RICHARD MONCKTON (1ST BARON HOUGHTON) MILNES - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 09/30/1844 - HFSID 73377

RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES, 1ST BARON HOUGHTON

The 19th-century literary and political figure expresses his regrets on being unable to attend a party, signs his name in black ink

Autograph Letter signed: "Richard M. Milnes" in black ink, 3p, integral leaves 4½x7 folded. Fryston Hall, Yorkshire, England. In full: "Dear Sir, To the very last I have entertained the hope of being able to assist at the celebration of the Manchester Athenaeum on Thursday next. I find myself however so implicated in engagements of friends, connected with the meeting of the British Association of York, that it is absolutely impossible for me to leave home during this week. Permit me then to augur you a most interesting meeting under the presidency of my distinguished friend, & to combine my respect at these unfortunate circumstances, with the hope of meeting you on some future occasion. I remain, Your very obedient and obliged". Richard Monckton Milnes, 1st Baron Houghton (1809-1885) was an English poet, literature patron, and politician. While attending Cambridge, Milnes joined the socially and artistically progressive Apostles Club, which included members such as Alfred Tennyson and Arthur Henry Hallam. They involved themselves in issues such as copyright and the establishments of juvenile reformatories. His early work, mostly reflective poetry reminiscent of Wordsworth, led many people to regard him as one of the most promising writers of his generation, with books such as Memorials of a Tour in Some Parts of Greece (1834), Memorials of a Residence on the Continent and Historical Poems (1838), Poems of Many Years (1840), and Palm Leaves (1844) earning him recognition. However, Milnes' legacy was his standing as a generous and discriminating patron of writers; he published Life, Letters, and Literary Remains of John Keats (1848), helped Tennyson secure a pension, and popularized the writing of Ralph Waldo Emerson in England. Since his death, he has become known for his massive collection of erotic literature, including the first serious collection of the works of the Marquis de Sade. Normal mailing folds. Toned. Creased and stained throughout. Corners gently worn. Otherwise, fine condition.