RICHARD MONCKTON (1ST BARON HOUGHTON) MILNES - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 11/12/1886 - HFSID 73105

RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES, 1ST BARON HOUGHTON
The British literary figure assures a correspondent that there was no noteworthy friendship between his father and Charles Dickens, signs his name in black ink
Autograph Letter signed: "Houghton" in black ink, 1p (front and verso), 4½x7 folded. Addressed to Fred. S. Kilton, Esq. Tryston Hall, Terrybridge, Yorkshire, 1886 November 12. In full: "Sir, In reply to your letter of the 28th ultimo, I regret to say that I have yet found among my late father's papers no record of his friendship with Charles Dickens which would be of value to you for the purpose you mention. Had I discovered any? Should have been very happy to give you any assistance in my power. I am, Sir, You obedient servant". 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. Light surface creases. Corners gently worn. Small ink stains throughout. Otherwise, fine condition.