Foreign

Louis Agassiz (1807-1873) Swiss born biologist and geologist who settled in America. Agassiz is particularly well known for his work on glaciers and theory of an early Ice Age. A nicely centered bold signature on a stiff paper measuring 4.25 x 2.25. Some light soiling in a few spots away from the signature. Ideal for framing with an engraving or photo. [#4190]

Sir Richard Couch -Chief Justice of the High Courts of Bombay and Calcutta. Couch writes a two page letter on May 2, 1891 discussing the trial of the Indian Gaikwad of Baroda, charged with poisoning a British resident.

The investigation and trial posed a tricky dilemma for the British. They could not be seen as the Colonial power that was removing a high Indian official so there was natural sensitivity about how he was removed and replaced. At the conclusion of the letter Couch points out that the successor was the adopted son of the widow of the Gaikwad's predecessor.

Couch gives a wonderful first hand account that the prosecution of the Gaikwad was initiated by the Indian Government. The inference being that it was the Indians not the British that sought to remove him from power. He points out that the move was made after the report of a special commission, which he chaired, investigate charges that the Gaikwad had conspired to poison Col Phayre, the British resident at Baroda. The commission was composed of three Indians and three British members. [#3489]

George Cruikshank - British illustrator and caricaturist, 1 page 8vo ALS, May 14th, 1873 to Samuel Carter Hall. Cruickshank reports that his drawings for Hall’s poem “The Trial of Sir Jasper” are with the “Brothers Dalziel”. Hall’s poem promoting temperance was published in 1873 with illustrations and engravings submitted by several artists, including Cruikshank. The Brothers Dalziel, George and Edward, were prominent engravers who worked with many artists and publishers of the day. A nice example with good association to another artist, a published work and his commitment later in life to promoting temperance. [#5026]

Scottish born German pianist and composer. Signed card inscribed and dated March 19, 1892. [#4626]

Havelock Ellis British physician and author best known for his work on the study of human sexuality. He is credited with writing the first English language medical study on homosexuality. His work and relationship with Margaret Sanger influenced her own work on sexuality and birth control. Two page ALS on a single sheet, [n.d.] Hayward’s Heath, Sussex. Signed with his first name only. Francoise mentioned in the letter was his companion after his wife Edith died in 1916. They moved to a home in Wivelsfield Green sometime after 1918. [#4797]

Russian violinist, signed program on photo cover. The eight page program is for a December 23, 1919 recital at City Hall in Bangor, Maine. Some soiling and scuffing on the cover, away from the autograph and a flattened center vertical fold. [#4528]

French Prime Minister in 1847 and historian. An untranslated with small envelope also signed by him. [#3809]

Francis Seymour Haden, English artist, author on art, brother –in-law of James Whistler. Three page ALS on a folded sheet, January 1881 May Fair, Westminster. Haden writes to Lady Elizabeth Eastlake, also an author and art historian, asking about some sketches published in her book “Letters From The Baltic.” [#4900]

British Author and Member of Parliament, undated one page ALS of introduction of two young men. The letter is in black border House of Commons mourning stationery. Hughes wrote Tom Brown’s School Days and Tom brown at Oxford. There is one slight fold tear beginning at the margin in one spot and mounting remnants on the back. [#4544]

Henry Irving – One of England’s most famous actors. A brief 3 page ALS, July 1876, on a small sheet of personal stationery from 15A Grafton St, in Mayfair, London. The printed address is crossed out and he wrote his location for that day– which I can’t make out. The paper is a folded sheet forming 4 pages measuring 4 x 6. Irving’s difficult penmanship runs on the front page and two inside pages. He is re-arranging his schedule and moving an appointment.
Irving was a leader in British theatre not just as a famous actor but as manager of the Lyceum Theatre, one of London’s most successful and vibrant theatres of the late 19th Century

British archaeologist who excavated Ninevah, political official and author. ANS in 3rd person, April 1854 stating that he has not received a letter. The note has been pasted at the corners to a heaver paper stock. [#4666]

Ferdinand de Lesseps, French diplomat and later development leader involved in the Suez and Panama Canals. A brief one-page handwritten note or inscription dated 1883 on a 3.75 x 5 sheet. The message is in French and appears to be a reply or request - possibly a response to an autograph request. Using his political connections as a former French Diplomat in the Middle East Lesseps had won the right to develop the Suez Canal and is generally regarded as the driving force behind the successful ideas and one of the most ambitious engineering/constructions jobs up to that time. He later tried to match his own reputation by leading the effort to build a canal across Panama. His efforts failed but were then resumed by the United States which obviously finished the work. [#5642]

British Prime Minister in the mid 1880’s. ALS “Palmerston” from Carlton Terrace July 24, 1840 as British Foreign Secretary. The future Prime Minister writes a one page letter to his brother-in-law and Prime Minister Lord Melbourne sending papers (not present) relative to the American Boundary to be presented to the House of Lords. This was likely about the boundary dispute in Oregon. Unusual letter from one Prime Minister to another. [#4662]

British Prime Minister in the 1830’s and 1840’s. He may be perhaps known for having re-organized the police system which gave rise to the name of British police as “Bobbies.” ALS “Robert Peel” in the text making an introduction. Two pages. [#4653]

Irish writer and dramatist, chess expert. Signed letter, 3 pages, July 10, 1922 on Dunstall Priory about a chess problem. Signed “Yours very truly Dunsany”. It is in excellent condition. [#4532]

Wilhjamlur Stefansson, Canadian arctic explorer. Signed slip dated 5/11/30. [#4888]

British author, friend of Dickens, leader in parliament who helped pass England’s copyright protection. ALS, possibly to Dickens, mentioning the House of Commons. [#4603]

Rev. Charles John Vaughan, British theologian and clergyman. ALS, 8 pages on small 8vo, July 2, 1873, “The Temple” (Temple Church in London where Vaughan served as Master or leader). A lengthy letter of apology to an American minister who came to visit and apparently missed seeing Vaughan. Two folded sheets loosely joined with a couple stitches and some glue remnants on the back edge. Vaughan has been brushed with speculation and presumed scandal for his brief stint and sudden unexplained resignation as headmaster of Harrow School, a boys’ school. [#4204]

Autograph letter signed, May 8, 1839, Wilton Place in London. He declines an invitation to the annual Artists’ Benevolent Fund dinner due to another engagement, signing the letter “Rich Westmacott”. This is a very nice one page example with a light vertical fold. His works are still very much a part of London’s landscape with examples in Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace Gardens and in the British Museum.