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Alice Bemis Taylor Collection of Autographs of the British Poets, 1599-1897, Ms 0145
Letters, manuscripts, and portraits of about 250 British (and a few American) writers, bound alphabetically in two folio-size volumes. Gift of Alice Bemis Taylor, 1942. Digitized ca. 2000.
Downloadable PDF of entire collection
Exact same PDF in long-term storage in DigitalCC
Transcriptions, when we have them, are after the list of names on this page. Want to send edits, or volunteer to transcribe? Contact tuttspec@coloradocollege.edu.
A.L. = autograph (that is, handwritten) letter
A.L.S. = autograph letter, signed
D.S. = document, signed
MS. = manuscript
Inventory
Volume I
Addison, Joseph. (1672-1719) A.L. and A.L.S.
Ainsworth, William Harrison. (1805-1882) A.L.S.
Allen, Grant. (1848-1899) A.L.S. and MS.
Allingham, William. (1824-1889) A.L.S.
Anstey, John. (d. 1819) A.L.S.
Arnold, Edwin. (1832-1904) A.L.S.
Arnold, Mathew. (1822-1888) A.L.S.
Austin, Alfred. (1835-1913) M8.
Bailey, Philip James. (1816-1902) A.L.S.
Baillie, Joanna. (1762-1851) A.L.S.
Barham, Rev. Richard Harris, pseud. Thomas Ingoldsby. (1788-1845) A.L.S.
Barr, Mathias. A.L.S.
Barton, Bernard. (1784-1849) A.L.S.
Bayly, Thomas Haynes. (1797-1839) A.L.S.
Benger, Elizabeth Ogilvy. (1778-1827) A.L.S.
Bently, Elizabeth. A.L.S.
Bloomfield, Robert.
Boothby, Sir Brooke. (1743-1824) A.L.S.
Boscawen, William. (1752-1811) A.L.S.
Bowles, Caroline. (1786-1854) MS.
Bowles, Rev. William Lisle. (1762-1850) MS.
Bowring, John. (1792-1872) A.L.S.
Bradley, Edward, pseud. Cuthbert Bede. (1827-1889) A.L.S.
Brooke, Francis. (1724-1789) A.L.S.
Brooks, Shirley. A.L.S.
Broome, William.
Browning, Elizabeth Barrett. (1806-1861) A.L.S.
Browning, Robert. (1812-1889) MS.
Buchanan, Robert Williams. (1841-1901) A.L.S.
Byron, Lord George Gordon. (1788-1824) A.L.S.
Cambridge, Richard Owen. (1717-1802) A.L.S.
Campbell, Thomas. (1777-1844) A.L.S. and MS
Capern, Edward.(1819-1894) A.L.S. and MS.
Carpenter, John Alden.(1876-1951) A.L.S.
Chalmers, George. (1742-1825) MS.
Chambers, Robert. (1802-1871) A.L.S.
Churchill, Charles. (1731-1764) D.S.
Unidentified Portrait 01.
Clare, John. (1793-1864) A.L.S.
Clarke, Charles Cowden. (1787-1877) A.L.S.
Close, J. MS.
Clough, Arthur Hugh. (1819-1861) A.L.S.
Cole, George. (1850-1939) MS.
Coleridge, Derwent. (1800-1883) A.L.S.
Coleridge, Hartley. (1846?-1920) MS.
Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. (1772-1834) MS.
Collins, William. (1721-1759) MS.
Colman, George. (1762-1836) A.L.S. (2)
Cook, Eliza. (1818-1889) A.L.S. and MS.
Cooper, Thomas. (1805-1892) A.L.S.
Cowley, Abraham. (1618-1667) A.L.S.
Cowper, William. (1731-1800) MS.
Crabbe, Rev. George. (1754-1832) MS.
Croker, Thomas Croften (1798-1854) A.L.S.
Croley, George. (1780-1860) A.L.S.
Crowquill, Alfred Henry, real name A. Forrester (1804-1872) A.L. (2)
Cunningham, Allan (1784-1842) A.L.S. and MS.
Cunningham, Peter. (1816-1869) A.L.S.
Dallas, Robert Charles. (1754-1824) A.L.S.
Darley, George. (1795-1846) A.L.S.
Dermody, Thomas. (1775-1802) A.L.
De Vere, Aubrey. (1814-1902) A.L.S. (2)
Dibdin, Charles (1745-1814) A.L.S. (2)
Dibdin, Rev. Thomas F. (1776-1814) A.L.S.
Digby, Kenelm Henry. (1800-1880) MS.
Disraeli, Isaac. (1776-1848) A.L.S.
Dixie, Florence. A.L.S.
Dobell, Sydney Thomas. (1824-1874) Pseud- Sydney Yendys A.L.S.
Drummond, Sir William. (1585-1649) A.L.S. and D.S.
Dryden, John. (1631-1700) D.S.
Dyer, George. (1755-1841) A.L.S.
Elliot, George. (1819-1880) A.L.
Falconer, William. (1732-1769) D.S.
Fitzgerald, William Thomas. (1759-1829) A.L. and MS.
Forbes, Edward. (1815-1854) A.L.S.
Gilbert, Ann. (1782-1866) A.L.S. and MS.
Gilfillan, Robert. (1798-1850) A.L.S.
Gisborne, Thomas. (1758-1846) A.L.S.
Goulburn, Edward. (1818-1897) A.L.S.
Gould, S.. Baring. A.L.S.
Gray, Thomas. (1716-1771) Auto. Note.
Greenwell, Dora. (1821-1882) A.L.S.
Gurney, Hudson. (1775-1864) A.L.S.
Hall, Samuel Carter, A.L.S. and MS.
Hallam, Henry. (1777-1859) A.L.S. and MS.
Hannay, James. (1827-1873) A.L.S.
Hastings, Flora Elizabeth. (1806-1839)
Hawkes, Annie S. MS.
Hayley, William. (1745-1820) MS. (2)
Heber, Reginald. (1783-1826) A.L.S. (2)
Hector, Annie Alexandra. (1825-1902) A.L.S.
Hemans, Felicia. (1793-1835) A.L.S. and MS.
Hobhouse, John C. (1786-1869) A.L.S.
Hofland, Barbara. (1770-1844) A.L.S.
Holmes, Oliver Wendell. (1809-1894) A.L.S.
Hope, Alex Beresford. (1820-1887) A.L.S.
Horn, Charles Edward. (1786-1849) A.L.S.
Unidentified 02 Letter
Houghton, Lord. A.L.S. and MS.
Howard, Robert. (1626-1698) DS.
Howitt, Mary. (1799-1888) A.L.S.
Howitt, Richard. A.L.S.
Howitt, William. (1792-1879) A.L.S.
Hume, David. (1711-1776) A.L.S.
Hurdis, James. (1763-1801) A.L.S.
Unidentified 03 Letter
Ingelow, Jean. (1820-1897) A.L.S. and MS.
Irving, Washington. (1783-1859) A.L.S.
Jameson, Anna. (1794-1860) A.L.S.
Jerningham, Edward. (1727-1812) A.L.S.
Keble, John. (1792-1866) A.L.S.
Unidentified 04 Portrait Clara Keble?
Keble, Clara Louise. (1842-1916) D.S.
Kemble, Charles. (1775-1836) D.S.
Kemble, John Philip. Portrait
Kenyon, John. (1784-1856) A.L.S.
Killigrew, Thomas. (1612-1693) MS.
King, David. (1806-1883) MS.
Kingsley, Charles. (1819-1875) A.L.S.
Unidentified 05 Poem
Knight, Ellis Cornelia. (1757-1837) A.L.S.
Knight, Henry Gally. (1786-1846) A.L.S.
Knight, J. A.L.S.
Lamb, Charles. (1775-1834) A. Note S.
Landon, Letitia E. (1802-1838) A.L.S. (2) and MS.
Landor, Walter. Portrait.
Le Gallienne, Richard. (1866-1947) A.L.S.
Lewis, Monk. A.L.S.
Linton, William James. (1812-1897) A.L.S.
Unidentified Letter 06
Longfellow, Henry William (1807-1882) A.L.S. and MS.
Lover, Samuel. (1797-1868) A.L.S.
Lytton, Lord. (1801-1873) A.L.S. (2)
Volume II
Macaulay, Thomas Babington. (1800-1859) A.L.S.
Macdonald, George. (1824-1905) A.L.S.
Mackay, Charles. (1814-1889) A.L.S. (2)
Martin, Theodore. (1816-1909) A.L.S.
Martineau, Harriet. (1802-1876) A.L.S.
Marvell, Andrew. (1621-1678) A.L.S.
Maxwell, Mary. (1827-1915) A.L.S).
Mayne, John. (1759-1936) A.L.S.
Mitford, Mary. (1787-1855) A.L.S. and MS.
Moir, David Macbeth. (1798-1851) MS. (4) and A.L.S.
Montgomery, James. (1771-1854) MS.
Montgomery, Robert. (1807-1855) A.L.S. (2)
Montgomery, Rev. Robert (1807-1855) A.L.S. and 2 MSS.
Montrose, J., Marquis. D.S. and MS.
Moore, Thomas, (1779-1852) A.L.S.
More, Hannah. (1745-1833) A.L.S.
Morley, Henry. (1822-1894) A.L.S.
Morris, Lewis. A.L.S.
Morris, William. (1834-1896) A.L.S.
Moultrie, Gerald. (1829-1885) A.L.S. and MS.
Moxon, Edward. (1801-1858) A.L.S.
Muller, M. A.L.S.
Mulock, Dinah. (1826-1887) A.L.S.
Neele, Henry, (1798-1828) MS.
Newman, John H. (1801-1890) A.L.S.
Noel, Roden, (1834-1894) A.L.S.
Northcott, Jr. MS.
Norton, Andrews. (1786-1853) A.L.S.
Norton, Caroline E. (1808-1877) A.L.S. (4)
O' Keefe, John. (1747-1833) A.L.S.
Ollier, Edmund. (1827-1886) A.L.S.
Opie, Amelia. (1769-1853) A.L.S. (5)
Palgrave, Francis Turner. (1824-1897) A.L.S.
Pardoe, Julia. (1806-1862) A.L.S.
Park, Thomas. (1759-1834) A.L.S.
Payne, James. (1830-1898) A.L.S.
Plymptre, James. (1770-1832) A.L.S.
Polyhole, R. (1760-1838) A.L.S.
Porter, Anna. M. (1790-1832) A.L.
Pratt, Samuel Jackson. (1749-l814) A.L. and MS.
Pringle, Thomas. (1789-1834) A.L.S.
Procter, Adelaide. (1825-1864) MS.
Procter, Bryan Walter. (1787-1874)
Quillinan, Edward. (1791-1851) A.L.S.
Raffles, Thomas. (1788-1863) A.L.S.
Richardson, William. (1743-1814) A.L.S.
Rimbault, Edward F. A.L.S.
Ritson, Joseph. (1752-1803) A.L.S.
Rogers, Samuel. (1763-1855) A.L.S. and MS.
Roscoe, William. (1753-1831) A.L.S.
Rossetti, Christina G. (1830-1894) A.L.S.
Rossetti, Dante Gabriel. (1828-1892) A.L.S.
Rossetti, William Michael. (1829-1919) A.L.S.
Ruskin, John. (1819-1900) A.L.S.
Russell, William. (1741-1793) A.L.S.
Ryland, John. (1753-1825) A.L.S.
Sackville, Thomas, (1536-1608) D.S.
Sargent, J. A.L.S.
Scott, Sir Walter. (1771-1832) A.L.S.
Scott, William Bell, (1811-1890) A.L.S.
Sedley, Charles. (1639-1701) D.S.
Sheffield, John, Duke of Buckingham. (1648-1721) D.S.
Shenstone, William. (1714-1763) A.L.S.
Sidney, Sir Philip. (1554-1586) D.S.
Sillery, Charles Doyne. (1807-1837) A.L.S.
Smith, Charlotee. (1749-1806) A.L.S. and MS.
Southey, Robert. (l774-1843) A.L.S. (2) and MS.
Spencer, William. (1769-1834) A.L.S. and A.L.
Stanley, Arthur Penrhyn. (1815-1881) A.L.S.
Stowe, H.B. (1811-1896) A.L.S
Strickland, Agnes. (1796-1874)
Surtees, Robert. (1779-I834) A.L.S.
Swain, Charles. (1801-1874) A.L.S. (2) and MS.
Symmons, Charles. (1749-1826) A.L.S.
Talfourd, T.M. (1795-1854) A.L.S.
Taylor, Henry. (1800-1886) A.L.S.
Taylor, John. (1711-1788) A.L.S.
Temple, Sir William. (1628-1699) A.L.S.
Tennyson, Lord Alfred. (1809-1892) A.L.S.
Tennyson, Hallam, (I852-1928) A.L.
Thomson, James. (1700-1748) A.L.S.
Townsend, George. (1788-1857) A.L.S.
Townsend, Chauncey Hare. (1798-1868) A.L.S.
Tupper, Martin E. (1810-1889) A.L.S. and MS.
Turner, S. William. A.L.S.
Twiss, Horace, (1787-1849) A.L.S.
Tyler, Patrick Fraser. A.L.S.
Warburton, Peter Egerton. A.L.S.
Warburton, William. (1698-1779) A.L.S.
Watts, Alaric A. (1797-1864) A.L.S.
Watts, Isaac. (1674-1748) A.L.S.
Waugh, Edwin. (1817--1890) A.L.S.
White, Henry Kirke (1785-1806) A.L.S. and MS.
Whitehead, William. (1715-1785) A.L.S.
Whittier, John Greenleaf. (1807-1892) A.L.
Wiffen, Jeremiah Holmes. (1792-1836) A.L.S.
Wilde, Oscar. (1854-1900) Signed Portrait and A.L.S.
Wilkes, John. (1727-1797) D.S.
Wiseman, Nicholas Patrick. (1802-1865) A.L.S.
Wolcott, John. (1738-1819) MS.
Wrangham, Francis. (1769-1842) A.L.S.
Yearsley, Ann. (1756-1806) A.L.S.
Transcriptions, INCOMPLETE, in alphabetical order. If you’d like to add or fix a transcription, please contact tuttspec@coloradocollege.edu.
Joseph Addison
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
Extract of a Letter from Brigadier [Aannix? Aanwix?] at Carlisle Aug. 7 1719
Upon my arrival here on the 4th in the evening, I found your letter which had arrived that very morning; In answer to which I must acquaint you that there are some Officers and private Men wanting as you will see by the enclosed return, I have ordered the two Companies to be compleated [weh?] will be done immediately but it not being in my Power to send to the absent Officer, I hope His Grace the Duke of Ormond will be [pleased?] to give His orders to the Colonell who is now in London that He may Command them to their posts.
My Lord
I am commanded by the Lords Justices to transmit to Your Grace the enclosed extract of a Letter from Brigadier Aan: :[nix? wix?] giving an account of the State of the Garrison of Carlisle; Their Ex [eye? eys?] desire your Grace will please to give orders for the officers who are absent from thence to repair immediately to their Duty.
I am with the greatest respect
My Lord
Your Grace’s most obedient and most humble servant
J. Addison
William Harrison Ainsworth
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
[Li? Hi?] I [more?] than have great [pleasure? pleasance?] in becoming a subscriber to […] “The New Aid to Memory” and if you will leave the part or parts already published [with?] […]. [Cunningham?] and J [Mortimor?], and […] they will pay you for these on my behalf.
[Yours?] truly,
W. Harrison Ainsworth.
[…] Manor House
[…] Road. Feby 21st. […] 3.
Grant Allen (and Grant Allan?)
Transcribed by Rachel Wilmoth and Jessy Randall, May 2002
Please note: Peter Morton, a Grant Allen scholar and English Professor at Flinders University in Australia, tells us that while the letter below is in Allen’s hand, the manuscript is not. We suspect the author of the manuscript may be an unpublished writer named Grant Allan (with an a). We do not know what the initials at the end of the manuscript (C.A.E.D.B.) stand for.
The (Apology?)
What hand can paint, what tongue can tell
The landscape charms, the tints that dwell
In bright Italian skies!
Oh then the humble artist spare,
For how that modest sepia dare?
Those forms to paint, that tint to wear
Which proudest act defies!
As well might we attempt the plow
The tints of heaven's aerial bow
Where each so faintly lingers
Or like presumptuous artists, dare
To (dash?) the lightning's (wood?) glare
Where all have burnt their fingers.
Or in some instrument divine
The wild unmeasured (poles?) combine
Of every bird that throttles
Or catch Arabia's breath for fun
And cork in tightly down in one
Of (Ambrosia's?) bottles.
As well (essay?) the world to move
Or scale the battlements of Jove
And snatch the fire from Heaven
Tho' many tried yet many failed
But one bold hand at last prevailed
To one alone 'twas given
Immortal hand 'twas thine alone
To know the rich and mellow tone
The Heaven-born light to give
For morn and Eve & ardent day
Lavish to (pledge?) the stolen ray
And bid the canvas live
(For this is?) pleasing (wan?) to trace
The simple outline of a face
So fondly lov'd, so blesst,
What to the brilliant eye be dead
And life's be white which should be red
Let fancy dream the rest
But were I ask'd to paint a scene
With lots of brown, and here (de?) green
On England's dingy shores
Then simple black & white would do,
For every tint and every hue
Content, I'd seek no more.
Grant Allan
sent with a sepia drawing to me
C.A.E.D.B.
William Allingham
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
[Senator?] Moore
You have called […] & each time I have […] been out. I sho much like to have a chat & hope you can come & dine at [5?] S. [Kensisorm?] next Tuesday at 7.30 please send a line & please come.
Always […]
W. Allingham
18 […] SW
0 of 15.
Postscript
You wo rem better & dine at my lodging […] all [me? one?].
John Anstey
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
Gentlemen 1-Feb:98-
If you please to […] to the Letter which I wrote to you at the same Time that the […] of the Decayed [Macarmi? Inacarmi?] were sent to you, you will find that I requested you to advertises it as often and in such papers as your own [crossed out word?] Judgement directed you, which though late I should be glad you would do- it has been […] at Both and as good many […] missed.
I am […]
J. Anstey
(skipped 3)
[…] I beg you to [let?] […] have two [copies?] of [Contentment?] on my [all? call?] - John Anstey
Edwin Arnold
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
[Alert?] willingly I [send? stand?] you […] [Wulfud? Wolfud?] - […] enclosed, which sic by me, & have a smack of [chapri? Clapri?] I think, about them- I will see if I have any thing else at home- shall be paid in shining sentences- if you like them [and?] they help you
[from?]
E. Arnold
D.T. July 12
Matthew Arnold
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
Feb 22nd
My dear Carrie
I hope and think you are likely to be quite safe, but of course I will gladly do all I can for you at the [Athendum? Afternoon?]. I hope, when you are elected there, we may again sometimes meet.
Ever Truly Yours,
Matthew Arnold
Alfred Austin
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
Thoughts Suggested By a [Priest?] St. Andrews Church, [Farnham? Darnham?]
Would’st thou escape the din of the rude world And all the petty cares and mocking hopes That daily vex our frail and anxious clay, Advance thy stake to this time hallow’d place, The seat of holy worship and deep peace.
[Say? Lay?], lives there not within these [anointed?] walls
An all pervading air of sanctity,
As if some gentle Spirit from on high
Had regarded from its bright celestial sphere,
And with full consecrating touch had clos’d
Altar and tablet, and the sleeping dead.
[Nor?] less around the grey and solemn pile
Does every object speak of holy calm.
The buried-ground shows many well known mounds
And many an [understagnated?] nameless grave-
[Turf?]-cover’d flower-spangled sacred spots
[…] mortal dust waits the eternal day
Great Nature guards with ever-loving care
These solemn [precincts?]. Tall and lordly elms
Like giant wardens sentinel the graves,
And through their branches tune the truant wind
To […]-like music and soft [minsterly?].
The great, the good, the virtuous sleep around,
And many a one who in […]-hour
Fought like a sturdy warrior amid the throng.
Witness the tomb of [Cobbett?] which recalls
A [mama?] and memory time shall long hand down
As of a snow who, born in [lost? Lore?] estate,
Yet with stout heart grasped knowledge as a spear,
[new page]
And with it dared the mighty to the [fray? Pray?].
There, too, his helpmate has, her […] grace,
For every gentle female [sisters?] formed,
And every frugal [out?] to woman known.
They sleep beneath the shadow of the tower[--?]
The stately tower that like a monarch stands
[Fronting?] the morn with bold defiant look
And having all the anger of the sky
[Whom? Where?] lightnings spend their rage upon the world.
See where with antiquated, modest air
The Vicarage overlooks the silent homes
Withen “God’s Aire”. Marry a pious man,
The well laced pastor of the parish pluck,
Has there resided, filled with purpose high,
And led a life so full of […] peace
But when arrived the evening of its close
No gloomy terrors stole upon the [home? Town?]
Of shadowy sunset. When they passed away
Few persons know, but well we may believe
[Some? Tome?] slumber neat, among the hallow’d dust
The fleeting centuries have piled around.
Doth not this sand pile, these precincts calm,
Fill’d with memorials of the happy dead,
Convey some solemn lessons to the mind?
Life, Death, Eternity confront us here,
And in the soul there, [crossed out word] steals a sense of awe.
We feel as travellers standing on a shore
Wash’d by a fathomless, mysterious sea,
And waiting but the fast-[…] wave
To be engulphed in its tremendous depths.
Each worldly pawn, each unworthy thought
That binds us with ignoble chains to earth,
[new page]
Is subjugation, as before our eyes
The page of immortality [unveils?].
We see that life is but a single stage
Of a long wondrous journey, leading on
To bliss or woe through unborn centuries.
[Acrowding? According?] as we […] the gliding hours
That make up man’s [allotted?] time on earth.
[Reading?] to learn how we shall [fully?] live,
All things are here for teaching. [Yonder?] stands
The School, close bordering to the churchyard park,
Where children under [wise?] and [fostering?] came
Hear noble precepts and gain [waring?] thoughts
Fit for the battle-day or peaceful hour;
And on each Sabbath, [in?] the sacred [fame?]
[Right?] [opposites? oppenents?] [one? eve?] learn how best to pass
The gloomy portal of all-conquerors death,
And meet the dawn of the [supernal?] day.
Now let the eye command a wider range
Of the fair landscape. See, a [path?] of light
The river winds among the emerald meads,
And on its bosom [leans? bears?] the silvery chimes
The bells from the old tower [spread? spend?] to the breeze.
The town [lasts?] quiet ‘neath the summer glow,
Back’d by the pomp of words, and crested hills,
And cornfields waving all their [crossed out word] ears of grain
Like [hearts? Lords?] contending in a fatal [pray? prey?]. .
Along the valley spread the gardens fair
Fill’d with a prone-like plant, a […] of wealth
When [farowing?] [seems?] and [balony?] nights conjoin
To [load? look?] with [print? point?] its Tendrils. On a slope
Crowning a pack […] by the [pallow? fallow?] deer,
The ancient Castle stands, time-honor’d seat
Of learned [prelates?], [prove? proud?] men and true,
[new page]
Like our good Bishop, who, each Sabbath morn,
Though smitten by […], bends his steps
Along the churchyard path to this old [fane?]
To join the crowd devout. The Castle walls
Have long been strangers to the storm of war,
Learning and Piety have planted there
Their peaceful engines, and the stately pile
Has shelter’d also laymen wise and good
Like [Withers], who invoked the [Attic?] muse,
And garlanded the flowers of Helicon,
And many another whom the roll of fame
Keeps record of, or minstrels […] prais’d
Amid this seem so full of sweet repose,
A hunted monarch once a refuge found,
And safely slept, a Vernon’s honor’d guest,
In [Farnham?] Town, that hold the loyal and true,
Is still it holds, Vernon himself now lies
Bound in death’s slumber in the holy fane,
Safe from the rude alarms of civil war.
Oh! never may the sword […] he drawn
By England’s sons in patricidal strife.
The curse which branded Cain must surely cling
To those who drench the land with kindred blood.
The minstrel well may time a welling string
In praise of heroes who on foreign shores
Bare England’s flag with honour through the fray,
But ne’er shall [harp?] [sound?] a triumphant note
To glorify the memory of a war
That spout its fury on our own lord isle.
It left a path with blood and ruin storm
And the made the nation heir to mournful wrecks
Of noble buildings, shattered in the storm,
With [night?] [bids?] [hunting? Hurting?] from the [iried?] walls
Mocking at grandeur [prostrate?] in the dust.
[new page]
[Mark?] yonder dark-brow’d hill, with [jin-trees?] drown’d,
Weird king that dominates a silent realm
Flush’d with wild beauty. […] its bare there [lees?]
Moor Dark, where [crest? Wet?] the learned Temple dwelt,
And sought Philosophy in coolest haunts.
There, too, “his pupil, Swift, mysterious man,
[Satine?] grew, and while he scorn’d [markened?],
Breath’d vows of love into a maiden’s ear.
Still stands the cottage skirting the old Dark,
Where “Stella” drew the breath of early life,
And bloom’d the fairest flower that graced the woods.
No shadow from the mournful evil deeps
Had cross’d her path till he, the scholar came,
And won with amorous eloquence her heart.
She was the star of his wild destiny,
But Fate smiled not upon the yielding maid.
Over the silver radiance of the hour
Fill’d with the dawning hopes of trusting love,
Stole clouds of darkness, gloomy [Lackingers?]
Of life-long […] and deepest woe-
Misery that still evokes compassion’s tear.
Behold upon [river?] near the peaceful stream
That mirrors to the melancholy moon
The broken remnants and the shattered shapes
That constituted once a glorious pile.
‘Tis Waverly’s old Abbey gray and lone,
Half hid among the gloom of shattering words,
That grace the lovely landscape. Silent now
The […] whore once the mild [Caterine?] Ford,
And wandering winds in mournful cadence sound
Where once ascended hymns of praise to Heaven,
Yet still the spell of holiness lives there,
Compelling hearts to worship. May no hand
[new page]
[Despoil?] the sacred ruins. May no voice
Irreverent sound, no shapes, save these which love
To haunt the grey memorials of the past,
And plant bright flowers upon forgotten graves,
Visit the spot. And when this hand that makes
A strain abrupt to celebrate its charms,
Lying bereft of power, shall wield no more
The muse’s pen, may [future?] lands still sing
Of Waverly’s [monastie?], peaceful shade.
Such are the scenes that from the Anderson’s Tower
The eye surveys, and such the thronging thoughts
That fill the breast when musing on the sight
Varied and solemn, beauteous and benign.
Around we see the Spoiler, Time, at work [.?]
Filching the sands of life from all on earth,
Mingling the mighty with the common dust
Levelling the gorgeous structures of the proud,
And scattering them to all the winds of heaven.
Mutation and destruction menace all
That bears the stamp of frail mortality.
[…] souls breathe in this air awhile
Then vanish from before our gazing eyes,
[crossed out line]
[Brief?] as a dream. Only in temples built
To glorify the Lord and King of all
[Dream? Drawn?] as memory of those who […],
With fame’s wealth [dock’d?] from the eternal stream.
Let us, then, [remind?] our ancient Church,
The thorne of this poor tribute. Let us guard
The building strongly ‘gainst the assaults of time,
And keep it worthy of its sacred use,
That still from age to age the pile may stand
A temple fair, [greeting crossed out] meeting the [age?] of gaze of day
[new page]
Come all who in a noble world delight
And [until?] its [honour?] haste to bind your names.
Let this age [lovingly?] impress its hand
Upon the Church, and save it from decay,
With all the solemn memories it [shrines?];
That [fragment?] as the Sabbath morning break,
[line on a crease, can’t read]
And long through many a changing century,
The breath of prayer around from that old pile,
And [found?] acceptance at Jehova’s throne.
Alfred Austin.
[Agdenham?] road, [sangford?]
Sept. 1865
Philip James Bailey
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
Rec: Monday 21 Feb 1848
My dear [Stephe?],
I have read with great interest and delight the [newspaper?] you were […] to [readily?] oppose [projected?] essay. The […] is in fact superb. I [conjure? Compel?] you to in [their? This?] walk of literature. Not all the [loaded?] brilliancy and gorgeous […] [appease? Appear?] to [sue?] to […] predictions. Your explanations of [it?] pleases all [called?] to see my last […] perfectly […] and such as I could not but expect they would be. [my? Her?] one […] [additive? Addictive?] you will […] observed occurs […] [a pound symbol?] […]
(I gave up because it was hard)
Joanna Baillie
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
Hampsten, friday evening
My dear [Sophin?]
We shall be most happy to see you all next Thursday the 12th at half past five or as early as you please. And if you would bring a gentleman with you (suppose one of the Denmaus) to keep […] company, we should be obliged to you. We had a [minor? Fine?] visit from Lady Denmau this morning accompanied by Richard & Caroline, and I had a mind to ask Richard then, but Mm (mademoiselle) Moyern & his sister came in and prevented me. Our poet was very agreeable, but does not seem so strong as he did last spring. Time has told upon him since then. He is fond of your brother and all belonging to him, so his coming in and finding them here was a very agreeable circumstance. What a delightful day we have had! I have been as far as Bellevue to see poor Miss Buchanan. Good night!
Your affectionate,
J Brillie
Rev. Richard Harris Barham
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
Sunday night
My dear Ainsworth,
All tomorrow morning will be invaluable to us in our state of transition as we want to get into our new abode on Wednesday or Thursday at latest, if therefore you will excuse our coming out to you you will much oblige us and you may depend on our being in waiting for you here and ready by 5. So as not to keep you waiting. […] thank you for the orders which will be dispersed “all in honest hands”.
How was it that the notice did not appear in the globe on Saturday? I presume after arrangement between you and Moran, as all events the copy was down at the office by a quarter past nine in the morning so that the delay does not […] with me. [Jack?] I find in going out triumphantly.
Yours in haste […] as ever
R.H. Barham
Best respects to the [parties? Cardies?] memories of some of his folks [have?] put an account of your visit to him, they [tell?] me, into some Sunday […] as a […].
Mathias Barr
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
Something from “Chief’s Garland” month to month translating.
[…] Grove Valley [T.? J.?] Dulwich SE 8 Oct. 1879
My Dear Dr. Royers
I am obliged to you for kindly sending me your likeness along with photo of [Hayys? Higgs?] monument. I shall prize them. along with “Little Willie” I send three poems in “Childrens [Friend? Brief?]”. The first two I am ashamed of, but the third [called?] “Love […]” is no sae bad.
If the entrie “Little Willie” comes he translated […] Russian. The work, [improperly?] alone, […] more credit upon the Author and translator. I think I mentioned to you that one or two from the little [vol?] had been translated into French, and appeared in some Paris journal. Enclosed are a few of the notices which [some? One?] might read along with book. Much about the same in […] as when I saw you, which is Life Compared with [three?] months back, I [give?] regards to a […] M. Barr
Bernard Barton [no transcription]
Thomas Haynes Bayly
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
You [expressed?] a wish that at my convenience I would forward to Mt. Ackerman a […] contribution for the Forget me not of next year, & that I would mention the sum I regained for it. I am about to leave town, & shall probably be absent many months. I therefore think it best to make the arrangement before I go. I send you a prose tale, & a poem the tale might I think suggest an illustration. They are [Mr.?] Ackermans’ for twenty five pounds. I should like to see a proof of my contribution for this year. I remain your […] Thomas Haynes Bayly 5 Wyndham place August 11th
Elizabeth Ogilvy Benger
Dear […]
[See?] my [warmer?] acknowledgement, [for the?] kind […] you have taken in Miss [Joline’s?] welfare in such that she is [mourning? moving in?] London as I
Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) to Jessie Meriton White (1832-1906)
Transcription by Simonette Berbeglia, December 2009. Berbeglia notes that the likeliest date for the letter is August 28th, 1856. The Brownings were in Ventnor from August 23 to September 6 (not 8, as in the accompanying letter to Ellsworth Mason), and the 28th of August was a Thursday that year.
My dearest Fiamma,
I have your note, and I have been thinking .. & we have both been thinking. Here we are at Ventnor, but it is not fixed yet when exactly we shall be at Cowes? and, when we get there, .. from letters lately arrived .. we shall find out our poor friend so very unwell that we must devote ourselves to him, & perhaps shall be sent away after a day or two. Under these circumstances, we think it would not be worth while for you to come .. unless you have objects independent of us. I write to say so, out of justice & love to you. Dear, let us see you .. flash on us & spend your light on us in London, when we return, that I may say ‘it is not all darkness here.’
I hear that Victor Hugo & all his family have gone over to the spirits, to a fanatical point.
Penini is overjoyed at the sight of the sea, & wears himself out with raptures.
Your ever affectionate
EBB-
Melbourne Villa.
Thursday morning.
Campbell
Transcribed by Magali Blasdell, 2020
8th May 1826 […] [Seymour?] Court
My dear Miss Morse
I send you back your Album with a poem “on Field Flowers” & may I request you will not allow a copy of it to be taken until it is published. In general I have a great objection to writing in albums-and think it is neither flattering you nor [assuming?] […] sequence to myself to tell you why I departed from my usual resolution of returning to contribute to such collections. When I wrote in yours- My memory is a very strange one-I retain impressions but forget names locations & persons-A lady who is my […] as to bring you to my House at an evening party I daresay you remember that I [revered? received?] you with the attention which beauty deserves in the home of a poet-months after that I was walking in Hill Street when I was gazing on the most beautiful face I had ever seen -(Pray excuse me & remember that I am an old man near fifty)-when the young fine face [turn’d?] to me-& recall’d to my [stupid?] recollection-Miss Morse-you made me grateful to you-I thought you so kind & so […] & so forgiving of my forgetfulness that to this day I cannot […] the street without remembering the elegant being who recognized me.
Of course you remember my [favored?] Miss Morse the difference of our years [walks? Works?] as I do-If I were twenty or thirty years younger it would be [impertinent?] to write this to you-But [she’s?] it to those who love you best-& a father or brother will not blame me for a sort of [historian? Victorian?] gallantry [in?] my assuring you that I am with peculiar admiration your obedient what you [need?]
T. Campbell
Field Flowers- by T. Campbell
Ye field flowers-the Garden’s eclipse you-too true-
Yet wildings of nature I doat upon you
For ye waft me to summers of old
When the earth teem’d around me with faery delight
And when daisies & buttercups gladdend my sight
Like Treasures of silver & gold-
I love you for lulling me back into dreams
Of the blue Highland Mountains & echoing streams
And of birchen glades breathing their balm
While the deer was seen glancing in sunshine remote
And the deep mellow [crash?crush?] of the wood-pigeon’s note
Made music that sweetend the [color?]-
Earth’s culture [of?] buds to my [heart? headt?] ye were [deaf? dead?]
Ere the fever of [papion?] or ague of fear
Had [skath?] & my [Exciteneds?] bloom
Once I welcome you more in life’s […] stage
With the unions of youth to revisit my age
And I wish you to grow on my tomb
Robert Chambers
Transcribed by Angela Smith and Sondra Cooney, July 2014
Notes from the transcribers:
This letter was probably written when the recipient, Mr. Tait, was on release from gaol in the summer of 1833. He had been imprisoned for four days for refusing to pay the Annuity Tax. This letter is referenced in an article published in a journal in September of 1833. "Horning" is a Scottish legal term.
From: 17 Waterloo Place, Wed. morning, 6 o'clock
My dear Mr T.
To save a day's labour at home, I am going to Fisherrow before breakfast; but take this expedient for reminding you of your speech as far as I heard it or can recollect.
When I first heard you, you were alluding to the Inquisition, which took care never to burn its victims itself, but handed them over to the civil power, by whom they were burnt,--or something to that effect. (Immense cheering.) These clergymen, though they appear to act indirectly in this matter, in reality are their own messengers and jailors--for such individuals are only deputies. Conceive, gentlemen, Dr Brewster handing off a poor widow to seizing the humble domestic utensils of a poor widow, and exhibiting them for sale at the Cross: this he virtually does, when he sanctions others in doing it. (Laughter and Cheers.) Conceive the learned Dr Horning, as he is now called, (Immense Laughter.) coming up to a man on the street, touching him on the shoulder, and ordering him away to jail, without allowing him a moment's time to make the necessary arrangements in his own business: this, gentlemen, Dr Horning actually did in my case, though he pretended to do it by the hands of another person. (Cheers). [Then you alluded to messengers, and pointed out that men who will be the vile tools of such a system ought to be treated with contempt; and the captions would soon come to an end as the roupings had done before. But before this you added, in reference to the above acts of the clergy "How different all this from the meek precepts of Christianity! How different from the conduct of the Apostle Paul, who, rather than be chargeable to those he preached to, told them that with own hands he would still maintain himself! How different from the conduct of the amiable founder of the religion! Can you conceive, gentlemen, that Jesus Christ would have ever ordered roupings or captions, or executed such unholy deeds either directly or indirectly?" You said you had searched the whole scriptures, and found no authority there whatsoever for the proceedings of the Edinburgh clergy.] Gentlemen, my sufferings in this matter have, I assure you, been very light. I was borne up by the assurance that I had the sympathy and approbation of my fellow citizens; and they are well spent, since they have called forth this great, this splendid, this majestic demonstration of your abhorrence of the Annuity Tax. After this, gentlemen, that tax is no more--we have heard the last of it. In these transactions, I have been stigmatised as a rebel--for so the horning declares me to be--to the king; but, gentlemen, I believe I have as much loyal feeling towards our worthy old sovereign than many of the clergy themselves (cheers); and I would propose three cheers for him. [Those cheers accordingly given.] Now, gentlemen, I would propose three cheers more for the cause of religious liberty. [Three tremendous cheers given.] And now, gentlemen, I will put all that remains for me to say into one word--Good Night to the Annuity Tax!'
I have not remembered your thanks to the people, or your intreaties that they would disperse peacably; and I may have omitted some other points, which I hope you will be able to supply. All I aim at is to remind you of as much as I recollect.
In case of my name coming prominently forward in the reports and comments on this business, I would like some public writer, or yourself in any thing you may write upon it, to remark something to this effect--'Mr Chambers's motives were an ancient and zealous friendship for Mr Tait, whom he wished to countenance publicly his restoration to society, and a wish to mark his sense of the impropriety of the behaviour of the clergy. in this business That a person who, though his writings are universally perused, has never formerly been drawn by any public event from the privacy of domestic life, should have come forward in the way he has done on this occasion, is certainly among the most remarkable circumstances in the whole affair. It is the more so, that Mr. C. has distinguished himself as a public writer against innovatory movements in the state.
I am, very dear Mr T.
yours ever most sincerely,
RChambers.
I heard parties going {raving and drumming?}home at all hours of the night. There must have been a good deal of toddys had, I suspect, on the occasion.
Ann Gilbert
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
[Harpendless], June 15th, 1854
My dear Miss Young,
I have not time to say how glad I am that you approve what I have done. I have added a few corrections, and return to [Leafe?] by this Evening's post, but leaving still one word that puzzles me, and being very near post time, I must not say more. I am so glad I was able to do them at all.
With very kind regards to Mr. Young, and "Dear Aunt Mary," very truly yours,
Ann Gilbert
We said to Time, twas long ago,
"Old Man, thy daughters bless?"
He did not say exactly No,
Nor yet exactly, yes.
He smiled [and?] said to be [midway?],
When children thus request,
He then no promise breaks, and they,
Believe, - as suits them best.
He knows, poor man, he always knew,
Since stript were Eden's bowers,
That other work was his to do,
When [counting?] Eden's flowers!
He knows a deadly poison fell
Thence on his wide domain!
Knows that no blessing ther can dwell
But needs be blest again!
Till he provides a pleasant store,
And freely spreads to view,
But little worth, till sprinkled be,
Till washed in Heaven's dew!
Then may we [late?], with caution mete,
His bounties yet bestowed;
With chastened gladness pluck and eat,
While speeding on our road!
Such is the testimony of Ann Gilbert
Born, Jan.y 30, 1782
Robert Gilfillan
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
My dear sir,
The accompanying Elogy is an attempt at an illustration of character. I should be really [?] if it came up to your ideas of quaint Scotch humour.
The portrait i hope will be recognized in every Country Church yard.
Very truly yours
Robert Gilfillan
4th June 1842
Dr. Murray
[Esqu?]
Thomas Gisborne
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
[Princeton?], May 28, 1800
Gentlemen,
I have great pleasure in transmitting for your perusal the enclosed letter, which I received yesterday, but not until the London Post had left the place. You will of course think it right to confer with Mr. [?], Curzon Street. I heartily wish you success with your edition. You will see by the conslucion of Mr. [Alderson's?] letter ... we are still in the dark s to the state of the [intended?] edition of Mr. [Mason's] works.
Do you at all knwo whether [Cowper?] has left any [mgs?], & what? And to whose hands his papers are committed? And can you tell me anything about a Mr. Carpenter (whether a Clergyman, or not, I cannot say), who has an Academy at [Barking, yes?]? I am, in haste, [?] yours faithfully,
Thomas Gisborne
Send Mr [Alderson?] one of the "Poems ? ?"]
These are some few [written?] the Poems of Cowper's left some [Notes?] after he died at the Home of his [Relation?] Mr. [Johnson?] in [Merrifield?] and there all his [Papers?] are.
Messrs Cadell & Davis,
Strand,
London
Edward Goulburn
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
Sir,
I have received your letter & in reply to it I must beg to decline taking any part in the proceeding to which it refers.
I am, Sir,
Yours [?]
Edward Goulburn
Kensington
Wednesday Morning
Feby 21st 1818.
S. Baring Gould
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
[Walton?]
[Thurs?]
Feb. 21
Dear Mr. [Jones?]
The archbishop wore a short surplice & legs in stockings. He began with confession (omitted Absolution I think) [1st?] Prayer, 2nd Lesson, [?] & responses [collide?] [create?] & an [?] of his own. [Prayers?] for [Queen?] & her [rascals?] of course. I think that was all, but I do not remember very clearly.
I remain
[?] yours,
S. Baring Gould
Hudson Gurney
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
[Kenwick?] Decbr 28th 1858
My dear [sir?]
[?] your letters [?] [?] to write for the Life of [Beckford?] [?] and is [?] [?] whether [several illegible words] - He was by Every account a very Extraordinary man-- When I was at Paris in the beginning of 1802, I was about with Mr Robert [Monclay?] - & Beckford told him to bring me with him to dinner at his house. I consulted on [Mr. Carmon?]
who was there with Mr [?] a well known personnage in the day - & he said
Samuel Carter Hall
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
[?] Lodge,
8 Essex Villas, Argyll Road,
Campden [Hill?] [?]
Dec 1
Dear Sir,
Although I had almost made up my mind not again to deliver lectures -- for it is not my [?] and presses much on my time and my energies -- the temptation to break [?] is great : for the [?] I have [several illegible words] have been of late so warm and so intelligent, that I will determine to accept your [invitation?] - if you can arrange my work to be about the middle of March.
I [?] programmes of two lectures : the only [ones?] indeed I give : the one is intellectual the other very amusing. I prefer [? ?] on the authors I have known because I cannot but be [?] -- a work which no one else can do : because there is no one livin who knew so many of the great authors of [the age?].
Takeyour choice - when you have [?] the two programmes I will be at your service :
And do my best to qualify your [?], in either case.
Very truly yours,
S.C. Hall
[Mssr?] Kidd [Esq?]
Samuel Carter Hall
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
A letter to my wife.
My happier thoughts to thee I bring
When this [?] morn of spring
When [laughing?] [heath is on the gale?]
When [?] birds sing on every tree,
And Nature, upon hill and dale
Prefers a welcome [for] the Bee.
While earth rejoices, glad and gay,
[O'er?] wearying winter [?] away,
And hope is like you [? why?],
To which nor cares nor fears belong,
I sigh - but not with grief I sigh,
As thoughts of thee breathe [?] in song.
Oh I have learnt the [poets?] [ahill?]
[?] [made?] my [words?] obey very well,
[What thence?] [?][?] to Nature [warm?]
I think not long [?][?] to find--
The beauty [?] around [?] --!
The beauty of my [?] mind.
Yes beauty - though it may not be
Like this fair morning, peach and [?]
But rather like the [broken?] day
That glows around me which I write,--
Too early yet to [?] decay,--
Or bid me think there will be [right?]!
Yes, beauty, in that kindly face,
The [?] - lover [?] thy trace;
[?] and [?] and [truth?]
May live to [search?] at [change?] and time--
They were the graces of thy youth
They are the graces of thy prime.
We've [lived?] together side by side,
Proud -- but [oh was no?] [petty?] pride--
That [hath?] brought [renown?] of no wealth,
Our hearts have therefore little [rust?],
We still have [have] peace and hope and health
And mutual love and mutual trust.
My beautiful, my good and kind;
Perfect in feature form and mind;
My hopes my thoughts are all with [thee?]
Accept the [humble?] gift I bring:--
I need not bid thee think of me
Upon this gentle morn of spring.
S.C. Hall
[Invitation to the celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. S.C. Hall]
[Envelope addressed to Charles Reed and others, from S.C. Hall]
James Hannay
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
Edinburgh
16 March [1867-1875]
My dear Edgar,
I [?] [?], according to promise, to announce my safe arrival. How did you find your father, and will you be able to come to Edinb. on Friday? -- I long to have a [?] with you in the capital of our Ancestors!-
Address me-
Care of Dr. Scott Esq. [?]
12 Drummond Place
I will meet you in any fixed part of the town - say Scott's [Mon./] on Friday afternoon. --
Yours affectionately,
James Hannay
[?]
Flora Elizabeth Hastings
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
Chere Baronne,
Si vous avez de petits [chausseurs?] pour mettre par dessous vos souliers, je vous engage de les porter ce soir -- parceque nous, qui seront [?] dans la premiere voiture, auront un
Flora Elizabeth Hastings (2)
petit bout de la rue a faire en sortant--
Tres [amicalement?],
Flora Eliz. Hastings
Flora Elizabeth Hastings (3)
[Addressed to]: La Baronnesse de [Ferry?][?]
Flora Elizabeth Hastings (4)
[I can't live for a little light work here & ?] [?] [?] for some [?]
**** [illegible]
Annie S. Hawkes
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
After Labor Cometh Rest
Doubting soul [?][?] opining,
Surely there's a better way,
Look above, the sun is shining,
Darkness ever leads to day.
Ever yet has heart grown lighter,
'Till for hope exchanging fears,
Ever yet has soul grown [whiter?]
Through the alchemy of tears.
Doubting soul, go forth and labor,
Though the sun refuse to shine,
Look around thee [see?][lo?] thy neighbor
Bears a burden greater thine.
Terry not a moment longer,
Shelter no [obtrusive?] guest,
Ever yet have soul grown stronger,
'Till through toil it enters rest.
Annie S. Hawkes
William Hayley
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
after
In form and angel but in soul a [?]
It chanced Her [?] among his friends enrolled
a [health senator?] infirm & old
who [?] too early by his generous [heart?]
[?] [?] a misanthropic [?]
Tho' peevish [Faeries?] now [would that heart?] [now his ? insist?]
Good Nature's image lurk beneath [their?] [rest?]
& gay [?] with that sportive wit
Which leads the Folly that it [?] to hit
World of the sickness of his soul beguile
& teach the [spleenful?]/[sullen?] [?] to smile
Pleased that [her?] [Follies?] could his [thoughts?] [?]
From [spleen full empire?] into sprightly [joy?]
[Pleased] by her [?] Frolics to [asuage?]
The mental anguish of [disrupted?] age
This [?] [fiend?] in a [socratic?] [shell?]
was [drawn?] to [?] as a [healthy?] [?]
[For?] whom the spring yet [mercenary?] fair
Had [?] spread a [?] snare
Book I
To Mr. Addison's remarks on this subject it may not be improper to add, that though our syllables are not strictly [seductive?] to the [outer?] [?] of Greek or Latin [?], they are [several steps?] [all?] long or short in judgment of an accurate ear, and that's without a close attention to [syllabic?] quantity in the construction of our verse, we can give it neither [?] nor dignity. Milton, as Mr. Addison observes and proves, deals much in the Iambic and in the [Trochee?], and occasionally in several other kinds that he specifies; but perhaps the great secret to which his verse is principally indebted for its [shapely?] [movement?], is his more frequent use of the [Spondee?] than of any other. The more long syllables there are in a verse, the more the [line?] of it is [?], and consequently the pace with which it moves is the more majestic.
Lines. Of [man's?] first disobedience -- man in Paradise received [?] [?] from his Maker, and two only. To keep holy the seventh day, and to abstain from a particular fruit, which if he [?], he would incur Death as the inevitable consequence. These were the sole tests of his allegiance. For created as he was, holy, and in the express image of God, he could have no need of a [?] written in Tables for his direction.
The Fragment of an intended Commentary on Paradise Lost
The Triumphs of Temper a Poem in 6 Cantos vol the 2d
Reginald Heber
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
Reverend [Simmons?]
I feel much honoured by the Request contained in your obliging letter & should have had much pleasure in making myself useful so far as my abilities extend to so excellent a charity as the London Hospital. -- On the 24th of April, however, it is doubtful whether I shall be in town, & it is certain that I shall not have, at that time, received corrections. In consequence I am compelled to decline the honor offered to me, & remain
[?] Sir
Your faithful & [adroitly?]
Humble servant
Regd. Heber
[Hodret?] Rectory, March 11.
[envelope addressed to The Reverend W. Valentine, London Hospital, London]
Gentlemen,
I have directed [?] North, [Moore?] & [?] Fleetstreet to call on you with their bill against me amounting to l10.10s [10 pounds 10 shillings] which I shall be much obliged to you to discharge [and] I also take the liberty of enclosing some cards containing the name & circumstances of the deaf & dumb child whom I before [recommended?] to you. --
I remain [?]
Your [obliged?] humble servant,
Reginald Heber
[Hodret?] April 26, 1819.
[envelope from Rev. Reg Heber, 26 April 1819, addressed to Sir Walter Sterling [?] [?], Strand, London]
Annie Alexandra Hector [Annie Alexander Hector?]
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
49 Grove End Road
N.W.
March 12/84
Sir/
I return you yr list which is very correct. I have have [?] my [?] thro the poems -- which are by a different Mrs. Alexander a very charming writer -- wife of an Irish Bishop. -- [Ish'd?] like to know what you want the information for
Annie Alexandra Hector (2)
I am yrs truly
Annie Alexander Hector
F.A. Cox Esq
Felicia Hemans
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
My dear Sir,
I [?] your [?] a [?], some time since, to look at Dr. Channing's remarks on the character of Napoleon, which I have [?] [least?] to a [prince?]. I now do myself the pleasure of sending them, and shall be very happy if this [?]
Felicia Hemans (3)
afforded you the gratification which I think it can scarcely fail to do. -- I have other writings of Dr. Channingings, which, if any be [?] to you, I beg you will consider as quite at your service, and [consider me?], Dear Sir,
Very truly
Your [obliged?]
Felicia Hemans
[Waverton?]
Monday Morning
The Coronation of [Tasso?]
Che gioia triumfe? che gioia [?]
Ahi! nell'altro che pianto [?]!
Tasso
A Triumph's note is in the sky, in the glorious [?] sky,
Whose Dome hath [sung?] to many an age to the voice of victory;
There is crowding to the Capitol, the [impressive?] [?] along,
For again a conqueror must be crowne'd -- a kingly child of [song?].
Yet his [?] linger,
Yet around his home,
Brood a shadow liberty,
Midst the joy of Rome.
A thousand, thousand Laurel-boughs are waving wide and far,
To [shout?] out this triumphant [gleam?] around his [rolling?] [hair?];
A thousand haunts of olden Gods have given this wreath of flowers,
To scatter o'er his [path?] of [fame?] [brighten him in gentle showers?].
--Peace!--within his chambers,
Low the mighty lie,
With a [cloud of Dreams?] on his noble brow,
And a wandering in his eyes.
Sing, sing for him, the Lord of [long?], for him whom [?] attain
In [mastery?] o'er the spirit [?], like a strong wind o'er the main,
Whose voice lives deep in burning hearts, for ever there to dwell,
As a still [?] Oracle's [embodiment?] in a Temple's [?] cell.
Yes! for him, the victor,
Sing -- but low, sing low!
A soft and [Miserare?] chant
For a soul about to go!
The sun, the sun of Italy is [pouring?] o'er his way,
Where the old three hundred Triumphs mov'd a flood of Golden Day;
Streaming thro' every haughty arch of the [Caesars'?] [?] [renown?]
Bring forth in that exalting light the Conqueror for his crown!
[Shout?] the [proud?] bright [lanterns?] from the fading light!
There make no way by the bed of Death save the holy taper's light.
The wreath is trimmed -- the way is [?] -- the lordly [?] are [not?]--
The streets are hung with coronets -- why stays the Minstral [?]?
Shout, as an army shouts in joy, around a royal chief!
Bring forth the Bard of Chivalry, the Bard of Love and Grief!
Silence! -- forth we bring him
In his last array!
From Love and Grief the Great at last,
Wake for the [?] -- make way!
F. Hemans
[illegible]
John C. Hobhouse
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
To Mr. Appleyard Examiner Office
Sir,
I observe that you have undertaken to receive [subscriptions?] for the relief of Mr Bruce & I beg leave to inclose a small sum for that purpose -- If this unfortunate man were really an accomplice in the crime for which [Magennis?] suffered death, no mercy could have been shown to him -- If he were not an accomplice no punishment should be awarded to him -- There are no shades of criminality in the offense charged against him -- There is no such thing as being more or less guilty in such a matter: and Bruce must be as criminal as [Magennis?], or not criminal at all --
The verdict pronounced him altogether guilty -- The reprieve has left him altogether innocent -- To transport him for life shocks all common sense & common feeling; and I have still some hope that the King's minister may yet see this sentence in the same light as the rest of my fellow countrymen.
I am, Sir, your obedient ser
John C. Hobhouse
Whitton Park August 24
Barbara Hofland
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
Dear Mr [Allen?][Oliver?]
My sole motive for saying "come on Sunday" was the belief that you were invited to London in the present season, you could come no other day. I now say I should much rather see you in the week days and any day but Monday [?] [?] most happy to do so -- on that day my master is going to fish with a friend in the Thames -- if you are within, you will perhaps be able to speak to my [mind?] if not you will be so good as to [drop?] me a line -- if you prefer four o'clock to three say so but give me as much of your company as you can.
Mr H [writes?] in respects
[?] yours very faithfully
B. Hofland
Saturday morning
June 1st
[Bradman?] House
Hammersmith
PS if you think my [Mss?] won't do pray don't hesitate a moment to say so.
[envelope addressed to Mr Oliver? Mr Allen?, New Burlington Street]
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
Montgomery Place Jan. 8th
My dear Sir,
It will give me much pleasure to dine with you on Saturday.
Yours very truly
O.W. Holmes
Alex Beresford Hope
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
July 4 [18--?]
My dear Sir
Many thanks for your [illegible -- come back later]
Charles Edward Horn
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
My dear sir
Will you believe me when I tell you -- I have taken up The [Salmandine?] again and have succeeded much better with what I have done now than that I show'd you in the winter in that I did not [?] my way out of the wood then -- and felt it was my own want of showing the Road.
But I do now and shall be happy to show you that I do -- once more I thank you for the Chronicle notice it was grand in the extreme and I am certain will do me great good.
Yours very truly
C E Horn
[Chas?] [Martley?] Esq
Lord Houghton
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
Question & no Answer.
Is it Ethics or Physics? Ah,that is the question:
Is it trouble of Conscience or morbid digestion?
Is temper that makes all my family quiver,
Ill-disciplined mind or dis-order of liver?
Does the Passion, that makes even wise new [excentrical?]
Proceed from the Heart? and if so from which ventrical?
Are duty & courage fine functions of [verves?],
Just as one horse goes steady, & another horse swerves.
To the Genius that nature can hardly contain,
A film of gray marrow effused on the brain?
....Don't believe it, dear lady, or better, don't know it
But contentedly stick to your Parson & Poet.
Moralist.
Lord Houghton,
Traveller's Club,
London.
Address to send Book -- please send [book to Mr JCW?]
[illegible -- come back later]
[illegible -- come back later]
Robert Howard
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
[several words, illegible]
In obedience to [two words, illegible] Reformation to [me?] of the complaint of Mr [Lorod?] and [office?] [Dept?] Chamberlaine of the receipt of Excheqr against Mr. [LeNoble?] this office [Dept?] Chamberlaine there [two words, illegible] [?] of is that Mr. [LeNoble] neglecting his duty -- Mr. [Lorod] hath been forced to do his [conscience?] [I have?] examined the [?] & find that Mr. [LeNoble] hath spent much of his time in [?] briefing records, & [?] of that nature [?] his designs to [?] in yr office for the King's [two words, illegible] if he hath not some [friends?] [?] [himself?] to [soon?] to the striking of [follys?] as Mr. [Lorod], yet his Clerks hath constantly offended so that [?] not finds that the [?] hath been obstructed -- or that any body hath complained for want of -- dispatch. But this [dispute?] [two words, illegible] Mr. LeNoble Clerks should be admitted to [?] [follies?] [?] Mr. Lorod [two words, illegible] hath informally --- [preferred?], and thus being a [?] that in case of yr absence of either of these by reason of [sickness?] or other [extraordinary?] occasions yr [?] should be --- dipatch by other I see [no?] grounds of complaint.
[Allwth?] I humbly submit to yr [?]
February 1690
Ro: Howard
Mary Howitt
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
[Mel.?] Hill Lodge
Highgate
[Dec.?] 21
My dear Sir,
Will the time with [?] on [the downside?] suit your preference? i have not written much poetry lately. I wish I could send you a splendid poem like "England,' but that is impossible. "Silver & gold I have none, but such as I have I give [not to?] thee."
I am dear sir
yours sincerely
M. Howitt
W.C. [Burnett Esq? Bermott Esqu?]
64 Cheapside
City
Mary Hermott [Dec. 21?] /58
Breathings.
I
Speak Master, I thy servant will obey;
Make known thy will & it shall be my pleasure;
let my divinest Wordin one have sway
And I will ask no other earthly treasure.
Thy will be m;ind, my Saviour, mine alone!
---Oh then thy will make known!---
II
Our light is not alone revealed in light;
Our joy has not alone in joy its birth;
Day rises from the blackest gulf of night,
And Heaven is entered through the [uses?] of earth,
For over darkness, storm [I save?], oh Dove
Thou [broodest?] ever, The Eternal Love!
Mary Howitt
Richard Howitt
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
Nottingham 5h, [No?] 6th, 1828
Respected friend
S.C. Hall
I am not surprised at they selection of "Filial Piety," for on showing it to my brother W. he assured me it was Wordsworthian -- it is, in my opinion one of the best, if not the best of my compositions. I congratulate myself on its appearance, as fortunate, in a work so highly respectable, and so much to my taste as the ["?"].
With regard to the lost stranger but one, although I am not [dissatisfied?] with it, yet the poem would be equally complete without it, and since no power will the [gifted?] give us "to see our poetry as it is seen by the impartial, I leave it o thy decision entirely, with thanks for thy candour.
Enclosed is a little piece for Mrs. [Hall's?] juvenile work: the [torn word] I hopeth of the kind: had I been more amply provided, others for her selection should have been forwarded. On [some?] Stepmothers I think it would have a salutory effect, and it should be a writer's aim, whilst he endeavours to please and inform the young, to delight some and improve others amongst children of a [lesser growth?].
With respects to Mrs. H I am respectfully yours
Richard Howitt
P.S. the lines"the clock and crickets were as loud" might by some be objected to, but in it I have been guided by my own recollected feelings children do not always attribute their dislikes and delights to the real [causes?], it was the want of a louder noise that distresses the child, and the silence that gave the house its disagreeable quality. This explanation to you is [needless?] and [?] to others.
[Envelope addressed to S.C. Hall Esq., 2 East Place, Lambeth, return address, Single Street, stamped 12 noon, [May?] 17, 1828]
William Howitt
Transcribed by Amy Brooks, 2020
Rome, 55 Via Sistina [May?] 1878
My Dear Mr Hall,
We read the article of Mrs. Hall in No. 1 of the "Social Notes" on Children's [Books?] which I suppose is theone you allude to. It is exactly our view of the [matter?] [such?] we were glad to see her treat it so [rigoruosly?]. In fact, the [mere? [feeding? finding?] of children on [my?] facts is simply to make little [illegible name] and [illegible name] enough a man who is ashamed of the natural [?] of old age: who [?] his beard and whiskers to take away the becoming indications of autumnal life; puts on an auburn wig with little curls, and thinks he looks once more the fresh [---ant?] juvenile of long ago. Miserable mistake - He has only transfirmed himself from the [venerable?] to the ridiculous; to a rigid and formal [future?] of what nature rejects and resents He is merely an automoton whig. [Thus?], intending a man representing any age whatever, and any [grace?] within nature or art. But a little [illegible name?] on facts alone, and with all the poetry of imagination and sentiment [?] out of him, is infinitely [home? lasse?]. When we accept one of these forced [plants?] of modern [boredom? burdens?], and expect a [use?] of the [toy?] with a simplicity and geniality belonging to his age, we are [startled?] by a discharge of [---ities?], and of [three illegible words] well from him 10 years later, but are more simply unnatural and grotesque. A [Tory?] whom we knew in England, who was thus [milled?] into premature knowledge by a very clever [mother of the?] mathematical school [?] as by such remarks as [seemed to come not?] from himself. [We?] [?] some families [not?] [?] him. Mrs Howitt game him a book which was a [good?] favorite with Rose [at his?] own age [three illegible words] is infintiely too juvenile, and informed me [?] his occasional light reading he had just finished Bocacccio's Decameron, and was beginning Don Quixote! Monday, his parents having gone to [Scotland?], in a [?] to [little Rose?], I met him in the lane near us and inquired [of her?] then he immediately proceeded to explain to me why they [had?] gone at Midsummer, saying "You know the [Scotch?] do not let
Harriet Martineau
Transcribed by Deborah Logan, 2005
To Edward Moxon
Tynemouth
11 June 1844
Dear Mr Moxon
I think I must ask for one more copy of “the Sick-room,” for “Mr Harrowin, Ironmonger, Kingsland.”
This looks odd, - but a rather pleasant tale hangs thereby. He is the father of a housemaid of ours, a great reader; & partly through pleasure in my works, partly from my making him my trumpet maker, - & so, to all the deaf aristocracy, - he not only will never let me pay for a trumpet, but is never so pleased (being a benevolent man) as when I point out to him a poor person who is deaf, whom he may supply gratis.
We find ourselves baffled, however, by poor people choosing to use a trumpet purely for ornament, - sticking it up over the fireplace or on the pump for show! - I hear today that Mr Harrowin is anxious to learn some tidings of me; & I think this book will gratify him, & be in no way lost upon him. Yours very truly
H. Martineau.
P.S. I have been shown a letter from a lady visiting in the highest literary circles in London now; as she did at Xmas, when also on a visit; & she writes (not knowing that I shd hear of it) that she now finds my vol still talked of, to the exclusion of newer books, wherever she goes. - And I still have anonymous letters, & letters from strangers, - here & there of brutal abuse from high & mighty Christians of the Bp of Exeter’s sort, - but almost all of a very opposite kind; & [page is cut off]
Mary Mitford (1751-1830)
Transcribed by Fiona Mitford, 2006
Three Mile Cross. 14th July 1823.
I take an early opportunity my dear friend to enquire after your dear interesting invalid, and hope (unfavourable as the weather certainly is for a complaint like his) that your unwearied attention, will preserve him from feeling the ill effects of these sudden transitions from heat to cold. You know dear Charles kindly promised me, to write for his dear Mother, who has so many demands on her time every hour of the day, and to give me an account of you all, my daughter feels equally interested with her Father and myself about you and all yours. We talk much of you all, in another fortnight we imagine Caroline & Chas Potter will be returning to Misses Lucas & Hayward, but you will probably hear before their Holidays are expired through the medium of Mr Hayward of Wantage how your too lively, most Indian Guard bore up under the unexpected, certainly undesired summons to quit the hospitalities of Lockinge, for the restraints Mrs Mackenzie and her Grandmother may feel necessary. Your beloved girls will I hope meet her in good health and spirits, and I will thank them to present my remembrances to her. The inclosed pattern is for Miss Tull who expressed a wish that she might copy it from my work, but I think she did not. You hinted dear Mrs Tull that you might come to Reading, and kindly added that if you did so you would call here, indeed we should feel mortified if you did not, for however we may regret, that our little cottage will not afford us a spare bed for so highly valued a friend, yet we could send our Poney and Gig into Reading to bring you hither to pass a day with us if you will only have the goodness to give us a few days notice, lest the mare or its master should be engaged.
Were we not very fortunate in the weather for our journey home, indeed there has been no day since that we could have escaped a wetting. We had the satisfaction to find our treasure guide well; much obliged to you for the two clips of your Lesnon plant, and to her young friends for the Roses, Pinks, &c.
My husband leaves us at six tomorrow morning for Abingdon, for the Quarter Sessions, he goes by Wallingford, and intending to return as soon as the business is finished it will not be in his power to look in even to say how do you do? I have to ask your excuse for a most stupid Epistle, but I was interrupted before I had written six lines, by a friend dropping in who literally talked me into a bad headache, and a story of Thunder completed my dismay, and rendered me quite unfit to set pen to paper for some hours. To your two [?] friends Mr George & Mr Robert Dyke [?] say every thing kind, assure them we shall remember with pleasure, their attentions; to the eldest I owe very grateful acknowledgments, for his attentive care in driving us so carefully to Mr Peacoke’s, and his beguiling the time so sweetly with the sweet sounds of his flute in the evening of that day.
That John & Caroline, Charles & Charlotte may realize their excellent Mother’s fondest expectation is the sincere wish of all here, with love to her and them I must conclude
Ever my dear Madam
Most truly yours
Mary Mitford
p.s. [torn page, text missing] attachment of your servants, and those of your [?] good mother was very pleasing, and reminded me strongly of that passage in Scripture, where a good woman on being asked by some potentate what he should do for her, emphatically answers I dwell among mine own people, signifying that nothing could add to the comfort their attachment afforded her yours would I hope do every thing in their power for you, and should I ever revisit you, I should hope to find you surrounded by the same happy faces.
God Bless you adieu.
[envelope]
To
Mrs Tull
Lockinge
Near Wantage
Mary Russell Mitford (1787-1855)
Transcription by Fiona Mitford, 2006
Fair May beneath thy feet the grass is set
With violets, cowslips, primroses, all wet
With perfect dew, are very crystal clear.
The earth, the joy, the music of the year
art thou. Who loves thee not? Gay songs of birds
Tell thy delights, and rude [uncorked?] words
of shepherds.
Mary Russell Mitford
Three Mile Cross
August 25th 1846
With Miss Mitford’s compliments to Mr [Hacey?]
Hannah More
Transcribed by Jessy Randall, May 2018
The Revd. Dr. Whalley [Thomas Sedgwick Whalley (1746-1828)]
Mendip Lodge
My dear Sir
Knowing the warmth of your kindness we feared that indisposition had robbed us of the great gratification of seeing you.
I am afraid you suffered by using your inflamed eye in writing your kind note.
We have indeed a house of infirmity. Poor Bitty has had a second stroke. She is better but in a melancholy state.
In addition to my other agremens I am laboring under a severe cold. Patty is poorly, but no sickness or sorrow will ever prevent our being, my dear Sir
with true regard your very faithful and obliged
H More &c &c
B. Wood [Barley Wood]
Tuesday
William Roscoe letter
Transcribed by Jessy Randall, Erin Keenan, and Liz Lewis, August 2002
Please note: according to Roscoe scholar David Weinglass, author of the entry on Roscoe in The Biographical Dictionary of Modern British Radicals, Vol. I 1770-1830 (Harvester Press, 1979, pp. 413-419), Roscoe’s wife, whom he married in 1781 after a five-year engagement, was Jane Griffies (1757-1824). They had seven sons and two surviving daughters.
I have an opportunity of going [?]
to Liverpool in a day or two
which mention to Marie [?]
case [?] when I write thither
I am dear wife
Very sincerely yours
W. Roscoe
Friday morning
Candle Town [?]
Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Transcribed by Jessy Randall, 2002.
Note: whatever was originally enclosed is no longer with the letter.
14 Jan 1865
[printed stationery mark: “16 Cheyne Walk / (tree in a circle with “francas non flectas,” design in a second circle / “Chelsea”]
Dear Sir
Would you get me the enclosed 2 sonnets printed with the corrections on gilt paper, but rather larger than here - the type to occupy about as much space as the whole of the paper enclosed? The figures I-II to be retained, but no other heading, & the arrangement to be the same. It is wanted to fix on the frame of a picture, so that only one copy is needed, but 3 may as well be printed, in case of accident.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours truly
D.G. Rossetti
W. Wilkins
Richard Chenevix Trench to Charles Mackay
Transcribed by Gregory Robert Freeman and Jessy Randall, 2011
Palace Dublin
Jan 7. 1868
Dear Sir,
In your Collection of One Thousand & One Gems of English Poetry there is on page 274 a remarkable poem by Herbert Knowles - Lines written in Richmond Church Yard; which I never saw before. I have been for some time past preparing an English anthology though on a somewhat different scheme from yours - & I should feel much obliged if you would inform me from whence the lines are drawn, & if you should know them, when & where they first appeared - as the writer is to me equally unknown with his poem. I am sure you will pardon me giving you the trouble. I remain
faithfully yours,
R. C. Dublin
Charles Mackay Esq.
[Note: the anthology to which Trench refers is likely his A Household Book of English Poetry, published 1868.)
Ann Yearsley to Hannah More
Transcription by Kerri Andrews, 2008, with help from Frank Felsenstein, John Goodridge, Tim Burke and David Fairer.
Please note: The ink for the date and the underlining of “Miss More” and “bare” is a different, much darker, ink than in the majority of the letter. The question mark is also an annotation; the breadth of the nib’s stroke would appear to be similar to that of the pen that underlined the words ‘Miss More’. It is possible that these annotations were made by Hannah More.
Septr the 13 1785 569
Madam,
I shall begin by avowing what my feelings will never allow me to be insensible of; your goodness in protecting my publication; had your subsequent Conduct proved that protection had arisen from the humanity my situation and the distresses of my family naturaly would awaken in the breast of a Woman sensible of the feelings of a mother and concious [sic] of the charms of having dependants; my Gratitude would have known no bounds, to have ones children dependant on us is a natural desire; it is a laudable one; to usurp that power over individuals either by imposing on their Generosity or Ignorance, is most degrading;
I wish’d not for money but to enable me to bring up my children in Comfort and improvement and had you been actuated by a disinterested desire to [second?] my wishes, my sense of your benevolence Could never have been erased, but your late treatment has set a narrow bounds to my Gratitude, which Cannot be avowd for favours these Circumstances Convince me arrose [sic] more from your vanity than Generosity you tax me with ingratitude, you reproch [sic] me with obligation; for why? 208 you found me poor yet proud, if it can be calld pride to feel too much humbled by certain obligations and above submitting to servility
You helpd to place me in the public eye; my success you think beyond my abilities; and purely arising from your protection; I wish not to lessen your favours; but granting this to your vanity; surely mine does not Soar in thinking the Singularity of my situation would have secured me some success; this will soon be tried.
And let me ask you what I have gaind by your professt friendship? I find myself deprived of the money which my poems and the torturing tale of my distress have raised; my feelings and gratitude is traduced but the public may yet discover my depressd Situation.
I wish not to squander the money my every hope of future pleasure this side eternity; Centers in my Children; but I wish not to divest myself either of the pleasure or Right I have by nature; and I repeat it, as the money was Collected in my name and for the purpose of relieving My Childrens wants; the right was mine to Educate and set them in life as their dispositions may in future determine; the public generously intended the money for this benevolent purpose and I cannot think it ingratitude to disown as obligation a proceeding which must render [my surviving?] Children [word unclear] your poor dependants forever; I have trusted more to your probity than the event justifies; you have led me to sign a settlement which defrauds me and my family of our right (and make it if ever receiv’d your peculiar Gift,( [sic] you are too sensible there is no fund specified where it is placed nor do I know how it is disposed of, there is no time assign’d when my Children shall call it out:) your bankruptcy or Death may lose it forever, and let me ask you Miss More what security you have ever Given my Children whereby they may prove their future Claim:? I am sorry remonstrance should be needful, or your motives left bare to doubt or Suspicion.
My mind is haughty, but too justly so not to glory in being ever grateful for obligation it Could stoop to recieve [sic] if I have misjudgd your Conduct; ’tis yours to Confute my opinions; it depends on this, my raising a monument in my second publication either to your Just or unjust proceeding; the choice be yours ______
I am yr humble servant
Ann Yearsley
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