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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterFinding Aid Authors: SCRC Staff.
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Richard G. Joynt Collection of British Manuscripts, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Acc. 2015.051 was received by Special Collections from the donor on 11/30/2014.
Accessioned and minimally described by Steven Bookman, University Archives Specialist, in March 2015. Processing and item descriptions completed in December 2015 by Anne Johnson, Special Collections Assistant.
Richard G. Joynt's collection of British manuscripts, from the 15th to the 20th century, of 88 letters and documents, 41 cut signatures, and many book engravings. The authors and signatures include kings, queens, prime ministers, nobles, military officers, authors, and other dignitaries. Personal matters, military orders and letters, religion, treaties, politics, intrique, and much more are covered in these letters, often interwoven with current events.
Loosely arranged by genre and size of material except the signatures which are in alphabetical order (box 1, folder 2).
Remarks by Victoria "Tori" J. Bossé during the presentation luncheon in 2015. She reflects on the significance to her, as the daughter of the collector, Richard George Joynt who she calls a "historical Anglophile."
Signatures of British Prime Ministers beginning with Robert Wadpole, Prime Minister 1721-1742, and ending with Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister 1979-1991. Most signatures are cut signatures from letters, documents or envelopes. The signatures are organized alphabetically by the surname of the Prime Minister rather than their titles, though the titles are noted in the descriptions. The descriptions also include the dates each person served as Prime Minister.
Henry Addington, Viscount Sidmouth. Signed "Sidmouth." Prime Minister, 1801-1804.
Herbert Asquith. Signed "H H Asquith." Prime Minister 1908-1916.
Clement Richard Atlee, 1st Earl Attlee. Signed "Clement Richard Atlee." Prime Minister, 1945-1951.
Stanley Baldwin. Signed "Stanley Baldwin" on stationery with embossed 10 Downing Street, Whitehall, S.W.1." Prime Minister 1923-1924, 1924-1929, and 1936-1937.
Arthur James Balfour, 1st Earl of Balfour. Signed "Arthur James Balfour." Prime Minister 1902-1905.
James Callaghan. Signed "Jim Callaghan" on stationery of The Chancellor of the Exchequer, 11 Downing Street, Whitehall, S.W.1. Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1964 to 1967. Prime Minister 1976-1979.
George Canning. Signed "Geo. Canning." Prime Minister 1827.
William Cavendish-Bentinck, Third Duke of Portland. Paper seal of George III, attached on reverse. Signed "Portland." Prime Minister 1783 and 1807-1809.
Winston Churchill. Midland Bank Limited check, dated October 22, 1945, written to The Rt. Hon. Winston S. Churchill and endorsed "Winston Churchill." Prime Minister 1940-1945, 1951-1955.
Spencer Compton, 1st Earl of Wilmington. Signed "Wilmington, ?." Prime Minister 1742-1743. Date on document fragment is July 19, 1734, with a partial order written on the reverse.
Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield. Signed "Benj Disraeli." "Henry Colburn, Esq" written on reverse. Prime Minister 1868, 1874-1880. Includes carte de visite of a portrait of Disraeli.
2nd Earl Shelbourne and 1st Marquis of Landsdowne. Also known as William Petty-Fitzmaurice. Signed "Shelbourne." Prime Minister 1782-1783.
Augustus Fitzroy, Third Duke of Grafton. Signed "Grafton." Appears to be an envelope addressed to Lady Mary Lindsay Campbell, Edinburgh. Prime Minister 1767-1770.
Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne Salisbury-Cecil, Third Marquis of Salisbury. Signed "Salisbury." Prime Minister 1885-1886, 1886-1892, and 1895-1902.
David Lloyd George. Signed "D. Lloyd George" on reverse of a request for his signature by Ruth Adler of Rochelle, New York, dated April 19, 1924. Prime Minister 1916-1922.
William E. Gladstone. Signature "WE Gladstone" on envelope, with August 1881 cancel date, addressed to Mrs. DC Philbrooke, Bangor, Maine. Prime Minister 1868-1874, 1880-1885, 1886 and 1892-1894.
Frederick John Robinson Goderich, Viscount Earl of Ripon. Signed "Goderich." Prime Minister 1827-1828.
Frederick John Robinson Goderich, Viscount Earl of Ripon. Franking signature "FJ Robinson, Esq. Ripon" and sender's signature "FJ Robinson." Prime Minister 1827-1828. The fragment is an envelope, postmarked 27 Feb 1821, and addressed to Lady Sullivan, Surry
Lord William Grenville. Signed "Grenville." Prime Minister 1806-1807.
George Grenville. Signed "George Grenville." Fragment of a letter with date of January 14, 1752 and other signatures of "?. Campbell" and George Lyttelton, 1st Baron Lyttelton (signed "G. Lyttelton." Prime Minister 1763-1765.
Charles Grey, Second Earl Grey. Signed "Grey." Prime Minister 1830-1834. Appears to be an envelope addressed to Sir John Key, Baronet, 14 Bedford Square. Sir John Key was a member of Parliament in 1833. A date, 16 Nov 33, is handwritten on the fragment.
George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen. Signed "Aberdeen." Prime Minister 1852-1855.
Edward Richard George Heath. Signed "Edward Heath" and dated 27 March '74. Prime Minister 1970-1974.
(Sir) Alec Douglas Home, Alexander Frederick Douglas-Home, Baron Home of the Hirsel. Signed "Alec Douglas-Home." Prime Minister 1963-1964.
Robert Banks Jenkinson, Second Duke of Liverpool. Signed "Liverpool." Prime Minister 1812-1827.
A. Bonar Law. Signed "A.B. Law." Prime Minister 1922.
James Ramsay MacDonald. Signed "J. Ramsay MacDonald." Prime Minister 1924 and 1929-1935.
Maurice Harold Macmillan, 1st Earl of Stockton. Signed "Hon Macmillan." Prime Minister 1957-1963. Written on letterhead, "From the Rt. Hon.Harold Macmillan, St. Martin's Street, London.
William Lamb Melbourne, Second Viscount. Signed "Melbourne." Prime Minister 1834, 1835-1842. Clipped from ALS. Envelope addressed to Mrs. George Lawrence, Liverpool and hand dated "London, November five, 1832" with the same date on stamped postmark.
Frederick North, 2nd Earl of Guilford, usually known as Lord North. Signed "North." Prime Minister 1770-1782. Also, the signature of Lord Lyttelton, Baron of Frankley, signed as "Westcote." A date, May 2, 1760 is on the paper, but not necessarily the date of the document.
(Sir) Robert Peel. Signed "Robert Peel." Prime Minister 1834-1835 and 1841-1846.
Henry Pelham. Signed "H. Pelham." Prime Minister 1743-1754.
Thomas Pelham, Duke of Newcastle, also called Thomas Pelham-Holles. Signed "Holles Newcastle." Prime Minister 1754-1756 and 1757-1762. Other signatures on paper: "H.B. Legge" (Henry Bilson Legge) and "?. Nugent."
William Pitt (the Younger). Signed "W. Pitt." Prime Minister 1783-1801 and 1804-1805.
Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery, 1st Earl of Midlothian. Signed "Roseberry." Prime Minister 1894-1895.
John Russell, 1st Earl Russell. Signed J. Russell. Prime Minister 1865-1866.
Scope and Contents Henry John Temple, Third Viscount of Palmerston. Signed "Palmerston" with another signature on the reverse, "Lord Palmerston." Prime Minister 1855-1858 and 1859-1865. Palmerston and Ashley. Signatures "The Honble E. Ashley, Treasury" and "Palmerston."
Margaret Thatcher. Signed "Margaret Thatcher" on stationery with House of Commons embossed crest. Prime Minister 1979-1991.
Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford. Signed "Walpole." Prime Minister 1721-1742. Considered the first Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. Signed "W. Wellington." Prime Minister 1828-1830.
Harold Wilson, Prime Minister 1964-1970, 1974-1976, on card with date "9.ix.60."
Scope and Contents Letter from Lord Eldon John Scott, First Earl of Eldon, Corfe Castle, to his daughter Lady Elizabeth Repton, London, dated September 8, 1829. Asks her to send any political news she might hear and love to her and his grandson. Book page with print of "John Scott, First Earl of Eldon, Lord High Chancellor of England" engraved by HY Robinson.
Scope and Contents Letter with heading "Lettre de Nouvelle Annee" from George II to the Duke of Lorraine, dated January 10, 1728. George II writes that he is responding to a New Year's letter from the Duke of Lorraine and wishes him and his family a prosperous New Year. The Salutation is "Mon Frere" and the closing is "Votre bon frere, George R." The letter is written in French and includes 2 black wax seals. Includes a page from a book with a print of George II.
Letter written by Charles James Fox, St. Anne's Hill, to William Smith, M.P., Park Street, Westminister, postmarked May 12, 1800. He thanks William Smith for the two volumes, commenting "I take notice of the proceedings in France..." Includes a book print of Charles James Fox.
Printed receipt for investments, dated June 1, 1725, which includes handwritten interest entries totalling one thousand six hundred Eighty Seven pounds and ten shillings. "By order dated 21st Day of Febry, 1723, ...Wm Pawlett, one of the Four tellers of the Receipt of His Majesty's Exchequer...being for fifteen months interest..... The interest was received by Sarah Dutchess Dowager of Marlborough, Francis Earl of Godolphin and William Clayton Esqr, three of the acting Exors & Trustees of John, Late Duke of Marlborough. Signed by S. Marlborough, Godolphin, and Wm Clayton. Includes a book pring of Sarah Jennings, Duchess of Marlborough.
Scope and Contents Official document to "Capnd Brian Mansergh Lieutenant" from "George, Duke of Albemarle, Earl of Torrington, Baron Monck of Potheridge" about Capt. Thomas Hopkins and the Troop of Horse. Signed Albemarle. November 2, 1660. Paper seal attached. Includes a book print of George Monck, Duke of Albemarle.
Signed poem by Daniel O'Connell M.P. for Mrs. Weld, dated May 27, 1838. Appears to be a love letter, but possibly as a rejected suitor. Includes a book print of Daniel O'Connell.
Scope and Contents A travel pass by Charles II ordering his "Magistrates, Officers, Ministers and loving Subjects" to allow Henry Compton to travel to Tangier without "search, molestation, or hinderance ... August 14, 14th Year of Our Reigne." Signed by Edw. Nicholas and "Charles R." Paper seal attached. Print of Charles II included.
Letter from Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester to an unknown friend, sending her a gift of turquoise stones. June 13. Year unknown.
Scope and Contents Prince Albert, Windsor Castle, to "My dear Lord" about the proposed Indian Trophies Room at Windsor Castle. Prince Albert thanks him for his communication with Sir Edward Bowater, his presents sent to Sir Edward Bowater and the anticipated gift of the dispatches sent from India. He notes that the Queen will be glad to receive his contributions and that his pictures and the pictures of the Duke of Wellington "will be most interesting additions to the historical collection of Portraits in the corridor." March [29], [18??]. Includes a carte de visite of Prince Albert.
Letter from Prince Augustus Frederick, Prince of Sussex, Kensington Palace to J. [Hartley], Bridge Street, saying he received the letter with the opinions of Mr. Denman and Holt. Send him the case and he will give his determination. March 4, 1824. Letter and envelope attached to mounting paper. Includes book print of His Royal Highness Prince Augustus-Frederick, Duke of Sussex.
Scope and Contents December 29, 1593 letter from Robert Devereux to a "loving friend" in Norfolk. Handwriting is difficult to read. Note received with accession mentions that he was a favorite of Elizabeth I. Includes book print of Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex.
Scope and Contents Letter from T.B. Macaulay, Albany, to "Sir" returning a corrected revision of an unknown written work. October 8, 1842. Includes book print of T.B. Macaulay.
Letter from George III to Lord Fauconberg referring to his "severe and tedious illness." It has prevented him from handling public or private business which is why he hasn't responded to the letter received from Mr. Clarke the Apothecary at Cheltenham. Letter deals with bills from the work at Bayshill house and asks that they be sent to Mr. Gorton at Windsor. Also involves money going to Mr. Clarke to pay workmen. March 10, 1789. Includes book print of "His Most Gracious Majesty George-William-Frederick the Third." In 1788, George III stayed with Lord Fauconberg at Cheltenham for spa treatment for his illness. Later, he paid for 17 more rooms to be added to Bayshill for more guests.
William IV complains to the Duke of Clarence of the near loss of a ship due to the lack of a chronometer. He writes that Commander Colonel Fox wrote him a letter about the incident, where an American ship informed them of the danger on their way to Halifax, so they were able to escape. "Private and Confidential" noted on top of page. November 15, 1829.
William IV, writing from Brighton, states that Baron [A?] is the "fittest person" and that "Baron [A?] will proceed from London to the Congress." 1833. Includes an engraving of King William IV, by J. Cochran, from 'National Portrait Gallery, volume III' published c.1835 by Henry Dawe.
Wilberforce, at Sir Charles Middleton's, sends a list of "unhappy people" who he wants to "secure a place in the Fleet now preparing for Botany Bay." This letter is in response to the recipient's earlier refusal to take these female convicts unless their care was by the County and not the Government. Wilberforce encourages the recipient's cooperation by stating "I trust & believe that in your office I shall find official feelings so tempered with personal ones that you will not press any objections, which tend to detain a number of poor wretches in a crowded prison, where from necessity perhaps they have been kept too long." The female convicts are at York Castle and are to be sent to N.S. Wales. April 13, 1789.
Earl of Cardigan James Brudenell, at Deene, writes to an unknown neighbor acknowledging the receipt of his letter about the allegedly stolen pheasants and disagreeing with the accusation. February 7, 1868.
Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain thanks R.R. Ulyate for the gift of stationery, on which he is writing his thanks. The stationery is an advertisement for Arusha, decorated with printed small maps of Africa and Arusha, written directions and a letterhead with the address "Neville Chamberlain, P.O. Arusha, Tanganyika." He mentions that he thinks the "High Commissioner, if and when appointed, will have a new residence." February 4, 1930. Ray Ulyate was a resident of Arusha where he led tours into the jungle, and one of the first to emphasize photography, and operated The New Arusha Hotel.
Order from Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, at Victory off Cagliari, to Captain Frank Sotheron that the dispatcher Captain Boyle be sent away immediately after his dispatches are delivered because Nelson doesn't want the Seahorse to anchor or be detained in the Bay. Includes a short message to Mr. Elliott to "act with caution." Signed "Nelson and Bronte." January 25, 1805. Notation at end of letter "Received by the Seahorse on the morning of the 28th of January in Naples Bay."
Order from Fourth Earl of Sandwich John Montagu to Captain Vaughan, Commander of his Majesty's hired ship the Whitehaven to "proceed immediately to Alross Bay with His Majesty's ship under your command, or wherever else you shall hear Capt. Noel to be [of the sloop Greyhound]…" for a future attack. The order is written by the Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland and signed by "Sandwich" and others. The order gives the particulars and location of two French Men of War near Arisaig on the Western Coast of North Britain, both of which were recently attacked by the British sloops the Greyhound, the Terror and Baltimore. May 13, 1746.
Typed letter from Lady Nancy Astor, The Hoe, Plymouth to Frank Doubleday (American Publishers) about her fight with the Drink Trade and her opinion that her speeches aren't worth publishing. November 2, 1922.
A "private" letter from Lord Charles Cornwallis in Calcutta to Viscount Sydney in which he gives his thoughts on India and some of the earlier administrators: "…there are many very able & very honest men in the Company's service in Bengal." He comments that his conduct "…of this war or that war, & I believe I have made very few enemies by it." February 19, 1787.
William Grenville, Whitehall, to Alexander Straton, Charge d'Affaires at Vienna, informing Straton of the death of King Louis XVI: "his Most Christian Majesty…was inhumanly executed in the Place De Louis 15: on Monday last, pursuant to a Decree of the National Convention" and the King ordered in Council for the departure of Monsr Chauvelin from this Kingdom within eight days." William Grenville was the Foreign Secretary at the time and the Marquis was a French Ambassador who no longer had legal credentials. January 25, 1793.
Original cabinet photograph of Thomas Castro/Arthur Orton who claimed to be Roger Tichborne, the son of Lady Doughty-Tichborne. An abbreviated history of the Tichborne Family and "The Claimant" trial is written on the sheet of paper to which the photograph is glued. Roger Tichborne was presumed drowned near Australia, but his Mother, hoping he was still alive, advertised for his whereabouts in Australia. Thomas Castro/Arthur Orton came to England claiming to be Roger Tichborne. He was eventually tried and convicted of perjury. He became known as "The Claimant." Includes a carte de visite of Mary Ann Bryant (Mrs Tom Castro), but it is labeled as Lady Roger Tichborne. 1873.
Duke of Wellington, in Paris, to an unknown person concerning an unpaid bill and his opinion of decisions he made in the past. Draft of a reply from the unknown person in Cambia, stating "Greatly as I feel the condescension of …letter of the 17th, I should not again have trespassed upon you, even with my thanks, did I not fear that some inaccuracy of expression may have misled your….as to the nature of the feelings which I stated to have been …" Memo on the reverse states "the difference of opinion between Wm. [Buhel] [Bikel] and myself - with draft of answer." January 17, 1817.
Spencer Perceval to "Madam" concerning his financial obligations for the care of Mrs. Perceval. He mentions Mrs. Perceval's pension versus her income and his willingness to give her about 40 pounds a month for meals and lodging if it won't interfere with the pension. The rental agreement should be no longer than a year, but also one that he can "put an end to it upon some much shorter notice…" He comments that he thinks the price for her lodging should include laying in her coal, particularly since she isn't well, but it is up to Mrs. Perceval to arrange her own terms. He thinks Mrs. Perceval is too ill to change lodgings. He thanks "Madame" for helping. Mrs. Perceval might be his mother. October 24, 1807.
William Prescott, in Boston, sends William Cullen Bryant an article on Bryant's writings written by the Count de Circourt. Prescott describes M. de Circourt as "…one of the most accomplished critics in France…it might be gratifying to you, as it is always to your countrymen, to see in what manner your writings are appreciated by intelligent foreigners." February 3, 1848. Includes a print of a drawing of William H. Prescott by George Richmond, from a drawing in the possession of the Earl of Carlisle, engraved by H. Wright Smith. Possibly from the book 'Biographical and citical miscellanies' by W.H. Prescott, published 1859.
Charles S. Gordon, in London, informs Mr. [Stab] that Gordon's luggage will be arriving in Constantinople and gives him instructions for the disbursement of some of the items (gun, gun case, photographic tent, camera stand) to Biddulph and Gordon. At the end of the letter, Gordon changes his mind and requests that the items be returned to him except the gun and gun case which [Stab] can keep as souvenirs. This letter was written shortly after Charles S. Gordon returned from his commission to mark the new border between the Russian Empire and Ottoman Empire up into Asia Minor. January 26, 1859. Charles S. Gordon was later known as Charles S. "Chinese" Gordon.
William E. Gladstone, writing on House of Commons Library embossed letterhead, to an unknown American about the United States and the current "imperfect" bill to recognize the principle of International Copyright. Concedes that the bill should help both American and foreign authors. March 25, 1890. Includes stereoscopic card of Gladstone.
Cecil John Rhodes, on Burlington Hotel.W. London stationery, to "My dear Thomas" saying he is going out of town and to thank Bonnor for his invitation. Undated.
Embossed form with seal for Bahama-Islands, New-Providence and heading "By His Excellency the Right Honorable John, Earl of Dunmore, Governor-General, and Commander in Chief of the said Bahama-Islands" giving Peleg Latham a license for the sloop, Matsey, to sail and depart from this "Port and Government" for New York. Signed by Dunmore and Adam Christie, Secry. Dated June 24, 1793.
Piece of paper with signatures of Lord (Field Marshal Horatio Herbert) Kitchener and Louis Botha. Other signatures are unclear, but two are possibly Haig (Douglas Haig) and Smuts (John Christian Smuts). Dated October 4, 1922. These men were participants in the Boer War.
Lord John Russell, Pembroke Lodge, to the author of an essay on Thomas Macaulay, praising his writing and hoping he would edit a book by Macaulay with his essay as an introduction. Russell also cites his praises for Macaulay, then adding "perhaps in painting his characters he made his lights too bright, & his shade too deep, a defect perhaps inseparable from his wonderful powers of …" November 2, 18??. Macaulay died on December 28, 1859.
Prince Albert, Windsor Castle to Sir James (last name unknown) returning "the admiral's voluminous correspondence with my best thanks and can only say that I agree in the feelings expressed in your answer to him. [January] 20, 1854.
Two envelopes with picture of Sir Winston Churchill headed with "First Day of Issue" and stamped with U.S. 5 cents stamps with Churchill's image, both dated May 13, 1965, postmarked Fulton, Missouri. One envelope has 4 stamps and is signed by Sir Anthony Eden, British Prime Minister from 1955-1957. The second envelope has one stamp and is signed by Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery.
"William Henry Cavendish, Duke of Portland, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter … authorizes in His Majesty's name" the seizure of [Lord] Gregory for treason. Warrant issued at Whitehall on March 19, 1788. Warrant addressed to Anthony Fabiani, one of the Majesty's Messengers, and 3 other. Red wax seal on the warrant.
William Petty Shelburne (Second Earl) (First Marquis of Landsdowne), London, to an unknown gentleman about handling the affairs of Shelburne's nephew and deceased brother. Shelburne says he is "determined not to interfere" but "promised the exors that I would give them my opinion whenever they called on me" and that Sir William Petty has advised that they pay their lawyer and apothecary well. Shelburne wishes the recipient to take over his brother's affairs because he is close to his nephew's Mother's family, even though Mr. Morwley has done a good job. January 26, 1795. Lord Lansdowne's brother was the Hon. Thomas Fitzmaurice (1742-1793) of Cliveden and a Member of Parliament.
Lord Randolph S. Churchill asks Mr. [J.I.] Minchin to excuse him from attending the Chess Tournament dinner on May 19 because he needs rest after a hard work session in Parliament and will be traveling to Ireland during the Whitsuntide Holidays. May 5, 1883. The letter is written on 2 Connaught Place stationary. The London 1883 chess tournament was an international tournament. Lord Randolph S. Churchill is the father of Winston Churchill.
Warren Hastings, Dalyesford House writes to The Rev. William Johnson, Parley Place, Croydon, Surry about an assignment, possibly as an executor of an estate. He asks for Rev. Johnson's help in acquiring financial and other information with questions about the current finances. April 25, 1798.
Sir Robert Peel responds to a proposal to help Ireland during the potato famine. The proposal appears to involve asking for money from the government or borrowing it, possibly confiscating land as collateral. He thinks the proposal will be hard to enforce and will be a source of "dissatisfaction and discontent." He notes "It's difficult to argue calamity in the immediate presence of famine and disease."
Signature of Earl of Godolphin Sidney, Lord High Treasurer under Queen Anne, on a warrant for Tallys and Revenue of Excise. Other names mentioned are William Gregory and William Wardour. Partial document. December 9, 1693.
King George IV requests that the Master of the Stag Hounds keep 6 horses for Lord Maryborough (William Wellesley-Pole). "The King is aware that this additional allowance has not been the practice but in consequence of Lord Maryborough's removal from his late office, for the convenience of Lord Liverpool, the King does not think it right that he should be, so decided…[this] present indulgence is by the King's express command, but not to be extended to my future Master of the Stag Hounds." November 19, 1824.
Lord Palmerston writes that the "Duke of Wellington has accepted the Office of 1st Lord of the Treasury and we are to give up the seals of office at St. James's tomorrow." November 15, 1834.
Lord Palmerton, Prime Minister, to Henry Labouchere, Secretary of State for the Colonies, about the charge by Thomas Chisholm Anstey, Attorney General of Hong Kong, that John Walter Hulme, Chief Justice in Hong Kong, was drunk at the Governor's table. He repeats comments by Bowring [Sir John Bowring] who was at the dinner. He warns that this matter needs to be handled carefully since Anstey's correspondence is damaging and Hong Kong is not a "very favorite establishment in our House." He suggests investigating Hulme's character and the prejudices of those bringing the charge, especially Anstey who is "violent and intemperate." August 27, 1856. Carte de visite of Lord Palmerton is included.
December 9, 1765 letter from William Pitt (the elder) to "Dear Sir" asking him to forward the enclosed letter to Comte de Wallwoden "by the first safe opportunity." The letter is the "notification of the melancholy loss of Lady Yarmouth" which he received on October 22. Lady Yarmouth (Amalie von Wendt) was the mistress of King George II and Wallmoden was their son. Includes an engraving of William Pitt.
George Canning, Foreign Office, to Lord John Fitzroy saying he'd received his letter about Sir Arthur Wellesley's victory over the French at Talavera de la Reina (Peninsula Campaign) before the arrival of Lord FitzRoy Somerset with Sir Arthur Wellesley's dispatches. August 15, 1809.
George Canning, Pavilion, Brighton, to the Prince de Polignac regarding his amazement of the arrest of the daughters of Sir Robert Wilson in Calais as they were leaving France. He asks Prince de Polignac to find out what happened and to "redress it, as far as may be in your power." There is an abstract of the letter from Sir Robert Wilson to George Canning which gives the particulars of the arrest and his assurance that his daughters "had nothing with them but their own private property." January 31, 1824. Jules de Polignac was Prime Minister of France from 8 August 1829 – 29 July 1830.
George Canning, Downing Street, to "Sir" giving the agenda of the November 14th Parliamentary session: "obtain the sanction for admitting certain kinds of foreign grain for Home Consumption before they would have been by law regularly admissible for that purpose, and to elect a Speaker and complete the other formal proceedings incident to the opening of a New Parliament." "No. 3" is noted at the top of the page. September 7, 1826.
Edward VIII, Hotel Ritz, Paris, to Sir William Rootes, Piccadilly, thanking him for lending him a "Humber and your driver Calvert" during his visit, and giving details of other travel arrangements made during that visit plus his future November 5 trip on the "Queen Mary." Edward VIII states, while visiting Eric Dudley and in London, he met people who share his pessimism over the Socialist havoc of the economy. He laments that Great Britain is losing its world position, but France has the anarchy of the Communist controlled unions with political discord. October 17, 1947.
Edward VIII, H.Q. Guards Division, accepts a Christmas Eve dinner invitation from "My dear Colonel." December 21, 1915.
Edward VII, in Rome, to Dr. Chambers with thanks for the good wishes for his birthday and approaching marriage. "When one reaches the age of 21, & is shortly to be married, one begins to feel responsibilities creeping one one…Much will be expected of me, but…if I keep the example of my Parents before me, I have not fear of going wrong." Edward VII lists the cities that he, his sister and brother-in-law have visited during their tour. Signed "Albert Edward." November 23, 1862. Includes envelope addressed to T.K. Chambers, Grosvenor Square, London, black bordered, with a black wax seal. Includes carte de visites of Alexandra of Denmark (wife of Edward VII) and Edward VII.
Duchess of Kent (Victoria Mary Louisa), on embossed stationary, to Lady Barrington with thanks for making a beautiful bag which she will cherish as a souvenir. She is Queen Victoria's mother. A later note on letter states "1847?".
James VI requires the Earl Marischal to attend a national assembly to hinder increase of papacy. July 18, 1616. George Keith, the 5th Earl Marischal founded the Marischal College in Aberdeen in 1593. He held several offices under King James VI. Includes an attached paper seal.
Typed tribute to Winston Churchill, on parchment type paper, given by Field-Marshall Montgomery and signed "Montgomery of Alamein F.M." Undated. 4 pages. Field-Marshall Montgomery's full title was "Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein."
Reply by Lord Palmerston to someone approving of the labors of the Foreign Office. Signed "Palmerston." March 5, 1832. Henry John Temple Palmerston (Third Viscount).
Dinner menu of the Hotel de Crillon in Paris signed by David Lloyd George. January 27, 1921.
Charles Dickens asks the recipient to forward a note to his office in an envelope marked "private" and it will have his attention. Written on Athenaeum Club letterhead stationery. November 17, 1866. Includes an engraving of a portrait bust of Charles Dickens by J.H Baker after a photograph by Mason & Co.,1870.
Envelope addressed to Viscountess Barrington, Cassiobury Park with attached red wax seal and postmark of January 6, 1847.
Lord Halifax, British Embassy, Washington, D.C.to The Rt. Rev. Herbert Welch, New York City, New York responds to a request that the English Methodist Church fund credit in the United States be remitted to Uruguay. Lord Fairfax notes that the United Methodist Church should "surrender to the Exchange Control at the Bank of England all its dollar funds." May 31, 1941. Lord Halifax was the British Ambassador to the United States in 1941. Edward Frederick Lindley Wood, 1st Earl of Halifax.
Permission signed by King William III and given "by his Majtys command Nottingham" to Sir Willoughby Aston, High Sheriffe of County of Chester, to "give and grant you full license & permission during your said Office of Sheriffe to remaine or dwell out of our said County…" December 29, 1690. A paper seal is attached to letter with red wax. Includes an engraving of King William III. Includes a steel engraving by W.Holl of a William III portrait, after a painting by Caspar Netscher.
Daniel O'Connell wants to put James [unknown] on the voting papers for St. George's Ward. "I think you will not disavow us…but how useful an anti-slavery man may be in the council – with your help I think I could get our corporation to set an example to all the corporations in Great Britain on the subject." October 20, 1841. Includes an engraving of Daniel O'Connell, Esq. by Robert Cooper from a painting by T. Catterson Smith.
Signature of the First Earl of Halifax Charles Montagu on a declaration "Wee allow of this bill of Incidents amounting to the sum….Whitehall Treasy Chambers." The document contains 5 signatures: Halifax, Richard Onslow, Paul Methuen, and Edward Wortley (Edward Wortley Montagu), husband of Mary Wortley Montagu. One signature is illegible. November 2, 1714.
Raglan accepts dinner invitation from Lady Henniken for Saturday, July 6. Written after 1852 when Fitzroy Somerset became First Baron the Lord of Raglan Fitzroy Somerset. Notation with letter says it was written during the Light Brigade.
B. White informs W. Pritchard of the London and County Bank of the death of his brother, Henry White. April 19, 1887. Envelope included. Pencil notes on envelope say this is Lt. Gen White, Hero of Balaclava Charge in the Charge of the Light Brigade. A Lt. Col. Henry White was with the 6th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Dragoons.
Henry Campbell-Bannerman, 6 Grosvenor Place, to Donaldson, enclosing a partially completed form or application (not included). He mentions that he is a member of the Bull Dog Club and is glad to hear "good accounts of the keeps." March 19, 1896.
Viscount Castlereagh Robert Stewart, Foreign Secretary, written while keeper of the Irish seal, to the Rt. Honorable John Beresford with the news that "Lord Cornwallis has been engaged this week in sounding the principal Persons in town with the exception of Lord Pery, who sees the objections in a strong point of view, the others are dishonest to entertain the question – some with a greater degree of preference than others." He continues by saying the counties of Cork and Limerick are for it. He closes with the statement "The county pretty much as you left it – the Orangemen and Catholics … in the County of Derry." "Private" is noted at the top of page one. November ? [1799].
Scope and Contents James III, "the old pretender," letter written from O'Albano, about Arthur Dillon and signed "Jacques R." Written in French. September 18, 1724. Arthur Dillon, Count Dillon, was a Jacobite soldier from Ireland who served in the French army, per the Compendium of Irish Biography. Per Wikipedia, Arthur Dillon was given the Irish title "Earl of Dillon" in 1721 by James III. In 1711 Arthur was created "Comte Dillon" in France by Louis XIV; and was awarded the Irish title "Earl of Dillon" in 1721 by the monarch he recognized as James III.
Engraving of La Belle Hamilton by J.Thomson after an original painting by Sir Peter Lely.
Engraving of Lord Nelson by T Woolnoth from an original picture by Hoppner in her Majesty's Collection at St James's.
George III Appointment of Donald McDonald as "Lieutenant in Captain William Pemble's Independent Company of Invalids doing Duty in North Britain" given at St. James's Court on October 29, 1783. Signed by George III and Lord North.
Henry Trenwith, before leaving for the East-indies, appoints Elizabeth Trenwith to receive "two months' pay of my Wages Yearly…during the whole time of my being forth." Dated November 3, 1753 with notation on reverse, "Months paid the 10 January 1755…" Document is glued to a paper backing.
William IV warrant which releases Richard Kettle, the younger from the Devon County Gaol where he is confined under a game law conviction with a 20 pound fine. The reason given is Kettle's lawyer's neglect and the length of time Kettle has been in prison. March 19, 1834. Signed by William IV and others.
Documents signed by Prince Regent George and King George IV. An engraving of "George IV, King of England" by Charles Picart from an original drawing, is included.
Patent from Georg Prinz Regent Georg to Von Dreehsell, signed at Carlton House on January 29, 1814. Written in German. Attached paper seal.
George IV appoints Major General Sir Edward Barnes K.C.B. to the local rank of Lieutenant General in the Islands of Ceylon. Court held at Carlton House, May 20, 1823. A red wax on paper seal and blue seal are attached to the appointment.
First Duke of Marlborough John Churchill appoints John Danvers as a Captain in Brigadier Thomas Farrington's regiment to replace Captain Richard Nanfan. Signed "Marlborough" with other signatures. June 24, 1706. The appointment is written one month after the victory at Ramillies in which Thomas Farrington's regiment participated. An engraving "John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough" by H.T. Ryall is included.
A Safe Conduct Warrant for Colonel Roger Whitley to travel into France and other foreign countries, "having served us with great dilligence during all these troubles." Signed by Charles I. January 14, 1646. A colored engraving of "Charles 1st. King of England, Scotland, France & Ireland" engraved for "Harrison's Edition of Rapin's History of England" is included.
Indenture from Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley, Principal Advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, to John [Aloxdo] , signed by Lord Burghley. November 23, 1753. Written in English and Latin. An engraving of "William Cecil, Lord Burghley" by S. Freeman from the original of Mark Gerard is included.
Second Duke of Grafton Charles appoints Richard St. George as Lieutenant Colonel in His Majesty's First Regiment of Carabiniers under the Command of Richard Lord Viscount Shannon in His Majesty's Army in Ireland and also to be Captain of a Troop in the said Regiment in the room of John Petry Esqr. Deceased." July 6, 1723. Signed by Edward Hopkins and "Grafton" by the Duke. Lord Shannon's regiment was a Regiment of Horse. Written on vellum with the "Great Seal of Great Britain" attached.
George VI appoints Peter Murray, Esquire as an "Officer of the Seventh Grade of Our Foreign Service at any of Our Diplomatic or Consular Establishments…" Dated October 20, 1948 but effective beginning July 1, 1947. Signed by "George R." and Clement R. Atlee. Embossed seal.
Queen Anne gives her representatives "Full Power for the Treaty of Peace with Spain" during the negotiations of the Treaty of Ultrecht. 1713. Written in Latin and signed "Anna R." A descriptive note, later added in pencil, says "Re: treaty of Utrecht Instructions to Commissioners to sign treaty ending War of Spanish Succession ceding Gibraltar." Engraving of "Queen Anne" by J. Cochran from the original by Kneller is included.
George V appoints Frederick Samuel Beaumont as a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, given at Buckingham Palace on July 1, 1916. Signed by George V. Red embossed seal on the certificate.
Letter from Samuel Pepys to "My Lord" about his arrangements made with Captain Salmon on behalf of the King "for transporting the Muscovite envoy to Licoorne." December 5, 1687. A typed transcript of the letter and an engraving of Samuel Pepys is included. These items are glued on pages in a red leather bound book made especially for the collection.
July 8, 1857 indenture for the division of the estate of Benjamin Handy between various individuals and family members, who include: Henrietta and Henry Almond Thorpe, Louisa Handy, Mary Handy, George and Jane Elizabeth Mary Ann Rowland, Alfred Ainge and Sophia Harris, John Daniel Clarke, Henry Hand, Joseph Southby, Walter Charles Venning, Emma Jane Venning and William Ord Marshall. The document is 13 pages and written on vellum with 21 signatures beside red wax seals and attached official stamped seals. Note on reverse, "High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, Estate of Benjamin Hardy, dec'd, Rowland vs Hardy....this is exhibit marked A referred to in the affidavit of William Holmes and William Pearse by the said William Holmes this 13th day of July 1883 before me," signed by a commissioner.
August 30, 1836 indenture between William Sawbridge, Mary Abel and George Peach selling property to Theophilus Jeyes. Land is located in Market Hill in the town of Northampton. 2 pages on vellum.
Handwritten in Latin on vellum with signature "Jacobus R." Notation on reverse side, "....for tryall of My L Delamer."
Signature of Joseph Smyth with red wax seal.