Scope and Contents From the Collection:

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.

Scope and Contents

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.”

Scope and Contents

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.

Scope and Contents

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

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.

Scope and Contents

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.

Scope and Contents 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...

Scope and Contents

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.

Scope and Contents

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

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.

Scope and Contents

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 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...

Scope and Contents

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

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

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.

Scope and Contents 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...

Scope and Contents

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.

Scope and Contents

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.

Scope and Contents 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...

Scope and Contents

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.

Scope and Contents 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...

Scope and Contents

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.”

Scope and Contents 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...

Scope and Contents

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.

Scope and Contents

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.