is about to publish a Commentary upon it. Could you help him in his researches .....", and commenting upon European politics "In a fortnight hence is the time of the Congress ....... being exclusively assembled for entertaining only Italian questions is accepted by all the powers – not so the second, which refer to the non-interference of an armed force in Italy, which England and France frankly subscribe to – but which Russia and Prussia accepts with reservations ....... As to Austria, she is prostrate and must accept the dictum of the stronger", and upon domestic politics and news