SIR THEODORE MARTIN - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 02/12/1879 - HFSID 73346

SIR THEODORE MARTIN
Poet Sir Theodore Martin signed this letter to an autograph hunter in 1879. Accompanied by a b/w illustration of Martin and a clipping of his relationship with Queen Victoria. He wrote a biography of Prince Albert and a book of reminiscence of Queen Victoria.
Autograph Letter signed: "Theodore Martin", 3p, 4½x7¼. On personal letterhead. No place, 1879 February 12. To "My Dear Madam". In full: "My dear Madam Your letter sent to my country house has only now reached me. I enclose my autograph. There is a very good photograph of Mrs. Martin by Mayall, published, I believe, by Marion of Soho Square. Mrs. Martin, naturally, has no very vivid recollections of such young young people as she met during her first visit to Edinburgh. She does remember, however, a young lady, a daughter of Mrs. Cox, of much maturer [sic] years than yours appear to have been at the time. It is always pleasant to me to hear of the deep impression she made upon those to whom the woman & the artist were then known. Thank God, that power of creating interest remains undimmed. Believe me truly yours." Signature page slightly soiled. Otherwise, fine condition. Accompanied by: 1) Unsigned bust view illustration of Martin (b/w with brown hue, 3¾x5½ overall, image 2¼x4). Very light facsimile signature at bottom. Nicked in upper right corner. 2) 2½x6¾ undated newspaper clipping from unknown publication describing Martin's relationship with Queen Victoria. Fine condition. Martin (1816-1919), born and educated in Scotland, practiced law in London but made his reputation as a translator of poetry from Danish, German (Goethe) and Latin (Horace). At Queen Victoria's request, he undertook a 5-volume biography of the late Prince Albert, published 1874-1880. He became a close confidant of the Queen, and later wrote a volume of reminiscences, Queen Victoria as I Knew Her, published privately in 1902 and publicly, with King Edward VII's permission, in 1908. Martin married Shakespearean actress Helena Faucit (1817-1898) in 1851. Three items.