Beschreibung:

A Victorian 'scrap' album containing a large collection of autographed letters, documents, 'clipped' signatures, envelope fronts and other ephemera, to include examples from 18th and 19th century prominent figures - Royalty, peers, prime ministers, military figures, church worthies, writers and scientists; many items loose in sleeves or attached to pages, approx 100 signed pieces to include: 1727 letter from George II (written by Talbot Yelverton, 1st Earl of Sussex), to General John Leslie 10th Earl of Rothes, commanding him to attend the 4th October coronation of George II and Caroline of Ansbach (Sussex presided over the ceremonies). Signed to the top by George II. The page with further cut-out of George III’s signature verso. John Leslie 10th Earl of Rothes, was a Scottish representative peer and senior British Army officer. The coronation was postponed by a week and actually took place on 11th October because of the danger of the River Thames bursting its banks at Westminster 1761 document signed by Augustus Keppel (Royal Navy officer and politician) authorizing the transport of payment for troops under the command of Major General Hodgson in an expedition against Belle Isle. The monies was transported upon the (first incarnation of) Temeraire. Counter-signed by Admiral Duncan and George Rogers (secretary), bearing seal for the Albemarle family (Keppel). The island of Belle-Île, just off Brittany, was taken by the British in 1761 during the Seven Years War. 1762 signed note from Admiral George Bridges Rodney arranging a meeting on St Christopher Island (St Kitts) and to await his arrival or orders. As commander of the ship Marlborough (from on-board which this note is written), Rodney was a key part in taking the Caribbean islands from the French and Spanish in the Seven Years War. 1779 military remittance notice signed to the top by George III, authorizing the payment of £19,193.6.10 to Benjamin Smith William Fitzhugh and Simon Halliday for supplying provisions to the British troops in the American Revolutionary War. Further signed by Lord North (Prime Minister), Viscount Beauchamp and 2nd Viscount Palmerston. These men amongst many other merchants were paid for “for provisions delivered into our stores at Corke (Cork) for the use of the forces serving in America”. Due to Cork being the last docking point for ships sailing to America, the war led to a huge increase in trade in the area by merchants supplying the British military with essential supplies. However, this in turn caused growing calls for Irish independence or at the very least freer trade with England. 1803 military commission appointment notice signed to the top by George III, from Secretary at War Charles Yorke to Henry Kelvington, with royal seal. 1813 invitation from the Princess of Wales (Caroline of Brunswick, later Queen Caroline) to Lady Perceval stating that she “would wish to see you a moment alone”. Lady Perceval was the widow of Prime Minister Spencer Perceval, who was assassinated on 11 May 1812 (the only British PM to have been assassinated). The letter is black-edged to denote mourning. Caroline was rejected by her husband, the Prince Regent (later George IV) shortly after their marriage, however many, including Spencer Perceval, supported her. Princess Caroline was also godmother to the Perceval’s youngest child. 1824 passport signed by the Prince de Polignac (Ambassador to Great Britain and later French Prime Minister) issued to English lawyer and author Francis Ludlow Holt. 1825 cheque from Drummond’s bank (now owned by NatWest) signed by John Franklin (Arctic explorer) to pay Mr Churton £13.11.0. This was signed just two weeks before Franklin left Britain for the Mackenzie Expedition. Circa 1820s signed letter from the Duke of Buckingham & Chandos refusing the loan of his paintings to a British Institution exhibition. 1856 cheque from Barclay, Bevan, Tritton & Co bank (subsumed into Barclay’s) signed by William Jackson Hooker (botanist)